KOLKATA: Whirlpool of India, the world’s leading kitchen and laundry home appliance company, facilitated a survey with Kantar to understand how consumers are responding to the hygiene and sanitation of their clothes. In the current environment, people world-over are concerned about keeping themselves and their surroundings germ-free and sanitized. Extra precautions are being taken every step of the way to minimize interaction with the outside world.
The detailed survey was conducted with a sample size of 500 individuals (men and women) aged 28-40 years in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata. The primary objective of this survey was to arrive at hard-hitting facts on consumer’s awareness around the cleanliness of clothes and its implication in today’s time.
The survey reveals that 97 per cent of consumers feel the importance of sanitization has increased and the frequency with which they wash clothes has gone up for 87 per cent consumers.
The other stark findings revealed by the survey include:
Clothes worn outside the home tops the list of objects feared to carry germs with 93 per cent endorsements. The other carriers of germs include-
In the current situation, 82 per cent respondents claimed that they are worried about carrying germs in clothes when coming from outside. The other worries include-
People from Mumbai are most worried about carrying germs in clothes when coming from outside at 89 per cent, followed by Chennai and Kolkata
87 per cent of the respondents claim that worrying has led to increase in washing of clothes for the following reasons:
79 per cent of the respondents claim that hot water helps in Sanitizing clothes along with ‘effective cleaning’ and ‘removal of tough stains’
Significantly higher number of female respondents (82 per cent) feel that hot water will help sanitize ‘kid’s toys, bedding and clothes’ more than males (73 per cent)
Respondents claimed that Germs/allergen in clothes can be removed by washing it with:
73 per cent of the consumers claimed that they use hot water to wash only a certain type of clothes such as:
96 per cent of the consumers claimed that they will consider buying a washing machine that has an advanced option for sanitising clothes as well
93 per cent of the consumers believed that different water temperature is required for cleaning different type of clothes
80 per cent of the consumers believe that washing clothes in a washing machine with hot water is the best way to remove stains and sanitise clothes
‘Safe’ is the word that consumers associate with the feeling that their washing machine can help remove germs/allergens (79 per cent)
Women are much more conscious about ensuring sanitization of clothes
Whirlpool of India vice president marketing KG Singh said, “People today are more vigilant of their health and hygiene than ever before. With sanitisation becoming the need of the hour, we commissioned a survey to gauge the behaviour patterns around their rising concerns of keeping clothes clean. With ‘Everyday, Care’ at the core of our brand, we wanted to be there for our consumers during this time by better understanding their needs and offering a portfolio of products that meet their expectations.”
“The survey clearly indicates the stress and worry around sanitization of clothes. Consumers are researching online to know of effective ways to clean their clothes and kill germs brought in from outside the home. Hot water which is known to be effective in cleaning stains has stood out as a top preference for consumers when opting for a washing machine along with the added benefits of sanitization features. It is extremely critical to take care of the hygiene and sanitization of one’s surroundings and clothes,” said the official spokesperson from Kantar.