Abstract:

Laundry processes are treatments inherent in the use phase of textiles. The way they are conducted by consumers, including the type of equipment they use, washing, drying and ironing frequency, the choice of washing temperature, and size of load have a significant impact on the amount of carbon footprint associated with energy and water consumption. Taking this into account, the research purpose was to find out consumer habits and practices regarding laundry processes as an important phase in the life cycle of clothing products that affect the assessment of their environmental impact.

The article deals with the problem regarding the level of carbon dioxide emissions in individual washing processes depending on the composition of clothing and the type and frequency of care treatments. Based on the performed surveys among Polish consumers, it was found that their approach to these processes is rational. Their households are equipped with high energy class washing machines, washing is carried out with moderate frequency, trying to make the washing drum as full as possible, they apply optimal bath temperatures and make little use of clothes dryers. Their attitudes significantly affect water and electricity savings.