Laundry represents both a source of PFAS in household water and a potential PFAS exposure pathway that is rarely discussed alongside more familiar routes like drinking and cooking. Understanding the role of laundry in household PFAS exposure — both from contaminated water used for washing and from PFAS released from treated fabrics — provides a more complete picture of the household PFAS environment.
PFAS in Fabrics and Their Release During Washing
Textile treatment with PFAS has been widespread for decades. Performance fabrics — outdoor clothing, athletic wear, uniforms, stain-resistant clothing and upholstery — have historically used fluoropolymer coatings (often marketed under brand names like Scotchgard, Teflon fabric protector, and DWR — durable water repellent) to provide water and stain resistance.
Research has established that these fabric treatments release PFAS into wash water during laundering. Studies measuring PFAS in washing machine effluent from PFAS-treated garments have detected a range of compounds, particularly fluorotelomer-based chemicals that are PFAS precursors. Each wash cycle releases a portion of the textile treatment, with new garments releasing the most and release declining over time.
The scale of this release at the household level contributes to PFAS concentrations in domestic wastewater, which then enters the municipal wastewater system — ultimately affecting receiving water bodies since treatment plants do not remove PFAS.
PFAS in Wash Water Splashing Back to Laundry Workers
Hand-washing of clothing — practiced by millions globally and by some households in developed countries for delicate items — creates direct dermal and potentially inhalation exposure to laundry water containing PFAS released from fabrics. Commercial laundry workers who handle large volumes of treated textiles (hospitality industry, healthcare uniforms) may have occupational exposure through this pathway.
Contaminated Source Water in Laundry
In households using PFAS-contaminated tap water, the laundry process introduces PFAS into fabric and potentially allows dermal absorption during fabric contact — particularly for items worn close to the skin (underwear, children’s sleepwear) that may retain some water-associated PFAS after imperfect rinsing.
The significance of this exposure route compared to drinking water is generally considered low, but it adds to the total household PFAS exposure burden and may be relevant for highly contaminated water supplies.
PFAS in Detergents
Some laundry and cleaning products have historically contained PFAS as surfactants or stain-fighting agents. Consumer advocacy testing by organizations including the Environmental Working Group has found fluorinated compounds in some commercial stain removers, laundry pretreaters, and fabric softeners. Transitioning to certified PFAS-free cleaning products reduces this source.
Practical Steps for Households
While laundry is not the primary PFAS exposure route for most people, several practical steps can reduce PFAS in the household laundry environment:
- Prioritize drinking and cooking water filtration: This addresses the most significant exposure route — filtered drinking water is essential before optimizing laundry practices
- Choose non-PFAS performance fabrics: Many outdoor and athletic brands now offer PFAS-free DWR alternatives (PFC-free water repellency using silicone or hydrocarbon-based treatments)
- Wash new performance fabrics separately: This captures the highest PFAS release period without spreading to other laundry items
- Install a washing machine filter: Some products (e.g., the Cora Ball or lint filters) capture microplastics from laundry — though PFAS are dissolved, not particulate, and are not captured by these filters
- Choose PFAS-free laundry products: Look for products that have made verified PFAS-free commitments
The Bigger Picture
The textile industry’s PFAS use and the laundry pathway illustrate how PFAS contamination of water is not just an industrial accident but is embedded in everyday consumer product lifecycles. Addressing PFAS at the source — eliminating them from textile treatments — is ultimately more effective than trying to manage the downstream water contamination. The industry transition to PFAS-free performance treatments, driven by regulatory pressure in the EU and several US states, is underway but will take years to fully manifest in consumer products available on shelves.