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We often wash our clothes at low temperatures to protect the fabrics and their colors from damage. 30 or 40 degrees Celsius is sufficient to remove stains and refresh clothes. However, this temperature may not be effective in removing microbes from fabrics. Washing at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius and using a detergent that contains bleach significantly reduces microbes. During infection, it is recommended to wash even at higher temperatures.
Does high-temperature washing remove bacteria?
Most of the bacteria are killed in 60 degrees Celsius. However, even this temperature or higher cannot remove all of them. The only positive move is washing clothes for allergy sufferers at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, such a temperature effectively eliminates house dust mites. Washing at lower temperatures kills only 6 percent. these parasites.
During the period of illness, we should wash our clothes at higher temperatures. The same should be done with work clothes, medical and laboratory gowns. Remember, however, that not all bacteria on our clothes will be dangerous to us. You should not try to remove them all at all costs.
How is it safer to wash at low temperatures?
Some clothes are not suitable for washing at higher temperatures, they are too delicate. You can follow a few simple rules to reduce the amount of batteries on your clothes after washing. Wash delicate clothes separately and use detergents designed to be washed at a given temperature. You should often wash the detergent containers and clean the washing machine, or set empty to the washing program at 90 degrees Celsius. You should focus on cleaning the door seals, as well as the filters, which often contain large amounts of microbes. After washing, you do not need to close the door of a damp washing machine to ensure adequate air circulation.
Check also: Safe household detergents – which one to choose?
In addition, ironing reduces the amount of bacteria living on clothes. Use also matters bleaches and detergents. Detergents containing surfactants damage the membranes and cell walls of bacteria by killing them. The bleach contains chlorine, which destroys the structure of microbial proteins. The addition of essential oils with antibacterial properties, such as tea tree oil, to the final rinse helps eliminate microbes.
The most important part of washing at low temperatures, however, is a good washing machine. It is best to choose one that has a special program for allergy sufferers.
Appropriate combinations of washed fabrics
Do not wash clothes, underwear, towels together with rags, napkins, tablecloths. If we choose this combination together, bacteria that will not die can easily transfer to fabrics for other purposes. Microorganisms on our body, found on towels, can remain on the cloth after washing, and as a result, they easily enter our digestive tract.
Low temperature washing – summary
The safest solution is frequent washing of heat-resistant fabrics at 60 degrees Celsius. Delicate clothes should be washed separately, at lower temperatures, so as not to damage them. However, the most important element is being adequately frequent cleaning the washing machine, complete with gaskets and a container for detergents.
You must know that too:
- Safe and healthy washing – 10 rules you need to remember
- Cleaning products for allergy sufferers – which are they safe?
- The most dangerous domestic pests