Did you know that bacteria can spread very easily when washing clothes? If you want to avoid it, write down these tricks to prevent germs from rampant in your clothes and your washing machine.
The washing machine can accumulate an enormous amount of microbes. Many of the clothes we wash are full of bacteria and the interior of the appliance presents ideal conditions for their spread, such as constant humidity and a suitable temperature.
Dr. Chuck Gerba from the University of Arizona (USA) carried out a study to find out what happens to germs when clothes are washed in the washing machine. His team analyzed the inside of 100 washing machines and found that the majority (more than 75%) contained bacteria.
Specific, more than 60% tested positive for coliform bacteria due to fecal contamination, and another 20% of them had staph. According to their analysis, most of these microbes come from underwear, as well as dish towels, sponges and other cleaning supplies that go through the washing machine.
What happens is that the germs remain in the washing machine because they are not removed in the wash cycles with cold or warm water. The researchers found that if the water temperature is not high enough and appropriate products are not used, bacteria contaminate all laundry, machine and subsequent loads.
In addition, the team also found that the hands of the person doing the laundry and the top of the washing machine were also contaminated by handling the wet clothes impregnated with microbes.
In view of these results, it is very important to follow some tricks to prevent the spread of bacteria in the washing machine. Clorox Laundry Expert Mary Gagliardi gives us some keys to prevent the clothes and the washing machine from becoming contaminated.
First of all, it is recommended to wash underwear, kitchen towels and cloths, scourers and other cleaning tools with hot water. For the rest of the garments, also choose the highest temperature that the fabric supports.
Use bleach whenever possible when washing underwear and rags. In case the fabric is not suitable for bleach, add other disinfectant products for clothes, like this one from Mercadona.
Proper maintenance of the appliance is also vitally important. Clean the inside of the washing machine periodically, without forgetting the rubber or the upper part.
Another trick you can try is to run a no-load wash cycle with cold water and bleach to thoroughly disinfect the inside of the washer.