Basic fields of research

The wfk-Cleaning Technology Research Institute carries out research in the field of cleaning, reprocessing and hygiene of textile and non textile materials (e.g. clean room textiles, personal protective clothing, medical textiles, medical facilities, medical instruments, clean rooms, food industry, industrial parts). Further subjects are national and international standardisation as well as education and training.

New cleaning-, disinfecting- and sterilisation-processes

• Renewal and maintenance of functionalities and hygiene
• Renewable finishings and coatings (e.g. soil-release, nano based UV-absorbers, conductive systems, antimicrobial systems)
• Sustainable cleaning, disinfecting and sterilisation
  • Physicochemical processes (e.g. electrochemical and thermal systems, laser, plasma)
  • Chemical processes (e.g. cleavable surfactants, nano based cleaning aids)
  • Biochemical and und biological processes (e.g. extremophile enzymes, cleaning with micro organisms)
• Process- and machine technology
• New solvents (e.g. carbon dioxide, ionic liquids)

Monitoring-methods

• Quick methods for the evaluation of cleaning- and disinfecting efficiency as well as hygiene status
• Non destructive quality test methods
• RFID-technology

Hygiene- und quality management

• Quality parameters
• Appropriate targets
• Validation

Education and vocational training

• E-learning, online modules, in-company learning
  • Modules for hygiene training in cleaning service enterprises (LEONARDO DA VINCI HygTrain)
• Integration into national and European education systems

Research Projects in Progress

Development of a biochemical self check system for the evaluation of the barrier effect of surgical textiles
IGF-Forschungsprojekt 16629 N

New hygiene services in medical device cleaning and reprocessing by the use of liquid carbon dioxide and extremophile enzymes; Deutsches Teilprojekt: Entwicklung neuer Niedrigtemperaturverfahren zur Reinigung, Desinfektion und Sterilisation von Medizinprodukten unter Verwendung von flüssigem Kohlendioxid und extremophilen Enzymen
CORNET-Research Project 32 EN

Development of renewable and slip resistant care coatings for ceramic floorings in water-loaded barefoot areas as well as of a mobile system for the determination of the slip resistance
IGF-Research Project 16556 N

Development of a rapid method for process control of surface disinfection based on enzymatic detection of apathogens
IGF-Research Project 16490 N

Mobile system for improving the cleaning properties of elastic floorings by functionalisation with low temperature atmospheric plasma
IGF-Research Project 16259 N

Development of a self confining laser process for the removal of temporary floor care products
IGF-Research Project 16241 BG

Advanced CO_2 -cleaning as an ecological process technology
EU-FP7-SME-2007-Projekt 222051

Sustainable measures for industrial laundry expansion strategies: SMART Laundry-2015
EU-FP7-SME-2007-Projekt 217809

Development of a process for the hydrophobi­sa­tion or oleo­phobisation of textiles in liquid carbon dioxide
IGF-Research Project 16071 N

Development of gentle, effective an environmentally friendly reprocessing procedures for business wear using psychrophilic enzymes
IGF-Research Project 16070 N

Development of quick detection methods for press- and process water germs from laundries within self control systems (with BPI)
IGF-Research Project 16067 N

Cleaning process based on thixotropic soil-release gels for the removal strongly adhesive industrial soilings
IGF-Research Project 15911 N

Cleaning and disinfection of work shoes from the field of PPE
IGF-Research Project 15910 N

Development of a photocatalytic disinfecting and treatment method for process water reuse in textile service companies
IGF-Research Project 15713 N

Finalised Research Projects

Research Projects which have been finalised during the last years are listed in the following. The complete research reports as well as information on projects which were finalised earlier are available on request from wfk.

