Modern low temperature (30°C) washing only partially remove these bacteria, requiring regular high temperature (60°C) washing to control odour.  High temperature washing leads to shorter fabric life-time and increased energy use. 

Clothing waste and energy production are increasing problems.  By extending textile life-time through gentle wash cycles, silver can contribute to the sustainability agenda by promoting energy efficiency and waste reduction.

Silver provides lasting cleanliness, hygiene, and freshness by eliminating microorganisms, mould, mildew, fungi, odours, and stains associated with extended periods of use. Also, it can be easily applied to textile substrates including cotton, viscose, polyester, nylon, acrylic, polyolefin, rayon, wool, and their blends during the manufacturing stage.

Silver substances are hydrophilic.A hydrophile is a molecule or other molecular entity that is attracted to water molecules and tends to be dissolved by water.  Hence silver’s antimicrobial effect gets even stronger when it comes into contact with moisture such as sweat and bodily fluids. That’s why fabrics treated with antimicrobial silver continue to perform well even after multiple washes.

Wearable electronics coupled with pervasive computing and textiles are poised to revolutionise healthcare services delivery. The potential cost savings in both treatment, as well as preventive care are the focus of several research efforts across the globe.  Silver is being used and tested for “smart’ textiles of the future for its antimicrobial and electrical conductivity properties.  For instance, silver is incorporated into textile-based sensor electronics and fabrics that envelopes traditional sensor electronics for heart and general health monitoring.

Common applications of silver in textiles include:

•          Professional clothing (hospital & nursing, food processing)

•          Sports clothing and underwear 

•          Technical textiles (ventilation systems, filtration)