Patent ID: 7517413

Claim:
A process for remediation of microfloral propagation and biofilm development on internal laundering surfaces of a washing machine that are oxidatively sensitive, comprising the steps of: a. exposing the laundering surfaces, in the absence of fabric and detergent, to a cleaning solution comprising: i. a halogen-based oxidant at a level between about 200 to 2500 ppm; ii. an effective level of an alkaline builder selected from the group consisting of silicates, phosphates, carbonates, and mixtures thereof; wherein said effective level of said alkaline builder is that amount capable of reducing the effects of corrosion of said halogen-based oxidant on said laundering surfaces; and iii. less than 200 ppm of a halogen stable surfactant; wherein step (a) provides a contact duration of the cleaning solution with said laundry surfaces of at least 3 minutes, and wherein step (a) is conducted with said cleaning solution at a temperature of at least 30° C.; b. exhausting the cleaning solution from said laundering surfaces; and c. rinsing the laundry surfaces with an aqueous solution comprising less than 200 ppm of said halogen-based oxidant; wherein the laundry trommel of said washing device is oriented in a non-vertical alignment.