pura-case by carlo ratti uses ozone to purify your clothes from virus and bacteria

the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in ways we never imaged. our new normal sees us washing our hands constantly, cleaning everything obsessively and even being confined to our homes, learning through screens and becoming great chefs. but as time progresses and governments ease restrictions, designers around the world are coming up with new ideas to help us step into this new normality.

images courtesy of carlo ratti associati

designed by carlo ratti associati for tech startup scribit, pura-case is a battery-powered wardrobe purifier that uses ozone to help remove most micro-organisms, bacteria, and viruses from clothes. the portable wardrobe purifier allows users to hang up to four pieces inside the case where an air purification system cleans and deodorizes the fabrics. although the project is currently developed as a prototype, the pura-case will be soon launched on kickstarter for those who are interested.

we know that viruses and bacteria can survive on clothes for long periods of time, posing a greater threat to those who are in constant contact with strangers. pura-case uses ozone — a naturally-occurring triatomic form of oxygen (O3) commonly utilized in the health and textile industry to sanitize fashion items, objects and spaces — to stylize clothes while reducing the need for unnecessary washing and consumption of water. employed together with public health guidelines of the WHO, pura-case can contribute to a more hygienic environment in the house.

‘as the entire world adjusts to a new normal in terms of health and hygiene, pura-case aims to promote top sanitation standards in the key interface between us and the environment – clothes,’ says architect carlo ratti, director of the MIT senseable city lab, who led the pura-case design team. ‘pura-case is an alternative to large-sized devices currently being used in hospitals. it can play a vital role in the post-pandemic world next year as we regain our old social life.’

the pura-case can be installed in any domestic setting and can do a purification cycle in about one hour. using only a small amount of power, an imperceptible discharge will activate the ozone to penetrate the fabric and purify it while at the same time removing its odor. once the cleaning cycle is completed, the ozone is reduced to oxygen through a natural decay process, ensuring the case is safe to open. the process can be controlled via the LED-lit top panel or remotely via a mobile app.