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Don't wash Winston
When Liam's favorite teddy bear, Winston, gets muddy and needs to be washed, he plots to save his friend from the terrible fate of the big, loud, scary washing machine.
Book
Release of polyester and cotton fibers from textiles in machine washings
Microplastics are widely spread in the environment, which along with still increasing production have aroused concern of their impacts on environmental health. The objective of this study is to quantify the number and mass of two most common textile fibers discharged from sequential machine washings to sewers. The number and mass of microfibers released from polyester and cotton textiles in the first wash varied in the range 2.1 × 10
5
to 1.3 × 10
7
and 0.12 to 0.33%
w
/
w
, respectively. Amounts of released microfibers showed a decreasing trend in sequential washes. The annual emission of polyester and cotton microfibers from household washing machines was estimated to be 154,000 (1.0 × 10
14
) and 411,000 kg (4.9 × 10
14
) in Finland (population 5.5 × 10
6
). Due to the high emission values and sorption capacities, the polyester and cotton microfibers may play an important role in the transport and fate of chemical pollutants in the aquatic environment.
Journal Article
Quantification of different microplastic fibres discharged from textiles in machine wash and tumble drying
Microplastic fibres released in synthetic cloth washing have been shown to be a source of microplastics into the environment. The annual emission of polyester fibres from household washing machines has earlier been estimated to be 150,000 kg in a country with a population of 5.5 × 10
6
(Finland). The objectives of this study were (1) to quantify the emissions of synthetic textile fibres discharged from five sequential machine washes (fibre number and length) and tumble dryings (fibre mass) and (2) to determine the collection efficiency of two commercial fibre traps. The synthetic fabrics were five types of polyester textiles, one polyamide and one polyacryl. The number of fibres released from the test fabrics in the first wash varied in the range from 1.0 × 10
5
to 6.3 × 10
6
kg
−1
. The fibre lengths showed that the fleece fabrics released, on average, longer fibres than the technical sports t-shirts. The mass of fibres ranged from 10 to 1700 mg/kg w/w in the first drying. Fibre emissions showed a decreasing trend both in sequential washes and dryings. The ratio of the fibre emissions in machine wash to tumble drying varied between the fabrics: the ratio was larger than one to polyester and polyamide technical t-shirts whereas it was much lower to the other tested textiles. GuppyFriend washing bag and Cora Ball trapped 39% and 10% of the polyester fibres discharged in washings, respectively.
Journal Article
A Comprehensive View of Microbial Communities in the Laundering Cycle Suggests a Preventive Effect of Soil Bacteria on Malodour Formation
Microorganisms are an important factor in the wash-and-use cycle of textiles since they can cause unwanted aesthetic effects, such as malodour formation, and even pose health risks. In this regard, a comprehensive view of the microbial communities in washing machines and consideration of the microbial contamination of used textiles is needed to understand the formation of malodour and evaluate the infection risk related to laundering. So far, neither the compositions of washing machine biofilms leading to the formation of or protection against malodour have been investigated intensively, nor have microbial communities on used towels been analysed after normal use. Our results link the qualitative and quantitative analysis of microbial communities in washing machines and on used towels with the occurrence of malodour and thus not only allow for a better risk evaluation but also suggest bacterial colonizers of washing machines that might prevent malodour formation. It was shown that soil bacteria such as Rhizobium, Agrobacterium, Bosea, and Microbacterium in particular are found in non-odourous machines, and that Rhizobium species are able to prevent malodour formation in an in vitro model.
