This year, like no other, there is an obsession with clean in our lives. There is a new normal— wiping everything down, sneezing into our elbow and taking extra safety precautions. It has also led us to change how we do things at home.
We are “hygiene warriors” on the hunt for nasty, lurking germs. There are areas in our home that we can control to help stop the spread of harmful germs and viruses. Start by tackling items that can be a magnet for bacteria to grow, our laundry.
Hampers are overflowing with daily dirt and grime. Internal clothing, like socks and underwear, are right next to our skin where it collects sweat and dead skin cells.
During COVID-19 it is important to wash and change clothes more frequently. An Insider.com reports that similar to Covid-19, flu germs live up to 3 days on hard surfaces, 12 hours on fabric and just 5 minutes on human skin.
The CDC recommends following these guidelines:
- Launder your clothes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry for someone who is sick.
- Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items.
- Do not shake dirty laundry.
- Clean and disinfect clothes hampers.
- Remove gloves and wash your hands right away.
Why are clean clothes important?
- According to Hygiene for Health, dirty clothes can harbor microorganisms, and lead to skin infections.
- Mold can occur on clothing left wet for a prolonged period, which can cause odor and infections.
- The National Health Service states “that everyone has bacteria inside and outside of the body. Clothes capture the bacteria making it risky to wear again without washing.”
What to look for if your washer/dryer can’t compete?
If your washer-dryer is stuck in 90s cleaning mode, take the time to review some of today’s high-technology features from the brands you can trust. It might just be time to start fresh…
Washers with a self-cleaning feature. This feature runs at high temps (about 150 degrees F). This will reduce the bacteria and residue living in your machine already.
Washers with a sanitize or allergen cycle, for heavily soiled clothes. This cycle runs about 170 degrees F and helps to eliminate harmful germs and allergens.
Most dryers won’t get hot enough to kill all germs and viruses, but look for higher-heat capacity dryers with sanitize cycles.
What are these cycles used for?
- Allergiene™ Cycle: intense heat of steam to remove over 95% of common household allergens, like dust mites and pet dander.
- TubClean Cycle: designed for easy, periodic maintenance to keep your washer fresh. This cycle uses water jets and intense heat (up to 149 degrees) to sterilize the tub.
- Steam Technology: Gently but powerfully penetrates fabrics to help eliminate dirt, odors, and wrinkles.
At Garner Appliance and Mattress, we can help bring your laundry appliances come into 21st century real-world clean. Feel free to contact any of our great team members for the products that can make home life a little easier and for peace of mind during an uncertain time.
We are here to ensure the best service for our customers and thank you for your trust.