PD IEC/PAS 62958 specifies a test method for measuring the reduction of microbial contamination in clothes washing machines and of the possible cross contamination to uncontaminated load. This PAS applies to clothes washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices utilising cold and/or hot water supply. It also covers washing machines which specify the use of no detergent for normal use. This PAS applies also to washing machines for communal use in blocks of flats or in launderettes.
Note 1: PD IEC/PAS 62958 does not deal with professional washing machines nor with commercial laundry operations associated with food service, hospital linens, or other non-residential applications.
Note 2: PD IEC/PAS 62958 also does not address the needs of persons with specific health conditions requiring special sanitization and/or disinfection techniques.
Note 3: PD IEC/PAS 62958 does not specify safety requirements and does not deal with the performance of washing machines measured under IEC 60456 nor with effects on fabrics.
Note 4: significant differentiation in microorganism contamination reduction capability of washing machines can be expected at wash temperature not higher than 40 °C.
PD IEC/PAS 62958 on microbial contamination reduction is useful for:
PD IEC/PAS 62958 address the measurement of the microbial contamination reduction in washing machines by developing a globally acceptable Publicly Available Specification to respond to the increase in consumer complaints regarding odor from washing machines and washed laundry caused by the presence of microorganisms. An electromechanical agitator commonly used in laboratories can be used for the purposes of PD IEC/PAS 62958.
PD IEC/PAS 62958 mentions the methods to test conditions, material, equipment and instrumentation for the microbial contamination reduction.
IEC PAS 62958:2015