While all of these comments are valid, they ignore one GLARING issue. Killing bacteria in the washwheel is only the first step in reducing the incidence of cross-contamination in the healthcare setting – which is the overall objective. Medical textiles begin the recontamination process virtually the instant they are removed from the dryer. They are placed in to potentially contaminated carts, handled by workers wearing contaminated garments, staged in hallways where patients roam – and finally put in to service where they will be contaminated with every imaginable form of bacteria, virus and spore. In this contaminated state they will be collected – by hand. Frequently stored temporarily in hallways, elevators, storage rooms … and then ultimately transferred back in to the laundry – by hand. The opportunity for cross-contamination is greatest here – not in the washwheel. You need protection at the use-sites! It has long been known that the use of an EPA Registered textile sanitizer with residual, self-sanitizing capabilities will create a ZONE OF INHIBITION on the surface of the fabric. This will kill 90.9% (at minimum) of newly acquired bacteria. Using a product like this, in addition to good and hygienic laundering practices, will insure that you are not only getting clean textiles out of the dryer but that you are significantly reducing the incidence of cross-contamination for patients, visitors and employees, during the use-cycle of these textiles. For further information see; http://www.edmarchem.com/products_sbm.asp