Researchers at Ghent University's Bioengineering faculty want to map out the phenomenon of "permastink". This is the phenomenon when clothes continue to smell, even after they have been washed. To this end, the university is looking for 100 volunteers to wear white T-shirts for 30 weeks.
Ghent University to investigate "permastink": volunteers to wear the same T-shirts for 30 weeks
Colin Clapson
Published:
Ghent University is looking for 100 volunteers to test the smell of clothes. The researchers want to investigate the phenomenon of odour formation. Some synthetics start to smell quickly. Other cloths keep smelling musty after a wash.
"Everything is prepared for the volunteers" responds researcher Dr Chris Callewaert.
"The volunteers have to wear white T-shirts for about 30 weeks and are given deodorants, shower gels and washing powders to take home. They have to wear and wash the shirts as they would normally. After five weeks, they have to bring in their T-shirts. We then cut them up and examine them using different techniques. We look at which odour molecules are on the fabric and which bacteria are involved. That way we can look for solutions."
The researchers want to know what specific substances can be added to garments and washing machines to tackle bacteria and odour molecules. They are also developing "probiotic clothing" that prevents malodorous bacteria from settling on clothing. The ultimate goal is to break the cycle of recurrent unpleasant clothing odours.
Are you interested in receiving more information or eager to register? Go to the UGent website or send an e-mail to permastink@UGent.be.