Specialists from the University of Leeds, in collaboration with Procter & Gamble, studied how different washing machine settings affect the condition of fabrics. The researchers paid particular attention to color loss, dye transfer from one item to another, and the release of microfibers. For the experiment, T-shirts of various colors and materials were used. Before the tests, the washing machines were run empty to remove any microfibers that may have remained from previous washes. The scientists then collected water after a complete cycle, evaporated it, dried the remaining material, and weighed the amount of released fibers. Additionally, the specialists checked how well the fabrics retained dye and how actively it transferred to other materials. For this purpose, special samples of light fabric were washed along with the clothing, and their color was measured before and after washing. ## What the Experiment Showed The researchers compared two modes. The first involved washing at a temperature of 40 °C for 85 minutes, while the second was a cold quick wash lasting 30 minutes. The results were significant: during the longer wash at 40 °C, the clothing lost considerably more color. With repeated cycles of this kind, items became faded more quickly. Moreover, during hotter and longer washes, dye transferred more actively from dark fabrics to light ones. This process may be one of the reasons why white items gradually acquire a grayish tint over time, while colored prints lose their original brightness. The difference was particularly noticeable on white fabrics: after the 85-minute cycle at 40 °C, dye transfer was significantly higher than after the 30-minute cold wash. ## Fabric Loses Microfibers with Every Wash A similar pattern was found when studying microfibers. The higher the water temperature and the longer the wash lasted, the more fibers detached from the fabric. This effect was observed in both cotton T-shirts and items made from a cotton-polyester blend. The scientists also established that the loss of microfibers does not stop after the first few washes. A significant amount was found in the water even after the eighth and sixteenth cycles. This means that microfibers continue to form and detach from the material throughout the entire lifespan of the clothing. The gradual loss of fibers, in turn, contributes to the wear of the fabric. ## How to Wash Clothes Better According to the study's findings, if items do not require intensive washing, it is preferable to choose a shorter cycle and lower water temperature. This mode helps to preserve the original color of clothing for longer, reduces dye transfer between items, and decreases microfiber loss. An additional benefit is energy savings. Heating water is one of the most energy-consuming parts of machine washing, so lowering the temperature can reduce energy consumption. Thus, the habit of washing everyday clothes for a long time at high temperatures is not always justified. For items without heavy soiling, a short cold wash may be a gentler option — helping favorite T-shirts, shirts, and other clothing maintain their color and appearance for longer.
