Cleaning the house may soon become much easier. A laboratory at the Ariel University Center in Samaria has developed a coating for a wide range of items, primarily those intended for use in harsh outdoor conditions, that protects the items from natural elements.

The material was developed in the lab of Professor Edward Bormashenko. Using nanotechnology, Bormashenko's team created a hydrophobic material that repels water, dirt, dust and oil. Once applied, the material keeps even the most rough and sensitive surfaces clean for long periods of time.

The material could, for example, be used to keep car surfaces free of dust, or tents dry during rainstorms.

"The fact that the production cost of the material is relatively low compared to similar materials means that the sky is the limit," Bormashenko said.