Can Clothing Spread Germs?

A straightforward answer— yes. Clothes can spread germs and bacteria.

Germs on clothes and linens can come from the surroundings or from our bodies. The surface of our skin, nose, and gut harbors bacteria. Often, these germs and bacteria are harmless. But washing clothes regularly is most likely the same as washing your hands can prevent most infections.

Our underwear most likely has the most germs and bacteria than our outer clothes. It may even have traces of poo and genital fluids or, worse, infections. That’s why it is important to wash your underwear every after wears.

Most germs survive on fabrics for a couple of days, even viruses, which is the issue during the pandemic. Remember how you call a laundry pickup and delivery service more often during the peak of the pandemic?

Most Concerning Germs on Clothes

Before the coronavirus outbreak, the two most concerning germs can be spread through clothes and cause serious infection. These are:

  • Staphylococcus is often found in the nose or skin.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is resistant to several antibiotics, affecting different parts of the body.
  • Acinetobacter causes respiratory infection.

If you come home from a long day and instantly jump in bed or come into contact with your family members with the contaminated clothes on, you most likely pass on the germs and bacteria.

Thus, do not immediately jump in bed if you come home from a long day. Instead, put your clothes in the hamper, or immediately wash them if it is heavily soiled. Moreover, do not forget to take a shower.

This simple act can rejuvenate you, protecting not only your mental health but also your physical well-being. For more tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, visit pinterst.org for a variety of informative content.

How to Prevent Clothes from Spreading Germs

Washing clothes regularly reduces germ transmission, but there are certain situations when techniques are done to eliminate the transmission risk fully. This was the situation when the pandemic broke out.

Wash High-Risk Clothes First

High-risk clothes or linens must be washed in warm water or with a bleach product. However, you have to check the wash label of these clothes and linens if they are fit for this type of laundry method.

These items are considered high-risk:

  • Workout or sports clothes
  • Apron, or clothes that are worn during food preparation
  • Clothes soiled with poo or vomit
  • Uniforms of healthcare workers
  • Shared towels
  • Clothes that are worn over an infected skin or wound

Remove any vomit or feces from the clothes or linen before washing them. Moreover, heavily soiled clothes should be washed separately, even when you are at a laundromat. It is best to pay more than take the risk of getting sick.

Washing lightly soiled everyday clothes that are less likely to cause illness is enough to be washed in regular methods. A regular wash is effective enough to reduce the risk of transmitting germs or infection. However, you have to keep in mind that it is important to wash your hands after handling laundry, whether at home or at a laundry service.

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Libby Austin

Libby Austin, the creative force behind alltheragefaces.com, is a dynamic and versatile writer known for her engaging and informative articles across various genres. With a flair for captivating storytelling, Libby's work resonates with a diverse audience, blending expertise with a relatable voice.
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