| SUMMARY | 5.0 |
WASHING CLOTHES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Here you’ll discover how to wash your clothes to minimize the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus to your family. Many germs, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, can be transmitted through contaminated clothing and towels. Some experts say that simply hanging the items to dry for 24 hours is enough to eliminate the virus; however, this information is still controversial, as depending on the type of fabric, the virus may remain for longer. To avoid further problems and be 100% sure that your clothes will be virus-free, here are some tips and precautions to take:
Will my washing machine keep COVID-19 under control?
If you are washing items that are lightly soiled and that you consider low-risk, meaning they haven’t come into contact with any known infection (no contact in clinics and/or hospitals), then your washing machine and regular laundry detergent are excellent tools in the fight against the virus. Hot water along with your laundry detergent, rinsing, and spinning are very effective at eliminating and removing viral loads.
How to wash your clothes during the pandemic.
Wash at the highest possible temperature (if your garment’s care label allows). This reduces the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Normally, washing clothes in cold water is recommended because it makes them last longer, but to reduce the risk of contamination, it’s better to wash clothes at higher temperatures. The most suitable temperature for washing clothes without risking damage is 60°C; for towels, you can raise this temperature. If you are washing clothes by hand, try washing them at the hottest temperature you can tolerate.
Wash clothing that poses a risk at temperatures above 60°C.
Clothing that has been exposed to bodily fluids – such as blood, vomit, sweat, and feces, including clothing worn over an open wound – can spread the virus rapidly. This means you should wash your workout equipment, towels, underwear, and especially reusable diapers and baby clothes at 70°C or higher. Heavily soiled clothing and clothing used for food preparation should be washed separately, and even if you are exercising at home, do not reuse your sweaty clothes; put them in the wash as soon as possible.
Consider using bleach.
Follow the instructions on your laundry label; bleach will not only help keep your clothes whiter, but it will also keep the virus inactive. Many detergents already contain color-safe bleaching agents, so check the box or bottle of your laundry detergent and, if it doesn’t, consider switching to one that does.
Do not share towels.
Sharing towels is one of the biggest mistakes you can make regarding personal hygiene and one of the easiest ways to spread germs from person to person. This also includes hand and face towels – even if you have just washed your hands.
Let your clothes dry thoroughly on the clothesline.
Viruses spread more easily through wet and damp surfaces, so make sure your clothes are completely dry after washing to minimize the risk of contamination. A clothes dryer is an ideal tool for eliminating viruses; if you can use one, do so.
Don’t take risks and stay calm.
All proper cleaning procedures, such as: powerful detergents, disinfection, spin-drying, and drying, are carried out consistently at Clean Express Laundry, and our equipment is more effective than a domestic washing machine. Want 100% certainty that your clothes are free of any germs or viruses? Come to Clean Express Laundry!
