A Study on Sustainable Laundry Behavior -Comparison between Korean and European Consumers-

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the sustainability of laundry practices among Korean households in comparison with European households. A total of 329 responses were collected through an online survey and analyzed using SPSS. Detergent dosing, use of fabric softener, prewashing, rinsing, washing programs, and washing temperatures of Korean households were not optimal for sustainability. Only 11.2% of respondents followed dosage instructions while the majority based on load size. Use of fabric enhancer, prewashing, and rinsing were frequent. Cotton 40°C was the most frequently used program (81.5%) while eco and cold wash programs were among the least (1.5%). In terms of laundry sorting, load size, drying, and ironing, more sustainable actions were reported. Laundry was often sorted by color, machines were commonly filled, and clothes tended to be air-dried and not excessively ironed. Gender was the primary socio-demographic factor denoting sustainable habits, with males being more attentive to instructions and care labels than females. European households, however, were more sustainable in all areas except for frequent ironing, and education level and employment status were significant factors affecting sustainable practices. © 2021 The Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles. All Rights Reserved.