Bacteriological quality of fabrics washed at lower-than-standard temperatures in a hospital laundry facility.
We determined whether the bacteriological quality of fabrics cleaned in a hospital laundry could be maintained at wash temperatures lower than 75 degrees C by the use of economically reasonable formulas and wash conditions. Three groups of bacteria were examined to determine bacteriological quality: aerobic, nonexacting chemoorganotrophs, staphylococci, and total coliforms. The distribution of bacteria on soiled fabric was patchy, with staphylococci and total coliforms ranging from less than 0.1 to greater than 4 X 10(3) CFU/cm2 and chemoorganotrophs ranging from less than 0.1 to greater than 5 X 10(5) CFU/cm2. The washing process routinely produced fabric containing less than 1 CFU/cm2. Low-temperature (47.8 to 60.0 degrees C) wash procedures eliminated all bacterial groups at least as effectively as did high-temperature procedures. The effectiveness of bacterial density reduction at low temperature was augmented by increased concentrations of bleach. Successful low-temperature washing such as that shown here may save both energy and money for hospitals.
D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D002713:Chlorine; D003020:Clothing; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000254:growth & development; D007846:Laundering; D007847:Laundry Service, Hospital; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000254:growth & development; D013696:Temperature; D013784:Textiles
D002713:Chlorine