Ultrafine Bubbles: Revolutionizing Household Water Systems

Japan's ultrafine bubble technology is attracting interest from around the world. These bubbles are so tiny they're invisible to the naked eye (less than 1 μm in diameter) and have exceptional cleaning power because of their ability to slip into the smallest crevices. In Japan, this technology has been rapidly adopted across various industrial fields, and its incorporation into household showers, washing machines, and hot water systems means that it can now be used in the home water systems. This article will delve into how ultrafine bubbles are changing the way we live.

What are Ultrafine Bubbles?

Japan pioneered the cutting-edge technology known as fine bubbles, which are significantly smaller than everyday bubbles. Fine bubbles are divided into two categories: microbubbles, which are bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm (0.001 mm) to less than 100 μm, and ultrafine bubbles, which are smaller, with diameters of less than 1 μm.

First discovered and measured in Japan, ultrafine bubbles are being applied and put into practical use in a wide range of industries, including infrastructure, industrial, medical, and the agricultural, forestry, and fishery food sectors, utilizing their unique behavior and technology. In particular, its cleaning ability to remove dirt from tiny crevices is being used in public restroom cleaning, which has not only shown great cleaning ability, but also shown to significantly reduce cleaning time, water consumption and the amount of cleaning agent needed. It is also used for purposes such as stimulating the germination of agricultural products through bioactive effects.

The Allure of Ultrafine Bubbles in Home Water Systems

In Japan, the introduction of ultrafine bubbles into everyday devices and systems, such as bathrooms, hot water systems, and washing machines, has sparked excitement for their use in the home.
A microbubble bath released in 2020 by a Japanese manufacturer not only makes the water milky with microbubbles but also enriches it with ultrafine bubbles that penetrate deeper into the pores for a luxurious bathing experience. This increases the skin's ability to retain moisture, helping to maintain the skin's hydration after bathing, when it normally dries out quickly. In 2022, an ultrafine bubble hot water system was introduced, focusing on the dirt removal capability of ultrafine bubbles. It not only removes dirt from the body, but also makes it easier to maintain water-related areas, such as sinks and kitchens, because they are less prone to dirt buildup. This means the end user can reduce the hassle of daily cleaning, such as scrubbing off limescale and cleaning drains.

In recent years, the growing beauty consciousness in Japan has led to a demand for specialized showerheads, which has also led to the creation of multifunctional showerheads equipped with ultrafine bubbles. These special showerheads release millions of ultrafine bubbles per milliliter, providing a gentle touch that deep cleanses pores and washes away excess oil and makeup. The convenience of incorporating skin care into a simple shower routine has been widely praised.

Washing machines equipped with ultrafine bubble technology, were introduced in 2017, and enhance cleaning power during regular wash cycles by instantly mixing ultrafine bubbles to the surface acting agents (detergents). This allows the ultrafine bubbles to penetrate deep into the fibers even in cold water, helping to prevent yellowing. It also ensures that detergents are thoroughly rinsed off, allowing fabric softeners to penetrate more effectively, resulting in softer clothes after the wash.

Ultrafine bubbles are revolutionizing home water systems, enhancing comfort and convenience in daily life. In recent years, the technology has also been adopted in hotel shower facilities, further broadening its recognition. On your next visit to Japan, you might just experience the wonders of ultrafine bubbles firsthand.