Laundry satisfaction of Virginia extension homemakers related to their laundry practices and knowledge about detergents and water quality

Relationships between laundry practices, detergent knowledge, perception of water quality, and satisfaction with laundry results were determined in this study. The mail survey method was used to obtain information from Virginia Extension Homemakers in April 1986. Only respondents who did laundry in their own home or apartment were used. Two hundred and seventy-six respondents, from a sample of 370 homemakers, met the criterion. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to determine if relationships existed between the variables. Low correlations were found between the variables; therefore, definite conclusions regarding relationships between the variables could not be made. Some discrepancies between actual and recommended laundry practices were found. Data also revealed a lack of knowledge regarding functions of detergent ingredients and proper use with specific water conditions, and some lack of awareness and misperceptions of water quality were detected. However, satisfaction with laundry results was generally good, and most homemakers seemed relatively pleased. The findings suggested that educational programs should emphasize information about detergent formulations and water characteristics. More information on recommended laundry practices and how they should be modified according to water conditions and detergent use also was needed.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Housing, Interior Design, and Resource Management

Department dc:contributor.department

Housing, Interior Design, and Resource Management

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1986

Author dc:creator

• Forbes, Robin Jill

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/91090

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/91090