Research: Delicate Wash in Washing Machines More Harmful to Environment

A study found that washing clothes in a delicate wash cycle releases more plastic microfibers compared to other kinds of wash cycles. After comparing different wash cycles, researchers from the Newcastle University in the United Kingdom found that the amount of water, instead of the washing machine’s spinning action, caused microfibers to be released from clothes. Usually, the spinning action is the main factor behind the release of these microfibers. However, the delicate wash cycle in washing machines uses higher water volume compared to other settings. The huge amount of water causes clothes to move around more and shed greater amounts of microfibers. To measure the plastic microfibers released from clothes, the researchers washed polyester shirts while examining different variables such as temperature, time, amount of water, and spin setting. They also used a digital imaging camera called DigiEye to determine the exact amount of microfibers released. The researchers found that washing clothes in a delicate setting released 800,000 more particles than the standard setting did. Clothes with nylon, polyester, and acrylic materials also shed millions of plastic microfibers when washed. These minuscule microfibers drain out of washing machines easily, flow into drainages, and end up in the oceans, causing them to be ingested by marine animals or attract other pollutants. Thus, the researchers recommend that people use the correct cycle setting for their laundry and avoid using high water volume when washing clothes to help lessen the plastic particles released in the environment. The researchers also hope that the findings of their study can encourage manufacturing industries to come up with more environment-friendly designs for washing machines.