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. 1975 Mar;29(3):368–373. doi: 10.1128/am.29.3.368-373.1975

Bacterial Survival in Laundered Fabrics

William G Walter 1, John E Schillinger 1
PMCID: PMC186982  PMID: 1090256

Abstract

Bacterial survival was determined in linens (i) inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (ii), taken from hospital isolation patients' beds, and (iii) used by students in their homes. Two different washers using temperatures of 38, 49, 54 and 60 C, respectively, for different times were employed along with a commercial tumbler dryer. Findings, after macerating the linens in a Waring blender and enumerating on nonselective media, indicate that acceptable levels of survivors can be achieved in motel and hotel linens by an 8- to 10-min wash cycle at 54 C followed by adequate drying. However, it is recommended that a wash cycle with 60 C for 10 to 13 min be employed for linens in health care factilities. The microbial significance of various laundering practices is discussed.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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