Journal Article
User behavior and energy-saving potential of electric washing machines
With the intensification of the global energy crisis and the increase in environmental awareness, energy-saving problems related to household appliances have garnered widespread attention. Here, the usage patterns of electric washing machine users and their energy-saving potential was mainly explored, so as to improve the current situation that the influencing factors of existing research behaviors were not deep enough and the energy saving potential was not specific enough. A questionnaire survey was used to gather information on 20,840 users, including individual characteristics, energy-saving awareness, and usage behavior. The study analyzed the differences in users’ energy-saving awareness and behavior through a series of analysis methods, and evaluated the energy-saving and water-saving potential of electric washing machines. The results showed that user behavior such as washing mode, washing temperature, and the volume ratio of clothes significantly affected on the energy and water consumption of electric washing machines. Individual characteristics of users such as gender, age, educational background, and family income were strongly correlated with their awareness of and decisions made regarding energy conservation. Improving the energy efficiency of electric washing machines and optimizing user purchasing behavior could result in 38,787.54 GWh national energy savings potential, and 6.90 million tons of water-saving potential. This study will help manufacturers and government departments better understand consumers’ usage behavior regarding electric washing machines, which could allow them to modify their market strategies and bolster the promotion and education of energy efficiency labels for electric washing machines. This also could support the nation’s objectives for environmental preservation, water and energy conservation, and the sale of products with lesser energy efficiency.
Journal Article
Unravelling the hidden side of laundry: malodour, microbiome and pathogenome
Background
Recent trends towards lower washing temperatures and a reduction in the use of bleaching agents in laundry undoubtedly benefit our environment. However, these conditions impair microbial removal on clothes, leading to malodour generation and negative impacts on consumer well-being. Clothing undergoes cycles of wearing, washing and drying, with variable exposure to microorganisms and volatilomes originating from the skin, washing machine, water and laundry products. Laundry malodour is therefore a complex problem that reflects its dynamic ecosystem. To date, comprehensive investigations that encompass the evaluation of both microbial community and malodorous volatile organic compounds throughout all stages of the wash-wear-dry cycle are scarce. Furthermore, the microbial and malodour profiles associated with extended humid-drying conditions are poorly defined.
Results
Here we present olfaction-directed chemical and microbiological studies of synthetic T-shirts after wearing, washing and drying. Results show that although washing reduces the occurrence of known malodour volatile organic compounds, membrane-intact bacterial load on clothing is increased. Skin commensals are displaced by washing machine microbiomes, and for the first time, we show that this shift is accompanied by an altered pathogenomic profile, with many genes involved in biofilm build-up. We additionally highlight that humid-drying conditions are associated with characteristic malodours and favour the growth of specific Gram-negative bacteria.
Conclusions
These findings have important implications for the development of next-generation laundry products that enhance consumer well-being, while supporting environmentally friendly laundry practices.
Journal Article
The Influence of Textile Type, Textile Weight, and Detergent Dosage on Microfiber Emissions from Top-Loading Washing Machines
The use of washing machines to wash textiles gradually breaks down synthetic fibers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyester (PES) in diverse clothing materials, a process that is growing in notoriety because it generates microplastics (MPs). In this study, we investigated the emission of microfibers, including both microplastic fibers (MPFs) and natural fibers (MFs), from top-loading washing machines. Our investigation focused on four popular textiles with prevalent weave structures (plain, satin, and twill): (i) PES, (ii) tetron cotton (TC), (iii) chief value cotton (CVC), and (iv) cotton (CO) fabrics. This study also examined the effects of textile weight and detergent dosage on MF emissions. After washing, MFs were collected through filtration, and their concentrations were determined using micro-Fourier Transform Interferometry (μFTIR). The results showed varying concentrations of MFs in the washing effluent depending on the type of textile. Specifically, CVC exhibited the highest emission at 4022 particles/L, followed by TC, PES, and CO at 2844 particles/L, 2382 particles/L, and 2279 particles/L, respectively. The hydrophobic nature of PES makes this type of textile prone to rapid degradation in detergent-rich environments, leading to high MF emissions. Additionally, the mechanical properties of textiles, such as tensile and bending strengths, may play a crucial role in the generation of MFs in washing machines. Textiles made of CO with twill weaves demonstrated superior strength and correlated with lower emissions of MFs. In comparison, textiles made of CVC and satin weave exhibited lower mechanical properties, which could explain their high emissions of MFs. Finally, the MF emissions of textiles composed of PES and TC, which are plain weaved, could be attributed to their intermediate mechanical properties compared with those of CVC and CO.