Development of a biological, environmentally friendly pre-cleaning process for laundering of heavily soiled work wear with soil decomposing bacteria
AiF-Research Project 15492 N

Development of a validated, residue-free and mobile disinfection process for surfaces in hygienically demanding clean rooms based on cold atmospheric plasmas
AiF-Research Project 15469 N

Development of care processes for conductive floorings
AiF-Research Project 15272 N

Development of a mobile plasma cleaning method for facades
AiF-Research Project 15271 N

Modification und transfer of the results of the Leonardo da Vinci-Project D/03/B/F/PP-146 082 on the education and training of cleaning service providers in the field of the appropriate application of the European Directive No. 852/2004 on food hygiene
Leonardo da Vinci project DE/07/LLP-LdV/TOI/147065     (Flyer)

Development of textile-based roller paddings for rotary ironers (with STFI, Chemnitz and ITA, Aachen)
AiF-Research Project 15246 BG

Development of reprocessing methods for the renewal of the conductive properties of protective clothing for clean room areas and industrial explosion controlled areas by tem-porary conductive finishings
AiF-Research Project 15177 N

Development of a procedure to protect the fluorescent dyes in high-visibility warning clothing (EN 471 and EN 471/343) against UV-radiation by application of a nano-finish during the rinsing process
AiF-Research Project 15134 N

Development of an electrochemical low temperature process for bleaching and disinfection of work wear as a part of the reprocessing
AiF-Research Project IGF 15133 N

Development of an easy to use and fast bio-monitoring method for validation of disinfecting washing processes in the context of an intraplant self-controlling
AiF-Research Project 15121 N

Development of a rapid method analyse hygienic relevant residues for validation of preparation processes of textiles from hygienic exacting areas using proteins as guide characteristic parameter
AiF-Research Project 15120 N

New business opportunities in hygiene for health
Interreg III A Project

Development of a process for the temporary coating of elastic floorings based on modified photocatalytic metal oxides for improving the sustainability of cleaning and disinfection
AiF-Research Project 15110 N

Development of a PCR based high-speed method for proof and documentation of a requirement-fair surface cleaning and disinfection in accordance with the new RKI guideline
AiF-Research Project 14974 N

Development of economical and environmentally friendly biochemical bleaching and disinfecting processes using enzymatic systems
AiF-Research Project 14713 N

Development of safely disinfecting and validated finish processes
AiF-Research-Project 14673 N

Development of a Mobile System for the Determination of the Slip Resistance on Floors under Operating Conditions in order to Optimize the Cleaning and Care Methods According to the New BGR 181
AiF-Research Project 14619 N in cooperation with PFI, Pirmasens

Development of an effective and economical lasercleaning process to remove temporary floor care products
AiF-Research Project 187 ZBG

Development of a rapid-response method for the detection of pathogenic germs within in self-control systems in order to improve the competitiveness of textile service enterprises
AiF-Research Project 14460 N

Development of training modules on the sustainability of commercial cleaning processes
EU-Leonardo da Vinci-Project No. PP 146 360

Development of a disinfecting carbon dioxide cleaning process for sensitive materials using shoes for hygienically demanding fields as an example and of a commercially reprocessable model of a work shoe
AiF-Research Project 14374 N

Development of a safe, validated and economical cleaning process based on optimised wiping processes in combination with the application of carbon dioxide for surfaces in clean rooms
AiF-Research Project 14194 N

Development of economical laundering processes with optimised water-, energy- and detergent consumption to achieve an appropriate particle content for operating theatre textiles
BMBF-Research Project 0330466

Development of an economical, safe and environmentally friendly decontamination process for cleanroom textiles for demanding areas using liquid carbon dioxide and modifiers
AiF-Research Project 14331 N

Development of laundering processes based on cleavable surfactants for the minimisation of residual surfactants on surgical textiles and protective clothing in order to improve the profitabilityof textile rental services
AiF-Research Project 14110 N

Development of an ice-blast cleaning process for heavily soiled hard surfaces in industrial, commercial and public areas
AiF-Research Project 14143 N

Development of a method for a temporary soil release finishing of work wear used in varnishing and other fields with difficult to remove soilings
AiF-Research Project 13875 N

