LAY’S rolled out a miniature washing machine for greasy fingertips

In Japan, the most popular washing machine brands are (in descending order) Hitachi, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba, and....Lay's? Well, maybe not Lay’s, but the potato chip maker did recently introduce in Japan a limited-edition miniature washing machine that launders fingertips made greasy after handling the contents of a bag or bowl of Lay’s crunchy deep-fried spud slices. The frontloader (awash in Lay's distinctive yellow brand-color) stands about six inches tall. To operate the USB-powered unit, you just stick your fingers in through the open door whereupon sensors detect the inserted digits and hose them off with a degreasing spray of isopropyl alcohol. Lay's produced just five copies of this novelty gadget and distributed them via lottery.