this bathroom towelsAs essential elements in our daily personal hygiene habits, they can be more dangerous than we think if we don’t pay enough attention. A recent study shows that these humble accessories can become veritable breeding grounds for microorganisms, which begs the question: How often should you wash your bath towels? Why?
A study published in May 2023 scientific report Shocking things have been revealed Bacterial accumulation and biofilm formation Over time, on the bath towel. These biofilms are collective structures of microorganisms attached to surfaces that can effectively resist antimicrobial products.
So why should we worry about this?Apart from the obvious issues Bad odor and bacterial buildup Contaminants in bath towels can have serious consequences for our health.
It’s not just towels that we have to pay attention to in the bathroom. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona shows that towels and rags used in the kitchen accumulate an alarming amount of bacteria. kitchen.These bacteria can pose significant health risks because they can spread Pathogens causing gastrointestinal disease.
82 towel samples were taken from households in different cities in the United States and Canada. 89% of them detected coliform bacteria.These microorganisms, although mostly harmless, may cause mild to severe illness. Among the strains identified was E. coli, which was isolated from 25% of the towels.Certain strains of E. coli can cause severe symptoms, such as Severe abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
Skin risks from dirty bath towels
While kitchen towels may pose a gastrointestinal health risk, bath towels may pose a gastrointestinal health risk. Dermatological problems.The most common infections spread through dirty bath towels include Scabies, impetigo contagiosum, molluscum contagiosum, tinea and other viral skin diseases.
Román Barabash Neila, a dermatologist at the Virgen Hospital in Rossio in Seville and an academic at the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), warns: “Fungi, mites and bacteria May colonize towels that are not washed frequently or properly dried and ventilated. “ The longer your towels go without being washed, the greater the risk of them becoming infected with bacteria.which can particularly affect people with underlying skin conditions.
How often should we wash our bath towels?
Many families follow the weekly bath towel rule, but There are no fixed rules that apply to all situations.Barabash says, “Recommendations vary depending on climate and time of year, but consensus and common sense dictates that washing towels Every 3-4 days This is the right thing to do. “
Towels are important Personal use and never shared, according to AEDV.Sharing towels increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases or infestations, e.g. Scabies, lice, impetigo and various fungal diseases. In gyms that provide towels, it is recommended to pre-wash them with suitable chemicals or hot water above 60 degrees Celsius.
People with skin conditions, e.g. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or acne They must be particularly cautious. “These people often have an altered skin barrier that facilitates the spread of infectious agents in the skin,” warns dermatologist García de la Fuente.
For these people it is recommended to use natural fiber towels such as cotton or linen, dry the towel properly after each use, Replace every 3-4 days and wash without fabric softener or mild detergent As an extra precaution.
Without proper care, bath towels can contain a surprising number of germs and bacteria. By cleaning regularly and following some hygiene guidelines, We can significantly reduce health risks And keep our towels clean and safe for daily use.
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