Germs Lurking in Your Laundry?

Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen Tests Washing Machines for Bacteria

(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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[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?

[mswolfestock]

This is no different than dealing with germs anywhere else - you need to start with a huge helping of COMMON SENSE.

First point - you are going to wear your clothes, not eat them. Human skin is designed to resist invasion by germs and bacteria. I promise you'll never get sick from your clean clothes. The clothes dryer bakes the germs and dries them out - they can't survive without moisture.

Second point - yes, your washing machine will get dirty if you have to wash dirty clothes but regular cleaning will take care of this.

I alternate my cleaning between bleach one week and ammonia the next week. (DO NOT EVER COMBINE BLEACH AND AMMONIA.) Ammonia works well with hot water to remove any oily residues from the side of the washer drum and the agitator post. I also remove and clean the liquid fabric softener dispenser about once a month to prevent icky slimy buildup.

For heavily soiled work clothes use **** 'n' Span in place of your regular laundry detergent according to the package directions, and bite the bullet and use hot water with extreme agitation. You pretty much have to beat the dirt out.

[mswolfestock]

OMG!!!!!!! They blocked out the *S*P*I*C* in *S*P*I*C* 'n' Span ---

That's too funny . . . . . but also kind of sad. I didn't mean "racial slur," I meant the cleaning product. Y'all are way, way too politically correct with this stuff.

[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.

[sam-kiley]

coucou
je le savais moi que la machine a "cleaner" laver, n'était pas aussi "clean" que ça..et pour cause a chaque entretien...une verre de vinaigre+eau tiéde..laisser tourner pendant 1/2 heure, ou alors de l'eau de javel...ou encore une fois vinaigre... une fois javel...il en sortait des choses ..il faut faire vidanger dans une bassine par exemple pour voir
normal, avec tout ce qu'on lave..au revoir

[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.