Today, washing machines are an indispensable part of most households and more than 95 % of all private households in Germany own a washing machine. When used regularly, these machines are exposed to large quantities of microorganisms from drinking water and laundry. Some of the organisms introduced into the machine while washing can attach themselves to parts of the machine and colonize them by forming unpleasant biofilms. These formations can lead to severe problems, such as bad odor and bio corrosion, and even a health risk by growth and/or spread of pathogenic organisms.

Experiments on biofilm formation and biofilm prevention are carried out under practical conditions in order to identify strategies for improving device hygiene.