Journal Article
How washing behaviors influence GHG emissions in textile use phase: a PLS-SEM analysis of household washing behaviors in Shanghai
PurposeThis paper explores what factors influence household textile washing behaviour and how these factors relate to greenhouse gas emissions during the textile use stage.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey related to textile summer washing and care behavior was conducted among households in 16 administrative districts of Shanghai. This study used the modified Consumer Lifestyle Approach framework of the washing and care ecosystem. The research hypotheses were established by selecting related factors from four aspects: household demographic characteristics, economy and consumption characteristics, washing machines and detergents characteristics.FindingsFirst, we have demonstrated how some course factors do not significantly affect greenhouse emissions. None of the demographics, detergent-related activities, economy and consumption constructs significantly affect greenhouse emissions. Second, we have identified that washing machine and related activities has a direct positive effect on GHG emissions. The washing machine is not only the de facto carrier of all washing activities but also the core of washing activities. Washing machine is crucial in reducing greenhouse emissions and adjusting consumer behaviors.Originality/valueThis paper conducts a study related to the washing and care behavior of households in Shanghai. The paper examines the factors influencing household washing behavior and the relationship between these factors and greenhouse gas emissions during the textile use phase.
Journal Article
Environmentally Friendly Approach to the Reduction of Microplastics during Domestic Washing: Prospects for Machine Vision in Microplastics Reduction
The increase in the global population is directly responsible for the acceleration in the production as well as the consumption of textile products. The use of textiles and garment materials is one of the primary reasons for the microfibers generation and it is anticipated to grow increasingly. Textile microfibers have been found in marine sediments and organisms, posing a real threat to the environment as it is invisible pollution caused by the textile industry. To protect against the damaging effects that microplastics can have, the formulation of mitigation strategies is urgently required. Therefore, the primary focus of this review manuscript is on finding an environmentally friendly long-term solution to the problem of microfiber emissions caused by the domestic washing process, as well as gaining an understanding of the various properties of textiles and how they influence this problem. In addition, it discussed the effect that mechanical and chemical finishes have on microfiber emissions and identified research gaps in order to direct future research objectives in the area of chemical finishing processes. In addition to that, it included a variety of preventative and minimizing strategies for reduction. Last but not least, an emphasis was placed on the potential and foreseeable applications of machine vision (i.e., quantification, data storage, and data sharing) to reduce the amount of microfibers emitted by residential washing machines.
Journal Article
Analysis of Customer Comment Data on E-commerce Platforms Based on RPA Robots
This study aims to analyze customer review data on e-commerce platforms using RPA robots, specifically focusing on drum washing machines. The research involves collecting text comment data from JD Mall and implementing data cleaning, Chinese word segmentation, and stop word removal preprocessing. The research employs the ROSTCM6 to construct high-frequency words, line feature words, and a semantic network. In addition, the LOG-CONTROL-BLOCK incorporates feedback control during the trajectory correction process to build a record controller module for audit robot inspection trajectory correction. The RPA feedback correction algorithm achieves adaptive correction of inspection trajectory and error feedback tracking for audit robots. The study identifies three potential keywords and evaluates probabilities associated with positive and negative themes. This analysis aims to deepen the understanding of consumer’s positive emotions and complaints post-purchase. The findings lead to several suggestions for enhancing e-commerce sales strategies for drum washing machines. Through a comprehensive analysis of customer review data, this research contributes insights into consumer sentiments related to drum washing machines on e-commerce platforms. The results provide valuable information for optimizing e-commerce sales strategies, emphasizing the importance of addressing consumer concerns and preferences in the drum-washing machine market.
Journal Article