5.1 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. The water to fabric ratio in common top loading machines is dynamic and varies by region. The proper water to fabric ratio and temperature for the worse-case scenario should be determined prior to testing. This test method may need to modified if the worse-case scenario is determined to be in top loading high efficiency washing machine.

1.1 This test method is designed to evaluate sanitizing/disinfectant laundry detergents/additives for use in traditional 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 or top-loading, low water high efficiency automatic clothes washing operations.

1.2 This test method is intended to compliment Test Method E2406 and is to be used in the cases where this test method is determined to be the worse case scenario for product usage.

1.3 Knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for these procedures.

1.4 It is the responsibility of the investigator to determine whether Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are required and to follow them where appropriate (see section 40 CFR, Part 160 or as revised.)

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

Note 2: In this test method, metric units are used for all applications, except for distance in which case inches are used.

1.6 Appropriate modifications to the test method may be required when the testing organisms are not specified herein.

1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.