We are searching data for your request:
Upon completion, a link will appear to access the found materials.
All germs are only killed at 60 degrees
We wash our laundry so that it gets clean. However, microorganisms that pose a risk of infection can spread in the washing machine. Dirk Bockmühl, professor of hygiene and microbiology at the Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences emphasizes that we should wash our laundry every now and then at 60 degrees so that pathogenic germs cannot multiply.
A washing machine should actually clean clothes - but at the same time it can also become a spinner. The best remedy: heat, at least once in a while. This is the only way to reliably kill disease-causing microorganisms, explains Dirk Bockmühl, professor of hygiene and microbiology at the Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, in the magazine "Good Health" (issue 1/2020).
Healthy people have nothing to fear
As a rule, the likelihood of being infected via the washing machine is relatively low. Healthy people with an intact immune system do not have to overdo bacterial control. The situation is different, however, if someone lives in the household with limited immunity: babies, for example, seniors, pregnant women or people with immunodeficiency. And even if something contagious cures at home - diarrhea or athlete's foot, for example - it is better to be safe than sorry.
In such cases, the expert recommends the colored or boil wash program at 60 degrees and a washing powder with bleach - that is, no liquid detergent. Hygienic flushers are rather unsuitable for controlling bacteria because they are powerless against some pathogens such as intestinal bacteria.
Eco wash program is not always the best choice
And an eco-wash program is not the right way in such cases, says Bockmühl. In practice, the actual temperature is often lower than 60 degrees. The manufacturers compensate for this with longer durations, but pathogens are mostly unaffected. (sb; source: dpa / tmn)
Author and source information
