Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart WL26CW1 Product Information page 32

Hygiene
Background
Micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses are a major
cause of human disease. Bacteria are by far the most significant of these,
accounting for approximately 90% of human infections. The human body
has a large number and variety of bacteria present both on the skin and in
the digestive tract. These mostly perform tasks that are useful, or even
essential, to human survival and are expected to be present. Under normal
circumstances they do not cause disease and are termed 'normal flora'.
These bacteria, when found in abnormal numbers or spread throughout the
wrong parts of the body can cause disease and/or odour, as can a number
Above. Bacteria
of bacteria found in the environment.
grown from wash
water
One function of washing clothes is the elimination of such disease causing organisms (known as
'pathogens'). A hot wash is one way to do this- almost all bacteria (including common disease
E. coli
causing bacteria such as ) will be killed at temperatures of 158-194°F (70°C-90°C).
However, using hot water on every cycle is inefficient, impractical and costly. A combination of
other factors, including detergent, wash action, and rinse performance will affect bacteria
removal from clothes.
The Aquasmart™ Difference
Testing has shown the AquaSmart™ Regular High Efficiency cycle has better than average
hygiene and rinse performance, even in cold water. However, some situations require
specific care and attention. The AquaSmart™ has several cycles designed especially for these
cases.
When someone is ILL or has an INFECTION:
Washing can help prevent spreading of infection and re-infection. Use the Hygiene Cycle (which
is especially designed for such situations: LIFESTYLES > FAMILY > HYGIENE). Avoid leaving
washing sitting damp before or after washing as this encourages bacterial growth. Hanging
washing in the sun to dry or setting the dryer to a high temperature also helps. The Hygiene
cycle uses a Hot Eco Active wash. This very concentrated detergent solution at 140F is
extremely effective at killing bugs. We follow this with a warm agitate and lengthy rinses to
remove all traces of detergent etc.
For those prone to ALLERGIES:
For those prone to allergies from grass, pollen, dust mites and detergent, or people with
sensitive skin the Allergy cycle is the best option. It kills mites, thoroughly washes garments and
intensively rinses clothes so the least possible amount of allergens remains in garments after
washing. Select LIFESTYLES > FAMILY > ALLERGY. This also uses a hot Eco-active wash but
with even more rinsing.