It's natural to feel concerned about hygiene when you find someone else's item mixed in with your laundry. While it's impossible to know for sure if the towel carried any harmful germs, there are some practical steps you can take to address the situation and ease your worries:
Isolate the towel: First, separate the hand towel from your laundry and keep it aside. Avoid touching it directly, or if you do, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Inspect your clothes: Check your clothes for any visible stains, dirt, or foreign substances that might have come from the towel. If you notice anything suspicious, consider re-washing those specific items separately.
Wash at a high temperature: If possible, wash the rest of your clothes at a higher temperature than you usually do. Using hot water can help kill most germs and bacteria.
Use a quality detergent: Choose a good quality detergent that is effective at removing dirt, bacteria, and germs. Follow the recommended dosage for your load size.
Extra rinse cycle: Consider running an extra rinse cycle to ensure that any potential contaminants are thoroughly washed away.
Dry thoroughly: Make sure to dry your clothes adequately, as the heat from the dryer can also help eliminate germs.
While it's challenging to guarantee complete hygiene in a public laundromat, these steps can help minimize any potential risks. Remember that most common germs and bacteria are not highly resistant and can be eliminated with proper washing and drying.
For peace of mind, you may also want to consider using disinfectant wipes on the surfaces of your laundry basket, the machine you used, and any other items that might have come into contact with the unknown towel.
If you have any specific health concerns or if you believe the towel might have carried something hazardous, it's essential to consult a medical professional for advice. Otherwise, following the general hygiene practices mentioned above should be sufficient in most cases.