洗濯機内部の汚れに影響を与える要因

抄録

The distribution and composition of dirt on the interior of washing machines were examined. Dirt accumulated most at the bottom of spin tubs with large aluminum die-cast flanges and accumulated in constant weight in other parts. Dirt consisted of mold, textile fiber and zeolite, added to detergent as a water softener. Zeolite was a main component of dirt adhering to the interior of washing machines. Mold hyphae were present more in the upper part of the interior, and large amounts of textile fibers were contained in dirt from other parts of the interior. Weight of dirt on the spin tub increased with increasing of length of use, which differed from the quantity of surfactants on the interior. Environmental factors affecting mold contamination in automatic-type washing machines were also studied. As regards factors related to nutrients, no correlation was found between recycling of bath water and mold contamination in washing machines. However, the quantity of surfactant adhering to the washing machine interior was found to promote mold contamination. Ways of controlling mold contamination in washing machines are also discussed.