International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
2013-2015
Microbial survival and regrowth in laundry leads to an increase in malodor. The condition is worsened due to increasing trends of consumers using lower wash temperatures and milder detergents now (Munk, 2001). In addition to changes in laundering practices, the increased use of different material type also has an effect on odor. Microfibers, polyester and cotton, common materials used in fabrics, support the survival of microorganisms for up to several months (Neely, 2000), allowing odor-causing organisms to proliferate.
Antimicrobial agents have been shown to decrease microbial survival in laundry, however many common antimicrobials have limitations. Bleach, for example, is not formulated for use with liquid or color powder detergents (Munk, 2001). Developing antimicrobials that are effective against a variety of odor causing microbes on different types of fabric would help to mitigate this common problem. Little work has been done on identifying organisms that are predominant causes of laundry malodor. Identification and quantification of these species are important for the further development of effective interventions.
The purpose of this study is to characterize and quantify the dominant microbial species persisting in a small subset of washed laundry. Laundry collection will be combined with controlled laboratory studies in order to identify microbial communities associated with malodor in malodorous towels/clothes. Fungal and bacterial isolates from laundry will be used in controlled laboratory studies to quantitatively assess their odor contribution. In addition, the effectiveness of multiple antimicrobials against the growth and odor production of laundry isolates will be assessed.
1. Munk S, Johansen C, Stahnke L, Adler-Nissen J. Microbial survival and odor in laundry. Journal of Surfactants and Detergents. 2001 OCT;4(4):385-94.
Principal Investigator
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Kelly Reynolds MSPH, PhDAssociate Professor and Program Director, Environmental and Occupational Health |
Water Network Institute of the Environment Water Sustainability Program PubMed |