Wash Cycle Extends Clothes' Lifespan and Minimizes Dye Transfer and Pollution According to Scientists

The effects of washing clothes on their lifespan and the environment have been the subject of a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal "Dyes and Pigments". The research, partly funded by Procter & Gamble, was led by Dr. Lucy Cotton and co-authored by Neil Lant, a Procter & Gamble research fellow.

The study tested various retail T-shirts made of cotton, polyester, or blends, aiming to understand the impact of washing methods on the longevity of clothes and the environment. The findings support the idea that how you wash your clothes significantly impacts their lifespan and the environment.

Dr. Cotton stated that using shorter, cooler washes can make clothes last longer and keep them out of landfill. She further added that these practices can also reduce microfibre pollution in the sea. The study found that washing clothes for 30 minutes at 25°C can keep colors brighter, reduce dye transfer by up to 74%, and decrease microfibre pollution by more than half compared to a standard 85-minute, 40°C wash.

However, the study also revealed that clothes continue to shed microfibres into waterways for their entire lifespan. Significant numbers of microfibres are still being released during the 8th and 16th wash. An analysis of seafloor sediment in Europe found that nearly 80% of microfibres were cellulosic, not plastic, emphasizing the need for sustainable washing practices.

The study's findings challenge the disposable nature of fast fashion and highlight the importance of choosing a cold, quick wash cycle. Advances in detergent technology, including sustainable ingredients like enzymes, are allowing consumers to get excellent cleaning results in colder and quicker washes.

For instance, the company Siemens, as reflected in their iQ700 washing machine which features speedPack XL functions for faster washing and high energy efficiency, has been at the forefront of promoting such practices. Washing at 20°C instead of 40°C saves about two-thirds of the energy per load, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

The journal where the study was published is "Dyes and Pigments". The study was part of a long-term strategy by Procter & Gamble to promote cold-water detergents, which they have been pushing since 2005. The study's findings suggest that this approach can help clothes last longer and reduce microfibre pollution in the sea.

In conclusion, adopting sustainable washing practices can have a profound impact on the longevity of your clothes and the health of our environment. By choosing shorter, cooler wash cycles, we can make a difference in extending the life of our clothes, reducing microfibre pollution, and promoting a more sustainable fashion industry.