The fabrics put in the laundry for washing need to be categorized in order to study about disinfecting them. This categorization is based on their microbial load, risk of contamination and likelihood of being transferable. It is safe to wash such loads separately while following the given precautions for soiled items:
- Firstly, remove the visible dirt.
- Secondly, soak to sanitize.
- Thirdly, hand wash before putting it in the machine.
- For regular washing of highly soiled loads, a separate washing machine is suggested.
- ITEMS OF OUR PETS:
Many people around the globe love to keep pets. We must keep in mind that pets are a source of micro-organisms due to an association of microrganisms with living things (symbiosis). Most of the time we wash to reuse the items used by pets, such as rugs, blankets, etc. in a machine.
- ITEMS AND CLOTHES OF PEOPLE WHO WORK IN LIVESTOCK INDUSTRIES:
Livestock is a source of micro-organisms because there is an association of microrganisms with living things. People who work in livestock industry may also carry high number of micro-organisms because they work in an environment with a high microbial load. Further more, risk is higher when safe hygienic practices are not followed appropriately.
- CLOTHING AND LINEN FROM A SICK PERSON:
During infection, sick person is a source of high microbial load and shed bugs. If there is a patient with infective disease, their cloths, linen etc. can carry high microbial load of infectious bugs so serious precautions should be taken in washing such items.
- CLOTHING AND LINEN SOILED WITH URINE, POO, OR VOMIT:
Such clothes also become heavy contaminated with high microbial count. Loads of this type must also be washed separately as per above (given precautions) first then put in the washing machine separetely.
- CLOTHES OF PEOPLE WITH POOR HYGIENE:
People with poor hygiene carry contaminated clothes. These are the clothes which usually have higher loads, e.g. socks, undies of youngsters, undies of ladies when they have their monthly cycles. Such garments build-up microbial load.
- UNDER GARMENTS AND THOSE CLOTHES WHICH ARE USED MULTIPLE TIMES:
There are certain clothes which we use most commonly but don’t wash regularly, Such as: scarves, sleeping suits/ gowns, clothes used for gym, etc. These clothes have direct contact with skin, e.g. armpits, etc. Moreover, sweating also adds to the problem. So, regular as well as careful washing is recommended to stay safe and hygienic.
- CLOTHES WHICH DON’T COME IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH SKIN:
There are certain clothes which don’t come in direct contact with skin, such as: coats, jackets, jumpers, long coats, etc. These clothes carry less microbial loads. If these are maintained properly and washed carefully then cross-contamination can be avoided.