Abstract: The invention provides a method for automatically washing, disinfecting and/or sterilizing health care equipment and/or cooking and catering utensils. The method includes the steps of placing the equipment to be washed in an enclosure; introducing a first electrochemically activated aqueous solution into the enclosure; and either sequentially or simultaneously introducing a second electrochemically activated aqueous solution into the enclosure. The first solution is characterised therein that it has dispersing or surfactant characteristics for at least partially dispersing a biofilm, pathogenic microorganisms, contamination or the like. The second solution is characterised therein that it has biocidal characteristics for killing microorganisms and disinfecting and/or sterilizing the equipment. The invention also extends to an apparatus for use in the above method.