Electrolux receives certification from Swissatest for outstanding performance in removing bacteria and viruses
The renowned test competence center Swissatest Testmaterialien AG awards certain programs of several household appliances from the Swedish manufacturer Electrolux with the newly developed hygiene label. This indicates how many viruses and bacteria are effectively removed by the corresponding programs. This provides valuable guidance for consumers and is an important step towards greater transparency in everyday domestic life.
When washing laundry or dishes, dirt and germs should be removed as quickly and environmentally friendly as possible. But which program is best suited for this? The newly developed hygiene label creates more transparency. "We know from our own field studies that many people are concerned about the spread of bacteria and viruses," comments Marius Rübenacker, Product Line Manager at Electrolux. In a recent survey conducted by Electrolux1 , fighting germs was top of the list for more than one in ten adults.
The following Electrolux ranges have been awarded the Swissatest label:
- Washing machines: The anti-allergy/anti-allergy steam program removes more than 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium
- Tumble dryer: The Hygiene/Steam program removes more than 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including Candida albicans and Escherichia coli
- Dishwasher: The ExtraHygiene function removes more than 99.9999% of bacteria and viruses, including Micrococcus luteus and MS2 bacteriophages
Even before the introduction of the Swissatest label, all Electrolux appliances passed the most stringent laboratory tests. However, this certification goes one step further by demonstrating high performance in the removal of viruses. For example, tests have shown that Electrolux programs are successful against non-enveloped viruses such as the E. coli bacteriophage MS2. This type of virus is generally difficult to inactivate as it has a high tolerance to disinfection and cleaning measures.
Cooperation between Swissatest and Electrolux
The hygiene label was developed in close cooperation between Swissatest and Electrolux. It is based on specially developed test protocols from Swissatest, which record the removal of viruses and bacteria in certain programs and require a defined reduction in germs.
To test the appliances, Swissatest applied viruses and bacteria to carrier materials in the company's own microbiology laboratory and determined the germ counts before and after the washing, drying or dishwashing process. If, for example, 10,000,000 Staphylococcus aureus were present in a washing process before washing and only 100 after washing, then a reduction of 99.999% was achieved.
Swissatest has many years of experience in the field of hygiene testing of various household appliances. With the hygiene label,we are making a well-founded contribution to orientation by sharing our comprehensive view of washing processes with the end consumer, taking into account cleaning performance, sustainability and hygiene aspects.
Christian Portmann, CEO of Swissatest
The development of the hygiene label is the answer to an acute consumer need that has intensified even further during the pandemic, says Christian Portmann, CEO of Swissatest: "Swissatest has years of experience in the field of hygiene testing of various household appliances. With the hygiene label, we are making a well-founded contribution to orientation by sharing our comprehensive view of washing processes with the end consumer, taking into account cleaning performance, sustainability and hygiene aspects."
Media contact:
Jenny A. Albert
GRIP Agency AG
Email: jenny.albert@grip-agency.ch
Tel.: +41 79 550 50 15