How fun would it be to have a laundry gun? Just point it at your dirty clothes and zap... away goes the grime. Unfortunately, we're not quite there yet, but it is moving from the stuff of science-fiction towards reality.

Researchers working with NASA are developing what's being called a "laundry gun," a handheld device that uses cold plasma to sanitize fabrics without water or traditional detergents. The technology is being designed primarily for astronauts, who can't exactly toss a load of laundry into a washing machine while traveling through space. 

Before you get too excited, this isn't a stain-removing ray gun. The device is designed to kill bacteria on clothing, bedding, spacesuits, and other fabrics, but it won't remove coffee stains, grass stains, or other visible messes. Instead, it uses a mix of helium, air, and water vapor to create plasma that disinfects materials without the need for a wash cycle. 

The idea could become increasingly important as NASA plans longer missions to the Moon and Mars, where water is limited and replacing clothing isn't as simple as sending up a fresh supply. While a consumer version may still be a long way off, it's not hard to imagine a future where keeping clothes fresh is as easy as pulling a trigger instead of running a load of laundry.