A washing machine that uses just one cup of water and a small amount of detergent is expected to go on sale in 2010.

The eco-friendly appliance will save up to 90% of water used by conventional machines and uses 30% less energy. It works by using small nylon beads that pull stains off garments and lock them into the nylon's molecular structure.

Xeros, the company behind the technology, is aiming initially at the commercial washing market. However chief executive, Bill Westwater, hopes to eventually license the technology to domestic machine makers.