Balancing Hygiene and Sustainability in Domestic Laundry

Balancing Hygiene and Sustainability in Domestic Laundry

In the world of domestic laundry, there is an ongoing challenge: balancing hygiene and sustainability. While people want their clothes to be fresh and germ-free, the push for more eco-friendly washing habits means lowering temperatures and reducing the use of aggressive cleaning agents. Laundry additives, such as hygienic rinsers, are emerging as a way to bridge this gap, ensuring cleanliness without compromising sustainability.

The Shift to Lower Temperatures

One of the key aspects of this shift is the growing preference for washing at lower temperatures, particularly 30ºC instead of the traditional 40ºC. This change has significant environmental benefits, including reduced energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions—washing at 30ºC instead of 40ºC can cut emissions by 25%. Additionally, it helps preserve fabrics by reducing colour fading and microfiber shedding, ultimately extending the lifespan of clothing.

The Hygiene Challenge

However, while this trend is beneficial for the planet, it also comes with a challenge: lower temperatures are less effective at killing bacteria. The shift from powder to liquid detergents, driven by convenience and sustainability concerns, further contributes to this issue. Without strong oxidizers and percarbonates, microbial counts after washing remain relatively high, which can lead to unpleasant odors and even potential health risks. Studies have shown that household linens and clothing can play a significant role in the transmission of infections, making hygiene a critical factor in laundry care.

The Role of Hygienic Rinsers

This is where hygienic rinsers come into play. By using a hygienic rinser alongside liquid detergent, consumers can ensure that their laundry remains germ-free even at lower temperatures. This solution provides a "sweet spot" where sustainability and hygiene can coexist, allowing people to enjoy the environmental benefits of energy-efficient washing without compromising on cleanliness.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Laundry Care

As consumer awareness of energy costs and environmental impact continues to grow washing at 30ºC or lower is expected to become the dominant practice, with more than half of laundry cycles using this temperature by 2027. To make this transition truly effective, products that enhance hygiene without increasing environmental impact will play a crucial role in the future of laundry care.

Partner with THOR for Sustainable Solutions

Acticide disinfectant actives, our formulation expertise, and our registered formulations can help you access this growing market in the years to come! For more information, please reach out to your trusted sales contact from THOR.