nuvomi

What it does

A compact device that refreshes lightly worn T-shirts and shirts without water or detergent, helping avoid unnecessary washing, extend clothing life, and reduce the environmental impact of garment care. Efficient and eco-friendly.

Your inspiration

This product originated from my master thesis focused on extending the lifespan of clothing. The inspiration comes from people’s daily behavior: clothes that aren’t truly dirty often end up on a chair or another temporary storage spot. Nuvomi offers an alternative to that chair by refreshing them. It fits within existing habits and provides an easy, low-threshold way to restore freshness without washing, so clothes wear out less quickly and people become more mindful of their laundry habits. Extensive research was also conducted into people’s needs and behaviors to ensure the solution addresses real challenges.

How it works

Nuvomi refreshes garments by combining warm air, essential oils, and UV-C light. First, the air is gently heated and infused with a small amount of essential oil. This warm, fragrant air circulates through the clothing to neutralize odors, while the essential oils provide a natural antibacterial effect. There are four settings available: cotton, delicate, fast (5 minutes), and intensive. In the intensive mode, after the scent-refreshing phase, the device activates UV-C light, which effectively eliminates additional bacteria on the fabric’s surface. This combination of fragrance, warmth, and UV-C light leaves your clothes feeling and smelling fresh, without the need for water or detergent. The entire cycle lasts about 15 minutes. Warm air is delivered in 3-minute intervals, allowing the garment to rest between cycles to avoid overheating. UV-C light is only used in the intensive mode and for no longer than one minute, ensuring safe and effective disinfection.

Design process

The design process began with extensive research into people’s habits and challenges related to clothing care, focusing on why many garments are washed after only brief use. Research showed that worn but not visibly dirty clothes often end up folded on chairs or thrown in the laundry basket. This insight inspired a solution that fits seamlessly into daily routines while actively refreshing clothes. First, user needs and preferences were gathered through surveys and interviews, highlighting the importance of simplicity, speed, and environmental impact. Next, various technical options were explored, such as steaming, ozone, and UV treatment. Warm air combined with essential oils was chosen for its gentle yet effective odor removal, while UV-C light added a layer of antibacterial protection. Prototypes were developed to test airflow, temperature control, and scent diffusion. Iterative testing ensured the warm air would refresh without damaging fabrics, and essential oil amounts were optimized for a pleasant, natural fragrance. Safety measures were integrated to control UV-C exposure and prevent overheating by applying warm air in timed intervals. After several refinements, the final design features a compact device, balancing effectiveness with ease of use.

How it is different

nuvomi stands out by offering a simple, effective, and eco-friendly way to refresh lightly worn clothing without washing. Unlike traditional freshening methods that rely on water, detergents, or heavy chemicals, this device uses a unique combination of warm air, essential oils, and UV-C light to neutralize odors and eliminate bacteria gently. This approach not only preserves fabric quality and extends garment lifespan but also fits seamlessly into everyday routines with its easy-to-use settings and short 15-minute cycle. The inclusion of essential oils adds a natural antibacterial and fragrant touch, setting it apart from competitors that rely solely on mechanical or chemical processes. What truly makes it unique is its intuitive design: the device resembles a person wearing clothes, so placing your garment over it feels natural and straightforward, encouraging regular use. This makes nuvomi truly distinctive in the market.

Future plans

The future plan is to develop a blend of fragrances that remind users of freshly washed clothes by mixing antibacterial essential oils, making the refreshing effect more recognizable and pleasant. Currently, multiple oils need to be combined to achieve this result, so creating a ready-to-use formula will improve user experience. Additionally, different garment holders (head pieces) will be designed to accommodate a wider variety of clothing types, ensuring that more garments can be effectively refreshed. These improvements aim to enhance both functionality and user appeal.

Awards