The length of the wash cycle and the temperature at which clothes are washed directly affect how fabrics wear over time. While many people default to hot, long washes thinking they’re the most effective way to clean clothes, scientists now say that these cycles can be damaging. Procter & Gamble collaborated with the University of Leeds to conduct a study on this very issue, and the results challenge conventional washing wisdom.
The study, led by design school instructor Lucy Cotton, tested several types of t-shirts from brands like Gildan, Russell, and Hanes. Researchers examined how different wash temperatures and cycle lengths affected the fabrics’ dye retention, microfiber release, and overall integrity. The results were clear: colder, shorter wash cycles are gentler on clothes and help maintain their quality.
Microfiber Release and Fabric Wear
One of the most important findings from the study published in Direct Science, is how washing at higher temperatures and for longer periods causes more microfiber shedding. Microfibers, tiny particles of fabric that break off during washing, contribute to the premature aging of clothes. They also pose an environmental hazard, as they are too small to be filtered out and often end up in water systems, polluting the oceans and rivers.
Researchers found that higher wash temperatures and longer cycles caused the fabrics to shed more microfibers, a process that continued even after multiple washes. In fact, the release of these fibers was still significant after the eighth and 16th wash. The study concluded that by reducing the wash time and temperature, consumers could minimize microfiber pollution while also preventing unnecessary wear on their garments, reports Popular Mechanics.
Dye Retention and Fading
Another significant outcome of the study is its findings on dye retention. Over time, clothes naturally fade due to washing, but the research showed that longer, hotter washes accelerated this process. In particular, the study noted that a 40°C wash for 85 minutes led to considerably more color loss compared to a cold, 30-minute wash. This is especially important for items like t-shirts, which can lose their vibrancy over time due to the repeated impact of washing.
The scientists also measured how much dye transferred from darker fabrics to lighter ones. They found that longer and hotter wash cycles resulted in more dye bleeding onto other clothes, which caused whites to become dingy and colors to dull faster. This shows that not only is fading a problem, but the dye transfer can degrade the overall appearance of garments, making them look older and worn out.
Environmental Benefits of Cold, Short Cycles
The environmental implications of the study are particularly striking. As microfiber pollution continues to be a growing concern, the research shows that shorter, colder washes can play a role in reducing the number of microfibers released into the water system. According to the study, these gentler wash cycles reduce microfiber shedding while also conserving detergent and lowering the energy consumption associated with washing clothes.
By switching to a cold, short cycle, consumers can lessen their carbon footprint and contribute to reducing the environmental impact of laundry. These small adjustments in washing habits can have a big difference, not only for the clothes themselves but for the planet as well.
Procter & Gamble’s involvement in the study is not coincidental. The company has long promoted the benefits of cold-water washing, having introduced its first cold-water detergent in 2005. By funding this research, P&G has reinforced its commitment to encouraging consumers to wash clothes in ways that are better for both fabrics and the environment. The findings of the study support the idea that using a cold-water detergent in a shorter wash cycle can effectively preserve clothes while reducing energy consumption.