Waschleistung

Waschleistung is a term used to describe the effectiveness with which a washing process removes soils and stains from textiles, typically in the context of washing machines or manual laundering. It is a key performance criterion for household appliances and detergents, balancing cleanliness with fabric care and resource use.

Measurement and standards: In laboratory settings, Waschleistung is determined using standardized test soils and laundering cycles that simulate typical household loads. The cleaning result is assessed by comparing soil removal and stain reduction under reference conditions, often expressed as a score or ranking. International and national standards from bodies such as ISO, IEC, and regional standards organizations define test methods, soil compositions, temperatures, cycle lengths, and reporting formats. Real-world performance can vary with detergent formulation, water hardness, and user settings.

Factors: Detergent composition (surfactants, enzymes, retainers), water temperature, washing duration, mechanical action from drum movement, load size, fabric type, soil characteristics, and water hardness all influence Waschleistung. Higher temperatures and longer cycles can improve stain removal but may increase energy consumption and wear on fabrics.

Interpretation and limitations: Waschleistung should be considered together with energy and water use as well as fabric care. A high cleaning score does not automatically imply gentleness on fabrics or low resource consumption; effective performance depends on appropriate program selection, dosage, and detergent choice.

See also: Waschmittel, Reinigungseffizienz, Waschmaschine, Hygienische Wirksamkeit.