Question

I washed soiled underwear with my other clothes and I use tide pods, I stupidly thought it would kill the germs. Is it likely to make me ill?

Answer 1

Washing soiled underwear with other clothes, especially using detergent like Tide Pods, is not ideal for several reasons. However, the risk of getting ill from this one-time incident is generally low. Here are some points to consider:

1. Bacterial and Fecal Contamination: Underwear can contain bacteria and fecal matter, especially if it's soiled. When you wash them with other clothes, there's a possibility that some bacteria might transfer to the other items.

2. Detergent Effect: Using Tide Pods or any laundry detergent is helpful in removing dirt, stains, and odors. Detergents work by breaking down and suspending dirt particles in water, making them easier to wash away during the rinse cycle.

3. Hot Water Helps: If you washed your clothes with hot water, it would have helped to reduce the number of bacteria. Hot water can effectively kill or deactivate some germs. However, most modern washing machines do not use very hot water, which may limit the germ-killing effect.

4. Rinse Cycle: The rinse cycle in the washing machine is meant to remove any remaining detergent and suspended particles, including bacteria. So, there is some degree of cleaning happening during this phase.

5. Drying: Drying your clothes, especially on high heat in a dryer, can further reduce the number of bacteria present on the fabric.

While the risk of getting ill from this incident is likely low, it's essential to be more cautious in the future. Here are some suggestions to minimize such risks:

• Pre-wash Rinse: If your washing machine has an option for a pre-wash rinse, consider using it to remove some of the bacteria and fecal matter from heavily soiled clothes before the main wash.

• Separate Soiled Clothes: It's a good practice to wash heavily soiled items, like underwear with fecal matter, separately from other clothes. This helps prevent potential contamination.

• Hot Water Wash: When dealing with heavily soiled clothes, consider using hot water (above 140°F/60°C) if your fabric can withstand it. Hot water can be more effective in killing some bacteria.

• Hygiene Precautions: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling soiled clothes or before touching clean clothes.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or are concerned about your health, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.