Washing clothes at home seems pretty normal, right? Well, new research suggests that medical professionals laundering their uniforms at home might be unknowingly spreading superbugs.
Professor Katie Laird from De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, found that even washing at a warm water setting of about 140 degrees Fahrenheit doesn’t completely eliminate possibly harmful bacteria.
Laird remarked, “Our research highlights that laundry done at home with healthcare textiles may not effectively remove harmful bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics.”
The study tested six different washing machine models to assess how well they cleaned fabrics known to harbor bacteria linked to various health issues.
Interestingly, half the machines failed to sanitize clothes even during rapid cycles, and a third didn’t perform well in standard cycles. This raises concerns about the risks of laundering medical uniforms at home, particularly regarding the spread of antibiotic resistance in both community and hospital environments.
Moreover, Laird pointed out that home washing machines might become hotspots for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. She also noted that regular domestic detergents could lead to the growth of resistant strains.
The study revealed that, even if healthcare workers follow all protocols, around half of the tested machines didn’t reach the necessary temperatures for effective disinfection.
“What this indicates is that following all the guidelines won’t guarantee the removal of all harmful bacteria,” Laird added.
Potential gaps and improvements
This research involved non-healthcare personnel, so it’s possible the bacteria found in healthcare settings could be different. However, those working in healthcare might have higher levels of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their home washing machines.
Laird suggested that healthcare professionals and their organizations reassess policies about washing uniforms at home. She advocates for in-house laundry practices or using external industrial laundry services to improve infection control.
As an additional tip, the team recommends using disinfectant in washing machines at least once a month. They advise performing empty washes at around 194 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain cleanliness.
Laird emphasized, “When doing laundry at home, it’s crucial to follow guidelines closely, such as using the right temperatures and detergents to reduce risks.” They also highlighted that effective laundry practices are vital but should be part of a broader strategy that includes cautious antibiotic use, strong infection control measures, and public education on hygiene and antibiotic resistance.
