Comparative Test of Drum-Type Washing Machines

As of recent, drum-type washing machines are immensely popular among consumers advertised as having anti-germ functions through silver nano technology, silver ion technology and steam technology. However, test results found that this had very little to do with the three technologies.

The Korea Consumer Protection Board (KCPB) and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KASTS) jointly conducted a comparative test on anti-germ function and quality of four drum-type washers. Tests found that all four of the products were able to remove 99.9% of germs in water without using any detergents. The products also showed slight difference in quality such as washing and drying functions.

As a result, KCPB announced that it would notify the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) of the comparative test results on drum-type washing machines.

※Tested Products: Korean-made washing machines with a washing capacity of 10kg and drying capacity of 6kg (DAEWOO ELECTRONICS, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS, LG ELECTRONICS)/Imported washing machine with a washing capacity of 10kg (BACHNET) for reference

■ 99.9% of germs removable with only using water

Drum-type washing machine manufacturers have advertised their products to have an anti-germ function through a certain technology. Contrary to their assertion, all four of the products tested were able to remove 99.9% of germs in water without using any detergents. This could be explained by the fact that dirty laundry comes clean following the usual washing process (1 washing, 2-3 rinsing and 2-3 drying). In short, this is the same principle applied to washing away chemical substances in vegetables under running water.

In Korea, the term 'disinfection' is constantly used in advertisements without clear distinction but according to a Japanese regulation, the appropriate term should be 'anti-term'.

※ 「Fair Trade Regulations on Labeling of Home Appliances」  ▶Disinfection: inactivation of microorganisms  ▶Anti-germ: removable of microorganisms within a limited space

■ Certain technology hard to be seen as removing 99.9% of germs

In order to verify the ad phrase '99.9% anti-germ function', KCPB and KATS conducted a comparative test based on test methods generally used by some testing authorities and manufacturers. All four of the tested products were able to remove 99.9% of germs and bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans). Considering that washing machines produced by BACHNET in which there was no mention of anti-germ effect could also remove 99.9% of germs. Therefore, it may be hard to conclude that 99.9% anti-germ function is due to silver nano technology, silver ion technology or steam technology.

[Rate of Germ Removal When Using Detergents]

■ Active role needed from testing authorities

Currently, private testing authorities issue test reports relating to anti-germ functions of detergents, clothes and washing machines. The manufacturing companies that produced the four products tested also submitted test reports on anti-germ function of drum-type washers. According to the test report, it stipulates that the test reports should only be used for 'publicity or legal purposes' rather than for 'quality management purpose'.

However, it is questionable whether testing authorities are taking appropriate measures when manufacturers use the test reports in advertisements. That is, if consumers purchased a washing machine based on the belief that a testing authority approved it, the testing institute also bears the responsibility for misleading consumers. Another point to consider is that test reports submitted by manufacturing companies lack objectivity.

■ LG washing machines had the best washing capacity and SAMSUNG had the best drying capacity

The four products showed difference in quality aspects such as washing capacity, drying capacity and noise. LG ELECTRONICS had the best washing capacity and SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS had the best drying capacity.

If raising the washing temperature, the level of power consumption increases rather than laundry (cleaning) power, so an appropriate temperature needs to be set. Compared to cold water, warm water easily cleans dirty laundry but power is consumed three times higher at 40℃, eight times higher at 60℃ and 19 times higher when boiling laundry at 95℃.

November 18, 2005 [Testing & Research Institute]