Abstract
The elimination of microbial contaminations from textile is an important aspect of laundering apart from the removal of stains and dirt from used and worn textiles. Although the framework for institutional laundering is well regulated to ensure hygienic cleanliness via the use of e.g. high temperatures and bleaching agents, there are several open points, especially in domestic laundering. In both cases, energy efficiency of appliances is a main driver for innovation and has resulted in a general decrease in washing temperatures which in turn can impact the antimicrobial efficacy of laundering. Thus, the different factors influencing the input and removal of microbial cells in the laundering process and possible adverse effects of microbial contaminants in the washing machine and on the textiles as well as suitable counteractions are discussed in this article, focusing on the clinical area but also considering the domestic environment, which will gain importance in the future, e.g. by the increase of elderly and ill persons being cared for at home.
Highlights
The main task of laundering is the removal of visible stains and soils, which can be determined visually by the professional and non-professional consumer
While usually one purpose of the washing process is the removal and inactivation of microorganisms on the fabric as well as the cleaning of laundry items, it has been shown that the washing machine can be considered as a source of re-contamination of textiles [4]
Cross-contamination via textiles is considered to be a transfer route for pathogens, authorities such as the German Robert-Koch-Institute (RKI) - for authority ordered disinfection, the German Association for Applied Hygiene (VAH) for quality assurance in prophylactic disinfection or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US periodically publish recommendations on how laundry and textiles in hospitals or other healthcare facilities should be handled in this areas (Figure 2)
Summary
The main task of laundering is the removal of visible stains and soils, which can be determined visually by the professional and non-professional consumer. The different factors influencing the input and removal of microbial cells in the laundering process and possible adverse effects of microbial contaminants in the washing machine and on the textiles as well as suitable counteractions are discussed in this article, focusing on the clinical area and considering the domestic environment, which will gain importance in the future, e.g. by the increase of elderly and ill persons being cared for at home.
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