The self-cleaning airplane restroom is here

Boeing has applied to patent for a new airplane restroom that cleans itself. The bathroom that Boeing developed is kept almost free of germs by bathing it in ultraviolet (UV) light for just three seconds.

The UV light is supposed to kill 99.99% of germs. The lights are positioned throughout the lavatory to reach the touch surfaces like the toilet seat, sink and countertop. Once a person exits the lavatory, the sanitising process not only cleans the surfaces, it also helps eliminate odours. The process uses ‘Far UV’ light, which is not associated from UV light that can cause skin cancer.

The new technology is still in the testing phase, but it can potentially be installed in lavatories on existing planes. The restrooms feature a toilet seat that opens and closes automatically to expose all surfaces during the cleaning cycle, as well as a hands-free faucet, soap dispenser, trash can, hand dryer, toilet lid and seat.

Further reading on money.cnn.com

Image by Boeing