A preliminary identification and determination of characteristic volatile organic compounds from cotton, polyester and terry-towel by headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

•15 VOCs associated with laundry malodour have been investigated.•Links between HS-SPME–GC–MS and sensory malodour grading investigated.•Consumer panel samples (cotton, polyester and terry-towel) investigated.•Up to 6 VOCs identified and quantified on fabric types.

Analysis of fifteen volatile organic compounds previously associated with laundry malodour has been investigated using headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Limits of detection (all determined on a 25 cm2 area of fabric) ranged from a low of 0.4 ng (for guaiacol) through to a high of 28 ng (for 3-methylindole) on cotton; values on polyester ranged from a low of 0.7 ng (for dimethyl trisulfide) through to a high of 37 ng (for 3-methylindole); and, values on terry-towel ranged from a low of 1.7 ng (for guaiacol) through to a high of 157 ng (for ethyl benzene). There was a lack of correlation between the level of malodour and the occurrence of any of the VOCs detected; it could be that other compounds not evaluated in this study are responsible for malodour or it could be a collaborative effect of the various compounds studied.