Freshly washed laundry: Researchers discover a health hazard
Created: 10/27/2022, 4:00 p.m
By: Judith Brown
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were discovered on newborns in a children's hospital.
They were transmitted via freshly washed laundry.
On average, Germans wash five kilograms of laundry per week.
Laundering not only rids your clothes of dirt and grime, but usually also germs and bacteria.
However, if you don't separate the laundry beforehand and simply put everything in the washing machine at 30 degrees with a mild detergent, according to experts, your health is at risk.
Researchers have also found that multi-resistant bacteria can be transmitted via freshly washed laundry.
Freshly washed laundry can be a health hazard
Experts advise regular maintenance of the washing machine.
© YAY Images/IMAGO
According to the study published in the journal "Applied and Environmental Microbiology", scientists from the Institute for Hygiene and Public Health (IHPH) at the University of Bonn discovered in a children's hospital that freshly washed laundry can pose a health risk.
There, antibiotic-resistant pathogens were repeatedly discovered on premature babies.
The bacterium Klebsiella oxytoca was therefore increasingly found during routine hygiene screenings in the neonatal ward.
This can lead to gastrointestinal and respiratory infections and, in the worst case, to fatal sepsis.
The microbiologists and hygiene researchers identified a commercially available washing machine as the source of the germs.
There they found the bacteria in the sink and in the door rubber.
After the device was removed, the outbreak of germs stopped abruptly.
"Because the hats and socks were washed in this washing machine, the whole thing spread.
We didn't know if the germs came from the babies themselves or from the washing machine.
Ultimately, however, the germ was detected in all of them," explained Dr.
medical
dr
agr. Ricarda Schmithausen, author of the study and specialist in hygiene and microbiology at the University Hospital in Bonn.
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Breeding ground for bacteria: Clean the washing machine regularly
To prevent bacteria from accumulating in the household appliance, experts advise regular maintenance of the washing machine.
Because a breeding ground for bacteria is created wherever water gets, because they like it warm and humid.
The fluff filter, the rubber ring on the door and the sink compartment should therefore be cleaned at regular intervals.
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dr
medical
However, Béatrice Grabein, Senior Physician, Clinical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene at the University of Munich Clinic, advises the
Bayerischer Rundfunk
not to panic.
"I have the impression that many people are no longer aware that microorganisms are simply a part of our world," says the doctor.
It is just normal that there are bacteria in water and washing machine.
Nothing sticks to hygiene detergents either.
The chemical substances can trigger allergic reactions and lead to intolerance.
Instead, some people use vodka to do their laundry: the alcoholic drink is not only supposed to kill bacteria, but also ensure clean laundry.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.