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. 2020 Oct 31;8(11):1709. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8111709

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Schematic overview of different processes (wearing, storing, washing, drying, re-wearing) during two wear-wash-dry cycles affecting metabolites and microorganisms from different sources attaching to clothing. During the wearing (1), the clothing is in contact with the skin where a transfer of e.g., microorganisms and sebum occurs (indicated in red). When the clothing is stored before washing (2), a cross-over of these microorganisms and metabolites between clothing from another individual (indicated in blue) can take place. The washing process (3) reduces the amount of microorganisms and metabolites on the clothing, with an efficiency dependent on temperature, wash time and type of detergent. Furthermore, bacteria and metabolites present in the washing machine and in the wash water as well as fragrances and enzymes and other ingredients from the detergent/softener attach to the clothing. The effect of the drying process (4) is dependent on humidity, temperature and drying time, although relatively unstudied. In subsequent wear cycles (5) these processes are repeated and microorganisms and malodour volatiles accumulate to a situation of excessive malodour build-up or permastink.