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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1973 March; 25(3): 431-435
Copyright © 1973 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Survival of Microorganisms in Laundered Polyester-Cotton Sheeting1

Joanne Clarquist Wiksell2, Mary S. Pickett and Paul A. Hartman

Department of Family Environment, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50010
Department of Bacteriology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50010

ABSTRACT

The effects of wash-water temperature, cold-water or regular detergent, wash-cycle design, drying, and drying temperature on survival of four microorganisms on polyester-cotton sheeting were examined. Escherichia coli T3 bacteriophage survived washing at 24, 35, 46, and 57 C, but not at 68 C. Serratia marcescens survived only the lowest three wash temperatures. Levels of residual Staphylococcus aureus were diminished at the highest two wash temperatures, but survival was substantial even at 68 C. Counts of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores were not altered appreciably by wash temperature. Type of detergent had no practical effect on observed counts. The regular wash cycle was significantly more efficient in removal of microorganisms than the permanent-press cycle. Counts, especially of the bacteriophage and the gramnegative bacterium, were decreased by drying; after drying, the effects of wash-water temperature on S. aureus and B. stearothermophilus were not significantly different. Microorganisms were transferred from inoculated to sterilized sheeting during laundering. The public health significance of these observations is discussed.

FOOTNOTES

2 Present address: Department of Home Economics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613.

1 Journal Paper No. J-7307 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames. Project No. 1807.

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1973 March; 25(3): 431-435
Copyright © 1973 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.





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Copyright © 1973 by the American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.