CUE Air Washer

Most air purifiers capture dust and pollutants in a filter that must be replaced periodically, adding cost and waste and, the source notes, potentially harbouring bacteria. CUE Air Washer takes a different route. The maker describes it as the world's first pumpless air washer, physically washing impurities from the air rather than trapping them, with no filter replacement costs. According to the source, the design received a 2026 iF Design Award.

RainTec®: fluid dynamics instead of pumps

Conventional air washers rely on nozzles and pumps, which the maker identifies as common failure points. CUE's RainTec® system uses a rotating upper section to create a vacuum that draws water up quietly, forming what the maker calls a "water net" that packs the effect of hundreds of nozzles into a compact space. Fine atomisation and high-pressure water flow work together to capture harmful gases and particles, while avoiding the wear and clogging associated with electrical parts, according to the maker.

• Water is spun at high speed and atomised into a continuous 360-degree liquid filtration layer, the "Water Shield".
• As room air passes through, fine dust, unwanted gases and odours are scrubbed out in a "Deep Air Wash".
• Cleaned air is returned to the living space.

The maker cites testing by Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL) showing removal of 99.5% of acetic acid, 99.0% of ammonia and 90% of formaldehyde, plus a 93.5% reduction in particulate matter (PM). It also says the physical washing removes allergen particles such as pollen and dust mite droppings.

Humidification and hygiene

The unit doubles as a humidifier. The maker states its water droplets measure 0.2 nanometres, reducing the risk of bacteria being carried into the air, and a built-in UV-C sterilisation module continuously disinfects the circulating water to keep the tank clean. Maintenance, per the maker, is a matter of emptying the tank, rinsing it under running water and refilling; there are no filters to replace, and eliminating pumps and gears is said to improve durability.

A transparent tank shows the water net at work, which the source frames as a calming visual effect. The maker also describes quiet operation suitable for a bedside, a compact footprint, and, depending on the product specification, an optional soft lamp-like light.