Washing machine bacteria

Washing machine bacteria: the smell comes from the rubber seal

With the advancement of science and technology, our lives became easier than the lives of our parents. Now a days washing machines are being used to wash our clothes, utensils and many other things. Specially in German the use of washing machines is much exceeded. But unfortunately many users don’t realize that these washing machines used to clean textiles are full of germs. Heat, dampness and a variety of nutrients provide a suitable place for bacteria to live and grow. Currently introduced trends such as low temperature washing, bleach free liquids and water saving programs supported the further bacterial growth in washing machines. At Hochschule Furtwangen university, Susanne Jacksch and professor Markus Egert researched and studied about the bacteria found in these washing machines.

Their studies were involved the answers of following questions 

·     Which bacteria are found in which part of the machine? 

·     what are the factors involved? 

The project leader Prof. Dr. Markus Egert, who is the teacher of microbiology and hygiene in a campus of  Furtwangen Universityexplained that the microorganisms found in washing machine present a health risk. In many machines it is noted that an unpleasant odor is coming out from the machine and also from washing.

Fifty samples from thirteen household machines were collected to study the bacterial community from two different areas of the city. The study was based upon molecular biological methods. These sample were collected from the rubber seal round the window, the dispensing drawer, textile wash and the sump tank in each machine. Washing habits of users were also discussed and they were questioned about their washing habits.

About 229 different types of bacteria were found in examination of thirteen machines. Among these bacteria ten types of bacteria which were commonly found in these machines were considered as potentially risky for health point of view. Different types of bacterial communities were found in the samples extracted from different parts of the machines. Among these bacteria water bacteria was most common and from the fabric there were skin bacteria. Largest amount of bacteria was found in dispensing powder drawer.

The cause of bad smell were bacteria named as moraxella osloensis. These bacteria were found in the seal of most washing machines. Their frequency was highest in relative frequency. These bacteria have very tough life and these can survive in highly variable environmental conditions such as the rubber seal of machine. To avoid from these bacteria and unpleasant smell from machines we should clean our machine seal rubber at regular intervals. We should also keep our machine door open to dry the rubber seal.

User behavior was also linked with the amount of bacteria in washing machines. As we use hot water to wash clothes more neatly but unfortunately it causes more bacterial growth in dispensing powder drawer. Hot wash cycles and are best for cloth hygiene but these are causing more growth of bacteria. The heat radiates to other parts of machine and encourage the growth of more germs and bacteria. However further studies are necessary and there are more expected surprises in washing machines.