Underwear that is washed at temperatures lower than 60 degrees can be full of bacteria in the parts that come into direct contact with intimate body parts, and experts explain how to properly wash this underwear.
As British hygienist Dr. Lisa Ackerley says, many people forget that a washing machine is not a sterilizer.
“At lower temperatures, many harmful bacteria survive and can be transferred from one garment to another,” Dr. Ackerley claims.
This is especially concerning when underwear is washed along with kitchen towels and other towels, because cross-contamination occurs, where bacteria from hands, food, and even surfaces can end up where you don't want them anymore.
Newer machines and detergents also promote more energy-efficient washing at 30 or 40 degrees, but when it comes to intimate clothes, this is not enough. Newer machines and detergents promote more energy-efficient washing at 30 or 40 degrees, but when it comes to intimate clothes, this is not enough. For reliable hygiene, clothes that come into contact with intimate parts of the body should be washed at at least 60 degrees.
Such a temperature destroys most bacteria and viruses. However, many fabrics such as silk underwear or lace underwear do not withstand high temperatures. In this case, the solution lies in the use of antibacterial washing additives, which can eliminate up to 99 percent of microorganisms, even at lower temperatures. In addition, there are numerous products on the market based on oxygen, active enzymes or essential oils that have a disinfectant effect, but at the same time protect the fabric.
In addition to bacterial contamination, stubborn stains, especially blood stains, are also a common concern. Dr. Ackerley advises that such stains should never be treated with hot water, as the heat makes them more difficult to remove. Instead, they should be rinsed in cold water and then treated with hydrogen- or oxygen-based agents before washing. This method is not only effective, but it also does not damage the fibers.
Cotton underwear is ideally washed at 60 degrees. This temperature destroys most microorganisms that are trapped in the fibers. If you have more delicate underwear made of lace, silk or synthetic materials, wash it at 30 or 40 degrees with an antibacterial additive that compensates for the effect of the high temperature.
Sheets and towels should be washed at at least 60 degrees, and ideally at 90 degrees, especially if you have small children at home. The high temperature ensures that mites, bacteria and mold are completely removed.
Towels and kitchen towels are a frequent target for bacteria, so it is recommended to wash them at 90 degrees, separately from other clothes.
For baby clothes, washing at 60 degrees is recommended, but always with a mild, fragrance-free detergent. A baby's skin is particularly sensitive, so it's important to find a balance between cleanliness and gentleness to the fabrics.
For sportswear, which is often made of technical and stretchy materials, the temperature should not exceed 30 to 40 degrees. However, since it comes into contact with large amounts of sweat, it is recommended to use disinfectants that work at lower temperatures.
Jeans, dark and delicate everyday clothes are usually washed at 30 to 40 degrees, to avoid wearing out the fabric. The same goes for most daywear such as T-shirts. Pyjamas and nightgowns, since they come into direct contact with the skin, are ideally washed at 40 to 60 degrees, depending on the material.
In addition, the washing machine requires regular cleaning. For this reason, it is recommended to periodically run an empty cycle at 90 degrees with a little white vinegar or a special washing machine cleaner. This removes bacterial deposits, mold and limescale that accumulate over time.
