The researchers from the UK claim that even the “cleanest” panties contain an average of 0.1 g faeces after low temperature laundry, thus being a bustling center of the bacteria that cause a variety of diseases. When mixed with other laundry, the bacteria move to the new “habitat.” For example, many housewives often wash towels for the face and hands together with underwear.
British expert in the field of health Dr. Lisa Ackerley argues that this forms the so-called “soup of bacteria”. She encourages housewives to pay more attention to this fact. Dr. Ackerley calls this phenomenon “Sick Laundry Cycle.”
According to Dr. Ackerley, consumers believe that after normal washing they get absolutely clean clothes, but that does not mean that they are hygienically clean. Recently, we have seen a trend of lowering the temperature and the amount of wash water, as well as using softer detergents. This has a negative influence on the efficiency of the washing process. As a result, harmful bacteria are not destroyed. Dr. Ackerley says it is time we reevaluated our washing hygiene.
Dr. Ackerley gives some tips on how to break out of the “Sick Laundry Cycle.” It is necessary to wash clothes at 90C at least once a month; white sheets, underwear and socks should be washed separately from towels for the face and hands, especially during low temperature laundry. Do not close the door of the washing machine as soon as you pull out your laundry – let the air suppress the growth of the bacteria inside. Clean the machine itself, its door and detergent containers regularly. Wash your hands thoroughly after removing wet clothes.
