A comparison of the disinfectant action of a powder and liquid detergent during low‐temperature laundering

The purpose of this research was to investigate the disinfectant action of a heavy‐duty powder and heavy‐duty liquid detergent at recommended and low washing temperatures. The effectiveness of the disinfectant action was measured in terms of removal, transfer and destruction of bacteria from infected test pieces of fabric. The investigation suggests that the temperature of the wash is important, since when reduced, less disinfectant action is observed. The results also indicate that liquid detergent is more effective at removing and destroying bacteria then powder at both temperatures used.