Test 2: Sustainability benefits – comparison between washing vs spray on t-shirt over time
Background
How much does washing really affect an item of clothing, compared to refreshing it with a bacteria-based spray? To find out, Wargön Innovation conducted a practical comparative test: two identical t-shirts were used equally – but one was washed, the other was sprayed during a month of daily use.
Why
The lifespan of clothes is often halved by frequent washing. At the same time, washing itself accounts for a large part of the garment's climate footprint, through water, energy, and microfiber emissions. Added to this is the climate impact of the new production that comes with the next garment purchased. With this test, we wanted to concretely show what happens when you avoid washing and choose the spray over the machine.
Method
For 30 days, two new t-shirts were used every other day by a person working in production at Wargön. One garment was washed after each use, the other was refreshed with Pure Effect Textile Spray. After the test period, the garments were compared visually and through user interviews.
Results & insights
The difference became clear. The washed t-shirt had lost color, shape, and softness, while the one that was not washed and only sprayed retained both feel and fit. The result was noticeable even from the first wash. Weight loss and material wear were noticeable on the washed garment. Sprayed and unwashed garments were also perceived as fresher for longer between uses, with less time and resources invested.
How much does washing really affect an item of clothing, compared to refreshing it with a bacteria-based spray? To find out, Wargön Innovation conducted a practical comparative test: two identical t-shirts were used equally – but one was washed, the other was sprayed during a month of daily use.
Why
The lifespan of clothes is often halved by frequent washing. At the same time, washing itself accounts for a large part of the garment's climate footprint, through water, energy, and microfiber emissions. Added to this is the climate impact of the new production that comes with the next garment purchased. With this test, we wanted to concretely show what happens when you avoid washing and choose the spray over the machine.
Method
For 30 days, two new t-shirts were used every other day by a person working in production at Wargön. One garment was washed after each use, the other was refreshed with Pure Effect Textile Spray. After the test period, the garments were compared visually and through user interviews.
Results & insights
The difference became clear. The washed t-shirt had lost color, shape, and softness, while the one that was not washed and only sprayed retained both feel and fit. The result was noticeable even from the first wash. Weight loss and material wear were noticeable on the washed garment. Sprayed and unwashed garments were also perceived as fresher for longer between uses, with less time and resources invested.
Lessons learned
The test confirms how big a difference a single habit can make. Every time you choose to refresh instead of wash, you save water, energy, and extend the life of the garment. These are small everyday decisions that together make a real sustainability gain. The test also confirmed the significant wear and tear from the washing machine.
The test confirms how big a difference a single habit can make. Every time you choose to refresh instead of wash, you save water, energy, and extend the life of the garment. These are small everyday decisions that together make a real sustainability gain. The test also confirmed the significant wear and tear from the washing machine.
