Growing up we had wringer washers; I can’t tell you how many times my little skinny arm got caught in the wringer. Of course, the wringer would immediately pop open, and it wasn’t a painful experience, just very annoying. Today’s washing machines do it all, especially if you own a top-of-the-line model. But, for those of you like me who have a washer that is older, you may be shocked and surprised at the information I am going to share with you today.
Are you aware that multiple studies have found over 100 million units of E. coli in washing machines? Yep, if you don’t have a washing machine with built in Microban technology the very thing you believe is cleaning your clothes is contaminating them. So, what can you do to stop the spread of bacteria in our washing machines?
Something I have been doing for the last six months is running an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar, bleach will work as well. Run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar or bleach frequently. This will disinfect your washer and prevent germs from collecting on the drum of your machine.
After running the empty cycle, leave the top or door of your machine open to allow the drum to air out. The purpose of doing so is to prevent mold spores from growing inside your machine. On a regular basis, using a clean cloth, wipe down the rubber ring with an anti-bacterial cleaner. Cleaning out the lint filter as needed is another technique you can use to prevent mold build up.
I don’t know about you but when I was taught how to do laundry, I was taught to sort the clothes. Until I researched this subject, I had no idea that sorting clothes is another technique to prevent cross-contamination. For example, washing underwear, towels, and wash cloths together are likely to produce disease causing pathogens.
A load of underwear contains 100 million E. coli in the wash water which ultimately will contaminate the next load. There are some scientists who have suggested washing machines can become a haven for bacteria because germs remain behind after dirty clothes have been washed. Separating clothes will decrease the number of bacteria in the wash. Remember to regularly clean your washing machine.
The question is what temperature kills bacteria in your machine? Multiple detergents on the market today advertise the ability to kill bacteria even in cold water. Without a doubt, lower temperatures are better for the environment. Just be sure that you invest in a good detergent, to be certain all bacteria and viruses are killed at low temperature.
I have been washing in cold water for quite some time and there is no issue with my clothes not being clean. Recently, I switched to an eco-friendly laundry product. Aside from being eco-friendly, Earth Breeze allows you to use the amount you need per wash, and you also control the frequency of your order. The other factor that drew me to this product was for every one pack of Earth Breeze Sheets sold, the company donates ten loads to non-profits, shelters, and charities. That charitable act pulled at my heart strings.
For all y’all that are reading this and own a Microban enhanced washer, please pass this information on to your family and friends. If you own a washer that does not, take the time to utilize the techniques outlined above to prevent bacteria and mold. Your health depends on it!
Until next time,
Pease, Love, and Blessings ❤️
