Anti-bacterial washing machines using tiny silver particles have become a standard household item in both the domestic and global markets as controversy over their effectiveness has shriveled over time.
The silver-wash machines use the metal substance either to coat the washing drums, or to create ion particles that dissolve in water and kill germs. Since 2004, manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have claimed that those silver-washing technologies are capable of eliminating 99.9 percent harmful bacteria.
Samsung said on Friday that sales of its Hauzen Silver- Nano washing machines rose by 35 percent from May to June in South Korea, roughly accounting for 20 percent of the domestic market.
All of LG’s washing machines have been equipped with silver-coated drums since last year, according to a sales manager at its southern Seoul branch.
Koreans are not the only consumers who are attracted to the new technology. According to Samsung, the silverwash machines accounted for 26 percent of the company’s total washing machine sales in Europe last month, a noticeable jump from 12 percent in January.
Consumer agencies have been expressing doubt over the silver washers. The Korea Consumer Protection Board said last November that Samsung is exaggerating the effectiveness of the product as ordinary washers can also wash off more than 99 percent of germs from laundry. However, no punitive actions have been taken so far.
The companies expect the wet weather in early summer would further help boost the sales of the anti-bacterial washing machines.
“In summer, laundry tends to have bad smells after being washed, even if it is dried,” said Kim Hyung-kyun, vice president of Samsung’s washing machine R&D part. “The silver-nano washers greatly reduce odors and prevent multiplication of germs with its superior anti-bacterial effect.”
From The Korean Times
