Germs Lurking in Your Laundry?

(CBS)  You'd think the washing machine would be the cleanest place in the house - but is it?

In our continuing "Germ Warfare" series, "Early Show" consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen tested washing machines in homes and laundromats to see if they're actually as clean as people think.

What she found is that many washing machines are harboring high levels of bacteria and Coliform, a bad bacteria scientists count to determine the level of contamination. Scientists told Koeppen contamination levels in some of the washing machines were as high as a dirty diaper.

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Experts suggested people wash their items separately to reduce contamination.

Dr. Chuck Gerba is a microbiologist at the University of Arizona told CBS News, "That's why you never want to do your underwear with your handkerchiefs because your bacteria transfers back and forth. You'll be blowing your nose with what's in your underwear."

Microbiologist Ron Schnitzer said your washing machine may clean your clothes, but contrary to what you might think, it probably isn't killing germs. Instead, he said the bacteria isn't killed, it's diluted.

And hot water, Schnitzer said, may not even do the trick.

He said water temperatures above 180 degrees are needed to kill the bacteria in your clothing. However, he said most homes do not have water that hot.

As for laundromats, they had very low bacterial counts in Koeppen's tests. Why? It could be the water is hotter and the machines are cleaned.

To clean your home machine, Schnitzer recommended every two to three cycles you run an empty cycle with bleach to get rid of bacteria.

For more with Koeppen on washing machine germs, click on the video below.


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[smellywasher]

If bleach or vinegar worked washing machine odor would not be such a big problem. Do a search to "remove washer odor" to read how bad it is.
Bleach or vinegar will kill mold or bacteria but doesn't remove the detergent and softener residue that it feeds on thereby worsening the problem because it leaves a "base" to collect more detergent residue.

If the washer smells, with the door open or shut - it needs to be cleaned. Mold odor and bacteria are transferred to towels and clothing and CAN affect the health of more sensitive people.

Go to smellywasher.com to read advice on what causes the problem and how to get rid of it.

Paul Flynn / Smelly Washer Inc.

[sjking1111]

I did a lot of research on why washers smell and watched a lot of videos comparing Smelly Washer to the Affresh brand and I have to say I like your product. I just bought a new LG front loader this weekend and plan to purchase some of your cleaner, along with keeping the rubber seal clean of debris and residue. Is this product sold in stores??

[masterlou75]

Ok so if we want to make ourselves weaker by destroying all the germs and bacteria in our clothes, what is the best way to do this besides just sorting and washing with bleach. I can't bleach the colored items or they will fade. What is the best technique for washing clothes, in light of all this information? Should we even wash on hot water and waste the energy, if it's not killing germs?

[malvain]

what is wrong with you people! Will you not be happy until you have created a mass group of germaphobs? When will you people stop trying to use scare tacktics to increase your ratings! people need to realize that you need bacteria exposure in order to have a healthy immune system and the more antibacterial garbage people use only leads to stronger bacteria. STOP putting your cash flow and rating ahead of common sense.

[yogagramy]

My washing machine has a terrible odor. Bleach subsides it but it has not gone away. It is horrible. When I have to use it my clothes don't smell but i feel like they do. I had an appliance guy look at it, he put in a new water pump, we cleaned out the top "rings" they were horrible looking, and then the bleach about 7 times. I think it may have started because for years now I have used cold water and my sons grungy work clothes and soap build up. Now reading this story, I am afraid of the bacteria. Any other ideas, I guess I will keep doing the bleach.Thank you for this article I will pass it along.

[sjking1111]

yogagramy,

I agree with the above comment... check out www.smellywasher.com. Not only do they sell a product that removes that smell, but they have lots of tips on how to clean and prevent this smell. The main cause on front loading washers is the rubber seal around the opening where it seals the door. The bottom of the ring usually has an open flap and that's where debris and residue hang out and stink things up. I don't know why the ring isn't solid to prevent this problem. But if you have a front loading machine and you get your finger under that flap, you can pull it away about an inch or two. Take an old damp cloth and wipe the inside of the ring out. You should find gunk that's been in there for a while. They suggest doing that often. There is another product called Affresh that claims to clean washers, but they only offer 3 treatments per box. But they do sell Grit Grabbers that are cloths used to clean the rubber ring out. So hopefully that helps.

I have done a lot of research on this problem of stinky washing machines, because I was shopping for a set this last weekend. I ended up buying an LG frontloader and plan to purchase some Smelly Washer cleaner and clean inside the rubber seal often.
Happy Cleaning! :)