Assessing the Impact of Reduced Water Levels, Detergent Type and Laundering Platform on Basic Clothing Attributes

摘要

The purpose of the research study was to determine the impact of reduced the water level in clothes washers as mandated by the Department of Energy by varying the detergent type and laundry platform on basic clothing attributes. The industry challenge is to maintain the level of performance of clean clothes with a reduction in energy and water. The experimental methodology included 4 load types (jeans, khakis, golf shirts and mixed); 2 washer platforms (front [2 programs] and top load washers) and 3 detergents (AATCC and 2 brands). All loads were washed/dried 30 times and evaluated after 1, 5, 10 and 30 cycles. A total of 1,080 cycles were completed. Minitab statistical analysis of the data examined the interactions between laundry platform, detergent type, and fiber content of garments for each attribute.