If you have wondered what was really making your clothes smell before you threw them into the wash, and even after they were supposedly cleaned, you are not alone. Scientists from Northrumbia University recently published a study in the Journal of Chromatography that revealed the molecules that make your socks stink. Beyond the dirt and sweat, believe it or not there are six volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that simply can’t be washed out in traditional eco-friendly cycles (68 degrees Fahrenheit). In other words, the stinky VOCs survive the wash.
There is no doubt that more people are paying more attention to the environmental footprint of their day-to-day activities. Washing clothes without hot water or using detergents that are less environmental friendly have become more viewed as ways to be more friendly to the environment. Scientists argue that because of this increasing awareness of the ecological impacts of washing clothes, it’s “important to understand why dirty clothes smell, in order to find the best way to clean them.” The VOCs “could be used to test the effectiveness of washing at different temperatures.”
As part of the study, six men and two women were given a pair of socks. The volunteers were then asked to wash their feet with tap water, dry them and them put on the socks for 10 hours in a pre-determined pair of shoes. The socks were then stored in separate bags over night. In addition, nine men were asked to wear a t-shirt for two-three hours while participating in a 5v5 soccer tournament. Following the games, the t-shirts were bagged and refrigerated.
A few researchers were given the unfortunate assignment of grading the socks and t-shirts on the odor using a scale of one to 10 with 10 being the smelliest. The researchers took samples from the toe, ball and heel of the sock and from the under-arm portion of the t-shirt.
“After sampling, the researchers washed the t-shirts and socks in a Tergotometer - a lab machine made up of several miniature washing machines - at 20˚C, using non-perfumed detergent. They tested samples for VOCs after washing while they were still wet, and after drying.”
To test the samples, scientists used a method called static headspace - multi-capillary column - gas chromatography - ion mobility spectrometry (SHS-MCC-GC-IMS). From the samples, the team identified six main VOCs contributing to the smell:
Butyric acid (strong, rancid butter-like odor),
Dimethyl disulfide (unpleasant, onion-like odor),
Dimethyl trisulfide (powerful odor),
2-heptanone (banana-like fruity odor),
2-nonanone (fruity, floral, fatty, herbaceous odor) and
2-octanone (apple-like odor).
The scientists concluded that the VOCs persist pre- and even post-wash at low temperatures, using a non-perfumed granular laundry detergent. “While further studies are required to investigate the influence of the washing temperature on the laundry process it is evident that the presence and identification of key VOCs can provide a guide to its effectiveness. The presence of butyric acid, dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide provide a powerful indicator of malodour in the laundry process.”
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ALLOW YOUR CLOTHES TO OFF-GAS FOR 12 HOURS. Like other volatile organic compounds, you can also get rid of formaldehyde from your clothes by leaving them in the fresh air. Formaldehyde is also a VOC that evaporates upon long exposure to air, doing so could help remove the chemicals in your clothes.
Beyond the dirt and sweat, believe it or not there are six volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that simply can't be washed out in traditional eco-friendly cycles (68 degrees Fahrenheit). In other words, the stinky VOCs survive the wash.
If you already have new clothes bearing the telltale smell, Bond advises: “Place the clothes in the washing machine with enough water to cover. Sprinkle one small-sized box of baking soda (or 1 cup) into the washing machine. Soak the clothes overnight.
You can get rid of VOCs and let some fresh air into your home by opening a window, using the exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathroom, or having a mechanical ventilator installed. Heat or energy recovery ventilators remove stale indoor air and pull the same amount of fresh air into your home.
For VOC removal, the baking soda and water filters were tested, both individually and together. From the graph, it can be seen that both baking soda and water are effective in removing VOCs on their own, as there was a decrease in VOC levels from the original (without filter).
Most paints and other products will continue to release harmful vapors for several days after application. For example, while many latex paints appear to be dry after several hours, ventilation should be continued for no less than 48 hours, and preferably 72 hours, beyond that time.
Most household consumer products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polluting the air around us, these include: air fresheners, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, disinfectants, and deodorants [4].
Believe it or not, some researchers have noted that certain species of potted plants are effective for VOC removal. Greenery such as bromeliad, jade plant and dracaena have been shown in controlled studies to absorb certain chemicals released into the air, which prevents them from causing lung distress.
Studies have shown that fabric softeners like Downy or Bounce contain harmful VOCs (volatile organic chemicals), animal-based fats, and fragrances. Unfortunately, these additives have caused adverse effects in lab mice.
For heavy odors, fill the washer with warm water and add one cup of non-sudsing household ammonia and allow the clothes to soak for several hours. Drain the washer and wash as usual.
You might even take it one step further by cooking up your own stovetop potpourri recipe or simmering white vinegar in a pot for at least half-an-hour for a really effective way to temper stale odors. Ahhh, now that's the smell of sweet VOC-free success.
Vinegar: A mixture of acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and water (H20) that gives off VOCs. Volatile Organic Compounds: Chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and are emitted by substances like cleaners, paint thinner, and paints.
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If you have wondered what was really making your clothes smell before you threw them into the wash, and even after they were supposedly cleaned, you are not alone. Scientists from Northrumbia University recently published a study in the Journal of Chromatography that revealed the molecules that make your socks stink. Beyond the dirt and sweat, believe it or not there are six volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that simply can’t be washed out in traditional eco-friendly cycles (68 degrees Fahrenheit). In other words, the stinky VOCs survive the wash.
