ASTM E2274

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants

Bacterial Summary and Test Overview

This test is designed to evaluate the activity of a test reagent (antimicrobial agent/active ingredient) or formulation in the reduction or complete kill of the bacterial population in fabric and wash water following a single wash for use in traditional top-loading (high volume conditions) and front-loading high efficiency (low volume conditions) automatic clothes washing operations. This test design is based on the method described in ASTM E2274-16, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants and ASTM E2406-16, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants for Use in High Efficiency Washing Operations meets the EPA Product Performance Guidelines (OCSPP 810.2400 Disinfectants and Sanitizers for Use on Fabrics and Textiles).

Under simulated laundry conditions, sets of inoculated fabric swatches are placed into diluted product solution and agitated. Three swatches per lot are evaluated using three lots of a single test substance at one concentration on one fabric type. Fabric swatches (carriers) are inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae and subjected to simulated washing conditions using the exposure time and temperature specified by the Sponsor. After a specified contact time, the wash water and the test fabric are individually cultured either quantitatively (sanitizer efficacy, the treated carriers and an aliquot of the wash water will be neutralized. Serial ten-fold dilutions of the neutralized solutions are plated, incubated, and enumerated. Colony-Forming Units (CFU) per carrier are calculated and compared to a Numbers Control where inoculated carriers are treated with the test substance diluent) or qualitatively (disinfectant efficacy). 

Viral Summary

The ASTM E2274 method is used to evaluate the activity of a liquid sanitizing/disinfectant laundry product to inactivate microorganisms on fabrics, while simulating the operations of a traditional top-loading washing machine by placing microorganism-contaminated fabric swatches into several layers of clean fabrics which are wrapped around a stainless spindle.  The spindle with the fabrics is put in a mason jar, filled with the test product per an appropriate water to fabric ratio, and agitated using a tumbler apparatus.  This test method is designed predominantly for testing with vegetative bacteria but can also be adapted for fungi and viruses.

Typical Test Substances

• liquid sanitizing/disinfectant laundry products

Outline of Test Procedure

• Inoculate test organism onto pre-washed fabric swatches and allow to dry
• Place swatches into several layers of clean fabrics wrapped around a spindle
• Spindle with fabrics put into a mason jar
• Add test product; agitate using a tumbler
• Collect swatches; elute microorganisms into a neutralizer
• Plating and counting (quantitative assay)

Regulatory Agencies / Purpose

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Other Agencies
• R&D and Marketing

Similar Methods

• ASTM E2406 (simulating low water high efficiency front-loading washing operations) 
• ASTM E1052
• EN 1276
• EN 14476