Are You Washing Germs or Spreading Them at Home?
If you’re a nurse, doctor, or healthcare worker who washes your work clothes at home, you might unknowingly be bringing harmful germs into your house. A recent study suggests that home washing machines may not be effective in killing dangerous bacteria, especially those resistant to antibiotics. This can put your family and even your patients at risk.
The Study: Germs Survive Even Hot Washes
Researchers from De Montfort University, led by Dr. Katie Laird, tested six different types of household washing machines. They washed pieces of contaminated fabric using both rapid and normal hot wash cycles. Surprisingly, half of the machines failed to fully disinfect clothes on a quick wash, and a third didn’t clean properly even on regular cycles.
What's Hiding Inside Your Washing Machine?
The researchers didn’t just test the clothes. They also looked inside 12 washing machines and discovered biofilms thin layers where bacteria can live and multiply. Using advanced DNA testing, they found potentially harmful bacteria and genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Some bacteria were even found to be resistant to common laundry detergents.
What Needs to Change?
The researchers believe it’s time to revise guidelines for laundering healthcare uniforms. They recommend that uniforms should ideally be cleaned using industrial-grade washing machines at healthcare facilities, which are more powerful and reliable than home machines. This can help reduce the spread of infections and protect both healthcare workers and patients.
Expert Warning: Time to Rethink Laundry Practices
“Our research shows that home washing machines often fail to disinfect clothing,” the study authors said. “If we want to stop the spread of infections and fight antibiotic resistance, we must rethink how we wash the uniforms of healthcare professionals.”
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
