"But the researchers hypothesized that the pathogens were disseminated to the clothing after the washing process, via residual water on the rubber mantle [of the washer] and/or via the final rinsing process, which ran unheated and detergent-free water through the detergent compartment."
"The research has implications for household use of washers, Schmithausen said, noting water temperatures in household washing machines typically reach a maximum of 140 degrees F or below for energy-saving purposes. The cooler temperatures do not kill potentially harmful pathogens as effectively as higher temperatures."


Rod
