German Allergy and Asthma Association survey

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.

Top choice (not only) for allergy sufferers

Top choice (not only) for allergy sufferers

The AllerVac Sensor vacuum cleaner, the AllerWash washing machine and the AllerDry tumble dryer, all from Miele, are designed to meet the needs of allergy sufferers, as the design of these appliances is based on an extensive survey conducted by the DAAB, the German Allergy and Asthma Association. This 'family' of appliances guarantees clean floors and clean air and offers washing and drying programmes which make allergy sufferers' lives a lot easier. The machines help to keep away substances from allergy sufferers which trigger off allergies, such as pollen, dustmites, pet hairs, fungal spores and detergent residue.

The Miele AllerVac Sensor vacuum cleaner – based on the S 4 compact vacuum cleaner – fulfils the most important requirements which allergy sufferers demand of a vacuum cleaner: The appliance cleans floors thoroughly, filters dust and keeps it in the dustbag, displays cleaning performance, and the soil which has been picked up can be hygienically disposed of together with the dustbag.

The good cleaning performance is achieved by a powerful motor with a maximum output of 1800 W. In order to ensure that floor covering actually is clean, the AllerVac Sensor vacuum cleaner features the 'Allergotec' hygiene sensor which visualises cleaning progress. The heart and soul of the sensor is a small metal plate which senses soil particles and evaluates them using an integrated microprocessor. This microprocessor draws conclusions as to the amount of dust on floor coverings from the frequency and intensity of particle impact. This is displayed in the form a three-phase 'traffic light' indicator: A red light means 'regular soil', amber equates to 'low levels of soiling' and green stands for 'hygienically clean', or in other words, virtually free from pollen, dustmite faeces, fungal spores and bacteria. The effectiveness of the Allergotec hygiene sensor has been certified by the Deutsche Montan Technologie GmbH (DMT), a leading air hygiene test institute.

Apart from the AllerVac Sensor vacumm cleaner featuring the Active HEPA filter as standard, the appliance as a whole fulfils the European standard EN 1822 with HEPA 12 classification. This means that the vacuum cleaner is completely dust-tight and does not discharge dust it has picked up to atmosphere again. These optimum dust retention properties and the performance of the Active HEPA filter have been confirmed by independent reports and the AllerVac Sensor vacuum cleaner has also been awarded the 'suitable for allergy sufferers' stamp of approval for air hygiene from the TÜV test institute. Dustbags made of five layers of random-spun fibre are ideally suitable for use by allergy sufferers as these bags guarantee that dust stays in the bag. An impact protection foil ensures that any sharp objects do not puncture the dustbag. And the dustbag can be disposed of cleanly as it is sealed automatically when removed from the appliance and can be thrown away with regular domestic refuse.

AllerWash: Special wash programmes for allergy sufferers

The first washing machine for allergy sufferers

Miele Medicwash: The first washing machine for allergy sufferers. Enhanced quality of life

Years ago, Miele introduced the Medicair vacuum cleaner, a customised solution to clear the air for allergy sufferers when doing the housework. Now the company has taken up the delicate subject of allergies once again and launched the first washing machine for allergy sufferers. The W 2585 Medicwash is equipped with a special rinse process to ensure thorough removal of even the smallest traces of detergent residue, and additional programmes for particularly hygienic, gentle washing of fabrics and pillows.

Allergens are airborne substances which induce allergies and are present all around us. As more and more people react sensitively to allergens, the number of allergy sufferers has increased significantly in the last few years. All age groups are affected and the increasing number of children suffering from hay fever, asthma and skin diseases is alarming. In Germany, approximately every third child and fifth adult currently suffers from allergies and the tendency is rising. To ensure that fabrics are as free of allergens as possible, Miele has developed a washing machine tailored to the needs of allergy sufferers. The development of this machine was based on the wealth of experience the company has gained in the production of machines for clinical applications.

For the W 2585 WPS Medicwash, Miele has designed a special allergen-reducing rinse process which ensures thorough removal of all traces of detergent residue. In the Cottons, Minimum iron and Delicates programmes, the Medicwash has three rinse cycles, compared to the two offered by a conventional washing machine. The 'Rinse Plus' additional function pushbutton enables selection of a fourth rinse cycle; a user-programmable fifth rinse is available in the Cottons, Hygiene and Minimum iron programmes, if required. This feature will be greatly appreciated particularly by those suffering from severe allergies or skin diseases. The new rinse process is supplemented by a special rinse spin cycle, developed following extensive testing on a wide range of different fabrics to ascertain the reduction of zeolites (detergent residue) in different types of fabric in the rinse and spin processes.

Special programmes for allergy sufferers

The innovative rinse process is supplemented by additional wash programmes, including a newly developed Hygiene programme. In this programme with an extended temperature holding time (30 minutes), dust mites are killed through exposure to a temperature of 60°C. Fabrics such as cotton and linen which cannot be washed at 95°C are thus rid of pathogens. The increased water level also ensures removal of deposits caused by greasy ointments.

The most significant cause of respiratory problems are the excreta of the 0.1 mm dust mite. Since dust mites thrive in warm, damp conditions, pillows are a particular source of allergies. The Medicwash therefore offers an additional programme specially designed to enable one or two pillows with a feather, down or synthetic filling to be washed at a temperature of 60°C or 95°C. The enlarged 30 cm door opening means that the honeycomb drum is easier to load, and the wash rhythm is specially designed to cater for bulky pillows: after the drenching phase, pillows are spun at high speed, deflating them to a minimum. In order to rid pillows of dust mites and excreta, an individual programme sequence with high temperatures and a high water level was developed.

New fabrics should be thoroughly and gently washed prior to being worn for the first time, as they may contain chemical residue as a result of changed production and finishing methods. This residue may cause skin irritation and problems with dermatitis. The Medicwash washes new cotton, towelling and polyester fabrics at 30°C in the programme for new fabrics, which offers two rinses and an appropriate water level.

Other Medicwash features include load-size sensing technology and a dispensing recommendation: The electronic controls calculate the amount of detergent required for the appropriate programme and load size and the recommendation appears as a percentage in the display. This ensures that the correct amount of detergent is dispensed for each load and eliminates the risk of overdosing which is particularly problematic for allergy sufferers.

In the additional 'Short' programme, slightly soiled fabrics can be quickly washed at 40°C, enabling garments worn outdoors to be rid of pollen.

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.