洗濯時に浮遊する暗色の汚れとカビ汚染

抄録

Microbiological flora on the interior of automatic-type washing machines were examined in 24 homes. Mold contamination as well as general bacteria and yeast were higher in the upper part of the spin tub than in other parts. Of molds contaminating washing machine interiors, Exophiala and Scolecobasidium, which have dark hyphae, were predominant, followed by Torula and Cladosporium. Dirt found in the upper part of the spin tub was darker than in other parts, similar to the distribution of mold. Dirt suspended in washing water seemed to derive chiefly from the upper part of the spin tub. Suspended dirt was thought to be fragments from the old hyphae of mold grown on the interior of washing machines. Yeast contamination was comparatively higher in new washing machines while mold contamination was higher in old machines. Microbiological “succession” was also found to be present in washing machines. Cleaning of washing machines is generally ineffective for killing spores and eliminating hyphae of molds, ways of cleaning washing machines are also discussed.