Effect of Multiple Washings on Blood Evidence with Different Washing Agents
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Abstract
Clothing often acts as an important carrier of biological evidence in forensic investigations because it can retain body fluids, skin cells, and other trace materials. In real-life situations, offenders frequently attempt to destroy evidence by washing clothes using water, detergent, or repeated laundering. However, complete removal of DNA is not always possible. This study aims to evaluate the persistence and recoverability of DNA from clothing evidence after different washing conditions. Biological samples such as blood and touch DNA will be deposited on cotton fabric to simulate real forensic scenarios. The stained fabrics will be subjected to different washing treatments, including water-only washing, detergent washing, and repeated wash cycles. Samples will be analysed at different intervals to observe the extent of DNA degradation and persistence. DNA extraction and profiling methods will be used to determine whether usable genetic material remains after washing. It is expected that washing may reduce the quantity and quality of DNA, but detectable traces may persist depending on the washing intensity, number of cycles, and type of fabric. The findings of this research will help forensic experts understand how laundering affects biological evidence and will assist investigators in interpreting washed clothing evidence more accurately.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Chakraborty B, et al.
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