Development of a Method to Bind in Cytotoxics and Other Highly Effective Drugs Physically with the Aid of Gels and Foams for the Decontamination and Sampling of Surfaces (in Cooperation with the VEU, Duisburg and the DIL, Quakenbrück)
AiF-Research Project 99 ZN

Development of a cleaning method for the safe and economical removal of highly effective drugs on surfaces in hospitals using cytotoxics as an example (in cooperation with the VEU, Duisburg)
AiF-Research Project 13711 N

Development of an educational and advanced training module for the appropriate conversion of the new standard EN14065 for introducing the RABC-System
Leonardo da Vinci-2-Project D/03/B/F/PP-146 082

Development of a non destructive quick extraction method for the determination of micro-organisms and residual substances on laundered textiles within self control systems
AiF-Research Project 13613 N

Development of a method for the economical validation of laundering processes for protective clothing in laundries
AiF-Research Project 13487 N

Development of appropriate RABC-limits and of a safe and economical process technology for the reprocessing of textiles from areas with special hygiene requirements
AiF-Research Project 13466 N

Optimisation of the process technology using hydrocarbon solvents (HCS) in dry-cleaning - with special regard to mechanical action
AiF-Research Project 13465 N

Development of an effective and economical carbon dioxide snow cleaning process for heavily soiled industrial areas
AiF-Research Project 13464 N

Determination of Realtionships Between Machine Parameters on the one Hand and Cleaning Quality and Performance per Time Unit on the other Hand for Elastic Floors - Basis for an Appropriate Determination of the Cleaning Technique for a Given Cleaning Task
AiF-Research Project 13132 N

Development of a Cleaning Process for the Removal of Anti-Cancer Drugs from the Respective Packages
AiF-Research Project 13030 N

Development of a Safe an Economical Process for the Removal of Pesticides from Work Wear Used in Agriculture - A New Interesting Business for Industrial Laundries
Bavaria Research Project No. 0703/89260/693/01

Development of Gentle Low Temperature Processes with Sufficient Germ Reduction in Order to Open up a New Market Potential for Textile Services
AiF-Research Project 12867 N

Performance and Hand Properties of Woollen Fabrics with Regard to New Cleaning Methods with Special Concern to Hydrocarbon Solvents and Aqueous Media (Wetcleaning)
AiF-Research Project 12321 N

Optimisation of Cleaning Processes for Medical Instruments Used in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)
AiF-Research Project 15 ZN

Development of a realistic testing method for determination of penetrability of surgical and chemical protective clothing against fluids and micro-organisms
AiF-Research Project 12466 N

Development of a Method for a Realistic Determination of the Relevant Particle Content of Cleanroom Textiles in Order to Minimise Reprocessing Costs
AiF-Research Project 12430 N

Optimisation of Cleaning Service by Building Maintenance Companies with Regard to Lifetime of Care Filmings and Floorings - Determination of Optimisation of the Wear Properties of Film Layers and Resilient Floorings
AiF-Research Project 12346 N

Optimum Process Conditions for the Removal of Stains in Liquid Carbon Dioxide Using Enzymes
AiF-Research Project 12335 N

Development of efficient processes for disinfecting apparel from old people´s and nursing homes
AiF-Research Project 12324 N

Development of a Novel, Safe and Environmentally Friendly Alternative for Stain Removal in Textile Production
Bavaria Reserach Project No. 07 03/685 60/32/98

Minimisation of Soil Based Hazardous Substances in Washed Work Wear with Heavy Metals as an Example
AiF-Research Project 12049 N

Reliability of Made-Up Articles of Textile Laminates with Regard to Re-Usable Operation Theatre Textiles
AiF-Research Project 11973 N

Minimisation of Fresh Water Demand in Continuous Batch Washer Machines by the Application of a Rinse Sensor Based on Turbidity Measurements
AiF-Research Project 11911 N

Application of Ultrasonic for Acceleration of Drying in Textile Care
AiF-Research Project 11867 N

Optimising Floor Care Processes to Reduce Slip Resistance Problems of Floorings - Development of a Reasonable Slippage Test Method
AiF-Research Project 11754 N

