Not cleaning this bathroom item regularly could raise your risk of infection
The bathroom item that harbors the most germs (Photo: Magnific)
An ordinary towel that we use every day can become a breeding ground for bacteria and may even contribute to infections. If it's not used and washed properly, it could do more harm than good, according to the Daily Express.
What you should know
Microorganisms from poorly washed hands or even from your skin can remain trapped in towel fibers, while moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria to survive and multiply.
After each use, towels retain moisture, dead skin cells, natural oils, and microorganisms that normally live on the skin. If the towel stays damp for a long time, these microbes can multiply rapidly.
A shared hand towel should be changed regularly, especially if it remains damp, develops an unpleasant odor, looks dirty, or is used by several people.
If someone in your household is sick, they should have their own hand towel to help prevent the spread of germs. Wash that person's towel every day until they recover.
Over time, towels can develop unpleasant odors and accumulate large numbers of microorganisms. Using an insufficiently clean towel may irritate the skin and, in some cases, contribute to the spread of certain infections, particularly if several people share it or someone has cuts or damaged skin.
How often should you wash a hand towel?
Hand towels should be washed regularly because they collect moisture, skin particles, and bacteria every day. Under normal household conditions, experts recommend washing them every two to three days.
If a large family shares the towel, someone in the home is ill, or the towel remains damp for long periods, it should be washed daily or replaced with a clean one.
Whenever the care label allows it, wash towels at 60°C (140°F). This temperature helps remove dirt more effectively and eliminates most microorganisms.
After every use, hang the towel so it can dry completely. If it develops an unpleasant smell or becomes visibly dirty, wash it immediately, regardless of when it was last laundered.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
