Medicwash/Allerwash

German Allergy and Asthma Association survey as the basis for

MedicwashWashing machine

caters for allergy sufferers' needs

Do allergy sufferers require different standards for washing machines and what do they expect of their machine? The German Allergy and Asthma Association held a survey on this issue on behalf of Miele. The results of this survey, in which 4000 members were polled, were taken as a basis for the development of the world's first washing machine for allergy sufferers. The Medicwash is equipped with special programmes and functions tailored to the particular needs of allergy sufferers: A world premiere in the laundry-care sector.

In a target-group analysis, the German Allergy and Asthma Association selected a test group of allergy sufferers for the survey and asked them questions on the subject of laundry care. In the survey, participants were required to give information on their laundry-care habits, including how often they change laundry (e. g. towels, bed linen, clothing), the use of detergent and fabric conditioner and which fabrics are actually machine-washed. In another category, the test consumers were then asked which standards they require of their washing machines.

People with extremely sensitive skin and those with respiratory problems expect particularly high standards of their washing machine. Since it is particularly important for allergy sufferers that every trace of detergent is thoroughly removed, a high water level in the rinse cycle is a top priority. Allergy sufferers are even willing to accept higher water consumption as long as their washing machine provides the required results. Furthermore, the survey revealed that many allergy sufferers also require special hygiene programmes, for example to ensure the killing of dust mites in bedding. Those polled also expressed a wish for programmes enabling more heavily soiled laundry to be processed at lower temperatures, whilst still ensuring excellent hygiene standards.

Miele's Medicwash machine was developed on the basis of the German Allergy and Asthma Association survey. Outstanding features of this new washing machine include a range of different programmes and functions not available on conventional models: A special 60°C Hygiene programme, a Pillows programme, a programme for new fabrics and, above all, a new rinse and spin process to ensure that laundry is rid of every trace of detergent. Miele and the German Allergy and Asthma Association are convinced that this machine is the ideal solution to cater for the sensitive needs of allergy sufferers.