Clean living is important for people nowadays. They are conscious about their health, so they do things that keep their bodies in the best shape like drinking protein shakes, eating a balanced diet, and going to the gym to exercise. Yet in spite of all those efforts to maintain body equilibrium, people are still getting sick no matter what.
Why is this happening?
A recent study reveals the culprit: the sick laundry cycle phenomenon</a>. Unbelievable, right? People can now get diseases from the manner on how they do their laundry.
So far, homeowners thought that they have mastered the art of doing the laundry, doing the following activities like:
Purchasing the best laundry aids like detergent, and fabric softener.
Sorting the clothes according to type.
Putting in the right amount of detergent and/or softener
The question is: how clean are these clothes right after being laundered in the washing machine? So far, the clothes look clean to the naked eye. Don’t be fooled by appearances. Studies have revealed that even after washing clothes, a small percentage of bacteria called Escherichia coli were found inside the washer. Where did this come from? From fecal matter in the underwear. The same microorganism was also found in clean underwear that has been properly washed. What a scary thought.
Health experts conclude that changes in laundering methods have contributed to the sick laundry cycle phenomenon. The following activities have led to the increase of bacteria in doing laundry such as -
Using cold water can save money, and electricity, but it will not kill the bacteria that are in the clothes. A study reveals that not all bacteria are killed with lower water temperatures.
Use of milder detergents which contain a cocktail of toxic ingredients, but no real power to destroy bacteria.
Dirty washing machines can eventually lead to the growth of bacteria and mold inside the washer, causing a cross contamination between clothes.
Here are some tips to follow to end the vicious sick laundry cycle:
Sort the clean clothes from the dirty ones. Clothes that come in direct contact with the skin are the most contaminated. Examples of these are towels, face towels, underwear, and shirts.
Wash rags separately.
Wash underwear separately, with hot water, and bleach. This kills the bacteria present.
Wash bed sheets, and pillow cases with hot water, preferably in 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This removes the dust and allergens that may have gathered in them. Dust mites are the causes of allergies. They are usually found in beds, and pillows.
Drain the washer and clean it afterward with a disinfectant. Air dry the washer so that bacteria will not thrive and grow in it. The presence of mold is indicative of the presence of bacteria inside the washer.
Choose environment-friendly products. These products don’t give people allergies, and skin irritations. Current detergent brands available at local groceries, and home improvement stores often carry harsh chemicals that harm nature. Some have carcinogens or cancer-inducing ingredients
Keep the laundry area dry. Disinfect it when possible.
Gone are the days of the sick laundry cycle. It’s not too late to start over and opt for healthy ways of doing laundry, the right way.