Improvement of the Care Properties of Non-Polar Floorings Consisting of Polyolefins
AiF-Research Project 11753 N

Treatment of Rinse Waters with the Aim to Re-Use them in the Last Rinse of Continuous Batch Washers to Substitute Fresh Water
AiF-Research Project 11288 N

Improvement of Bleach and Disinfection by the Application of Pre-Activated Hydrogen Peroxide / Activator Systems
AiF-Research Project 11287 N

Adaptation of the ATP Bioluminescence Method for Use as a Fast Method for Evaluating Re-Infection Risks in Commercial Laundries
Bavaria Reserach Project No. 07 03/685 60/32/98

Development of a Process Integrated Tunnel Finisher for Highly Efficient Quality Finishing of Industrial Textiles
CRAFT Project No.: BRE-S2-5128

Application of High-Frequency Electromagnetic Waves to Accelerate Bleaching and Disinfection in Textile Washing
AiF Research Project No. 11084 N

Constructional Principles for Re-Usable Textiles with High Water Absorbency on the Basis of Voluminous Pile Fleece Materials for Decubitus Prophylactics
AiF Research Project No. 11078 B

Development of a Waste Water Free and Material Saving Method to Remove Polymer and Wax Coatings from Floor Coverings
AiF Research Project No. 11067 N

Optimization of the Finishing Technique after Professional Washing of Garments (WETCLEAN)
AiF Research Project No. 10922 B / ROEDEL

Development of a Test Method to Improve the Disinfection Safety of Washing Procedures
AiF Research Project No. 10921 B

Basic Investigation for the Optimisation of Hospital Textiles in the Ward Area with Regard to Functionality, Ergonomy and Textile Care
AiF Research Project No. 10864 B

Reduction of Surfactant Residues on Textiles for Medical Application
AiF Research Project No. 10570

Optimization of the Mechanical Hydro Extraction Technique for Reducing Energy Demand for Drying and Damage of Modern Textiles
AiF Research Project No. 10569

Investigation of Fundamental Principles for On-Line Monitoring of the Particle Content when Washing Clean Room Clothing for Hospitals and for Industries with Similar Requirements
AiF Research Project No. 10568

Optimisation in Mechanical Burnishing and Spray Buffing of Resilient Floor Coverings with Regard to High-Speed Techniques
AiF Research Project No.: 10254 N

New Process Technology for Cleaning Heavily Soiled Work Wear Applying Halogene Free Organic Solvents
CRAFT Project No. BRE2.CT94.1483

Investigation of the Influence of Process and Specific Textile Parameters on the Quality and Quantity of Emissions by Dry-Cleaning Machines Applying Hydrocarbon Solvents: Risk Assessment and Development of Monitoring Systems
AiF Research Project No. 10219

Improvement of the Work Wear Detergency by Applying Non-Permanent and Reversible Soil Release Finishes during the Wash or Rinse Operation
AiF-Research Project 10186

In Situ Generation of Bleaching Agents by Electrochemical Processes
AiF-Research Project 10185

Investigations on the Development of Novel Transport Mechanisms for Calendering and Drying Flat Linen (Part I: Fundamental Investigations)
AIF Research Project No. 10075 B

Detergency Improvement for Heavily Soiled Work Wear by Influencing the Phase Transitions of Technical Surfactants Mixtures
AIF Research Project No. 10067

Research on the Cleanability of Resilient Floor Coverings Through the Characterisation of the Surface Properties to Facilitate the Selection of Optimal Cleaning and Maintenance Methods
AiF Research Project no. 10001

We would like to thank the Research Association of the German Textile Industry (Forschungskuratorium Textil e.V.), the European Cleaning and Hygiene Technology Research Association (Europäische Forschungsgemeinschaft Reinigungs- und Hygienetechnologie e.V.), the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Industrieller Forschungsvereinigungen e.V.), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the European Union, the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and all funding organisations for supporting the research projects.