# Self-Cleaning Airplane Bathrooms The Boeing Clean Lavatory Uses UV Light to Kill Germs By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-03-08 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airplane-bathroom References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/boeing-lavatory-self-cleaning/42161/) & [boeing.mediaroom](http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2016-03-03-Boeing-Develops-Self-Cleaning-Lavatory) Although [airplane bathrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevated-aircraft-interior) are loathed by many travelers for being cramped quarters teeming with germs, the new [Boeing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airchair-wheelchair) Clean Lavatory looks to change this perception. Outfitted with [ultraviolet lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/umma-diamond-sonic-toothbrush), the Boeing Clean Lavatory would clean 99.99% of germs in the small space in just three seconds. The prototype airplane bathroom features a number of hands-free features to ensure that passengers only have to touch what's necessary during their time in the lavatory. A vacuum vent on the floor would suck out any remaining particles. The incorporation of the UV lighting and other features enables the bathroom to be one of the cleanest anywhere. The Boeing Clean Lavatory is currently in the running for the Crystal Cabin Award at the Hamburg Aircraft Interiors Expo. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/travel) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Self-cleaning Airplane Bathrooms:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop advanced self-cleaning technology using UV light to eliminate germs in other public spaces like hospitals and restaurants. - **Hands-free Bathroom Fixtures:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Create touchless bathroom fixtures for commercial buildings and public restrooms to reduce the spread of germs and improve hygiene. - **Ultraviolet Disinfection Technology:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Apply UV light disinfection technology to other sectors, such as hotels, cruise ships, and public transportation, for enhanced cleanliness and safety. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Aviation:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Introduce self-cleaning features across aircraft interiors to improve hygiene and address traveler concerns. - **Hospitality:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Implement UV light disinfection systems in hotel restrooms and guest rooms to provide guests with a cleaner and safer experience. - **Healthcare:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Utilize UV light technology for disinfecting hospital rooms and medical equipment to prevent healthcare-associated infections. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Self-Sterilizing Travel Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plover-travel-toothbrush.md) - [Sanitizing Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bona-bv351aa.md) - [Convenient Home Sanitation Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-sanitation-device.md) - [Portable Toothbrush sanitizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clea-toothbrush-sanitizer.md) - [Portable UVC Air Disinfectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nuvo.md) - [Highly Effective Phone Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleanstation.md) - [Self-Cleaning Touchscreen Dashboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfcleaning-system.md) - [Bacteria-Killing Water Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uvc-selfcleaning-water-bottle.md) - [Germ-Killing Clothing Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clothing-care-appliance.md)