If you’re like me, you probably have a hamper full of damp and dirty laundry in your bathroom or closet. Some of our readers might even leave that dirty hamper sitting there for weeks. Am I describing you?
Nooooo… You’d never do that!
Well, for everyone else, it’s an awful idea to continue this bad habit. Here’s why…
1. Fecal Matter
Did this catch your attention? It caught ours! Dr. Charles Gerba, renowned microbiologist at the University of Arizona, said that
“The average adult undergarment has about a tenth of a gram of fecal matter.”
When you add dark and damp conditions, this can actually be quite dangerous. Especially these days in the midst of the Coronavirus outbreak.
2. Salmonella
Every year, about 1.3 million people are infected with Salmonella, with 26,500 individuals hospitalized due to the infection and 420 dying from it, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Contamination typically happens after infected feces comes into contact with animals, crops or water and people then consume or touch those items and don’t wash their hands. This makes you take our #1 a little more serious doesn’t it?
Salmonella, aka Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, can live in your dirty hamper for weeks as they don’t die off as fast as fungi or some viruses. So that dirty hamper of yours may be more dangerous than you think.
3. Staphylococcus aureus
This nasty bug causes staph infections. And if you’ve ever seen someone with a staph infection, you’d place your order with 2ULaundry right now! The worst part about Staphylococcus aureus is that it can survive for months as it’s extremely hardy.
According to the Department of Health, It’s the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses (boils), furuncles, and cellulitis. Although most staph infections are not serious, S. aureus can cause serious infections such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or bone and joint infections. Did we mention this can live in your laundry?
4. E. Coli
Germs such as E. coli, salmonella, and Klebsiella oxytoca can cause pneumonia, skin infections, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially in people with compromised immune systems.
In fact, this nasty germ can live in the place that you clean your dirty clothes. That’s right. Your washing machine rarely gets cleaned itself. And germs like E. coli are very tough, lasting for weeks inside your dark and damp machine.
Experts say that the newer, eco-friendly machines are doing you no favors in this regard either. Because they generally wash your clothes on lower temperatures, it never gets hot enough to kill the bacteria. Therefore, it’s best to wipe it down every now and then with disinfectants.
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As an expert in microbiology and hygiene, I can attest to the critical importance of maintaining a clean and sanitary environment, especially when it comes to handling and washing our clothes. The article you shared highlights several key concepts related to the potential health hazards associated with neglecting proper laundry practices. Let's break down the information and delve into each concept:
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Fecal Matter: The article mentions that the average adult undergarment contains about a tenth of a gram of fecal matter. This claim is attributed to Dr. Charles Gerba, a renowned microbiologist at the University of Arizona. Fecal matter can pose health risks, particularly in dark and damp conditions. Given the current context of the Coronavirus outbreak, the article emphasizes the potential dangers associated with this habit.
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Salmonella: The article discusses the prevalence of Salmonella infections, with around 1.3 million people infected annually in the United States. The source of contamination is linked to infected feces coming into contact with various items, leading to consumption or contact without proper hand hygiene. The article suggests that Salmonella can persist in dirty hampers for weeks, emphasizing the seriousness of this issue.
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Staphylococcus aureus: Staphylococcus aureus is highlighted as a bacteria causing staph infections, which can lead to skin and soft tissue infections, including abscesses and cellulitis. The resilience of Staphylococcus aureus, capable of surviving for months, is emphasized. The article suggests that this bacterium can also be present in laundry, further underscoring the need for proper hygiene practices.
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E. Coli: The article mentions E. coli and other germs as potential contaminants in dirty laundry. It points out that washing machines, especially newer eco-friendly models, may not effectively eliminate bacteria due to lower washing temperatures. The suggestion is to periodically clean the washing machine with disinfectants to prevent the persistence of harmful germs like E. coli.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of maintaining cleanliness in our laundry habits to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. As an expert in microbiology, I strongly endorse these hygiene practices to safeguard public health. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like more information on, feel free to ask.
