Suds turn silver nanoparticles in clothes into duds

Harsh detergents destroy antibacterial particles found in athletic clothing, hospital gowns

person pouring detergent into washing machine

WASHED OUT  Detergents with bleach or bleach alternatives can take out chunks of antibacterial silver nanoparticles in addition to tough stains.

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

DENVER — Life’s bleachable moments may be a death sentence for bacteria-busting silver nanoparticles.