Introduction to the Hidden Dangers of Washing Machines

Talk about a dirty little secret. One everyday appliance — a staple of domestic hygiene — may actually be harboring microscopic nasties that no amount of disinfectant can scrub away.

The Unexpected Culprit: Washing Machines

This staple of domestic hygiene could be harboring harmful bacteria, a new study says. magdal3na – stock.adobe.com
While you might be eyeballing your toilet or your trash can, a new study says it’s actually your washing machine that could be teeming with antibiotic-resistant superbugs — and, shockingly, using detergent may only be making them stronger.

How Washing Machines Harbor Bacteria

Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the study tested several machines and found that — even when set to hot — half of home washing machines don’t achieve high enough temperatures to effectively kill bacteria.
Even worse, common cleaning chemicals such as bleach-based disinfectants and antibacterial detergents may actually tip the evolutionary scales in the bacteria’s favor by eliminating weaker microbes while letting the resilient ones multiply.

The Risks of Cross-Contamination

While hospitals have long known the risk of cross-contamination through laundry, this new research highlights how the average home washer may be quietly cultivating a similar microbial threat.
And with cold or eco-friendly cycles on the rise, many households are inadvertently making things worse, as most bugs can survive washes under 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Previous Incidents of Superbug Outbreaks

This isn’t the first time sickening superbugs in washing machines have made headlines.
Detergent might actually be eliminating weaker microbes while letting the resilient ones multiply. phurinee – stock.adobe.com
In 2019, harmful pathogens were discovered in the knitted caps and socks used to keep babies warm in the ICU — the bacteria was traced back to the German hospital’s energy-saving washing machines.

The Implications for Household Use

At the time, researchers said this had “implications for household use of washers” as “resistance genes, as well as different microorganisms, can persist in domestic washing machines at those reduced temperatures.”
More recently, content creator @thatcleanhome shocked her followers by revealing just how gross her washing machine turned out to be when she put it through an empty self-cleaning cycle.

Mitigating the Risks

Researchers recommend cleaning your washing machine regularly and getting it replaced every four years. Igor – stock.adobe.com
To mitigate the risks, the researchers of this new study advise shooting for temperatures above 158 degrees Fahrenheit — especially if you’re washing clothing that is likely to be heavily soiled or bacteria-laden, such as the hospital clothing worn by healthcare workers.
They also recommend cleaning your washing machine regularly and getting it replaced every four years.
If possible, you might want to steer clear of doing your laundry at home altogether and opt for professional laundry cleaning services instead, they said.

Conclusion

The findings of this study are a wake-up call for households to reassess their laundry practices and take steps to minimize the risk of harboring superbugs in their washing machines. By understanding the risks and taking preventive measures, we can reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and keep our homes cleaner and healthier.

FAQs

• Q: What is the ideal temperature for washing clothes to kill bacteria?
  A: The ideal temperature for washing clothes to kill bacteria is above 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Q: How often should I clean my washing machine?
  A: It is recommended to clean your washing machine regularly and get it replaced every four years.
• Q: Can using detergent make bacteria stronger?
  A: Yes, using certain detergents, especially those with bleach or antibacterial agents, can eliminate weaker microbes and allow stronger, more resilient bacteria to multiply.
• Q: Are cold or eco-friendly wash cycles safe?
  A: Most bacteria can survive washes under 140 degrees Fahrenheit, making cold or eco-friendly cycles potentially risky if you’re trying to kill bacteria.
• Q: Should I consider professional laundry services?
  A: If possible, opting for professional laundry cleaning services might be a good idea, especially for heavily soiled or bacteria-laden items.