Low-temperature domestic washing (i.e. < 40 degreesC) may be regarded as no
n-hygienic because of lack of thermal inactivation of microorganisms. Other
means (i.e. bleaching agents) must therefore be considered to compensate f
or the low temperature and achieve hygienic effects. In this study, the bio
cidal activity of common bleaching systems (TAED, NOBS, PAP) was examined u
sing the standard suspension test with selected microorganisms (bacteria, y
east, mould, phage) to determine the bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal
properties of the bleaching systems in question. The results showed that t
he biocidal effect of the bleaching systems in question is influenced by th
e following parameters: presence of activator, PH, concentration, perborate
to activator ratio, temperature and presence of soil. it was demonstrated
that bleaching agents are able to improve the hygienic status of low-temper
ature textile washing.