The Right Way to Wash Clothes..

SadaNews - Some people think that cleaning their clothes is as simple as putting them in the washing machine, but according to the British "Daily Mail", this method can be wrong and does not kill the bacteria lurking in the fibers.

Microscopic Germs

Dr. Chris van Tulkien, 46, was a guest on the BBC Morning Live program when he warned that some people are probably wearing clothes full of microscopic germs.

He explained that temperature is essential when it comes to eliminating germs, but high heat is not always the best when it comes to clothing items.

90 Degrees Celsius

Dr. van Tulkien - known for his tough stance on modern diets and the bestselling author of Ultra Processed People - said that while a normal washing machine can reach temperatures of 90 degrees, it is not suitable for most loads and raises energy bills.

He added that "this [temperature] will kill everything. It's almost boiling," pointing out that it's "bad for the clothes." He explained that if someone thinks their clothes are dirty enough to need a very hot wash, they might as well "buy new clothes at that point."

Global Health Advice

Dr. van Tulkien then added that if a person or a family member is sick, washing at 60 degrees Celsius is essential to kill the responsible germs, echoing the official advice given by the World Health Organization.

He said, "Some bugs will be killed, and that can be very good. So, if a person has an infection spreading in their home, in particular, they might want to consider using an antiviral disinfectant."

Pointlessness of 40 Degrees

However, when it comes to everyday washing, Dr. van Tulkien explained that setting the washing machine to 40 degrees Celsius is pointless as it is "too cool to kill anything." Thus, he believes one can stick to either using hot or cold temperatures, meaning setting it to 30 degrees is much cheaper, as long as there is no need to kill germs or bacteria.

Sports Clothes

Dr. van Tulkien then said that he personally opts for a lower temperature - relatively cool 20 degrees - unless he is washing his sports clothes, emphasizing the importance of using a detergent designed for low-temperature use, and of course, adhering to a very strict regimen regarding the cleanliness of the washing machine itself, explaining that this is something many overlook.

Cleaning the Washing Machine Itself

Dr. van Tulkien explained that the washing machine drum should be cleaned mechanically, and only with a cloth wiping with vinegar. If the washing machine has a cleaning cycle that operates at a high temperature, then the manufacturer's instructions should be followed, after which the washing machine should be aired out."

He added that good basic rules for cleaning the washing machine include emptying the filter every three to six months, cleaning the detergent drawer monthly, cleaning the door rubber seal every week, and leaving the door open when the washing machine is not in use.

Dr. van Tulkien concluded by saying that a dirty washing machine can cause a foul, musty smell on clothes, especially if wet clothes are left in the machine drum for extended periods.