The procedure in this test method is used 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.

1.1 This test method is designed to evaluate sanitizing/disinfectant laundry detergents/additives for use in top-loading automatic clothes washing operations. This test method is designed predominantly to provide testing with representative vegetative bacteria but can also be designed to accommodate the testing of fungi and viruses.

Note 1—This test method does not evaluate sanitizing/disinfectant laundry detergent/additives for use in front-loading, low water volume automatic clothes washing operations.

1.2 Knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for these procedures.

1.3 In this method metric units are used for all applications, except for distance in which case inches are used.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.