We send our clothes to laundry services to get them clean, but how much do we really know about the process? We trust that our garments, sheets, and towels are being returned fresh and hygienic, ready to be worn or used again. However, behind the scenes of laundromats and wash-and-fold services, the standards of cleanliness can vary dramatically.
This guide will explore the hygiene standards of the laundry industry. We’ll examine the potential risks, from bacteria and viruses to chemical residues, that can linger in shared washing machines and dryers. You will learn what questions to ask your local laundry service, what red flags to watch for, and how you can take steps to ensure your laundry is as clean as possible. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about where and how you get your laundry done.
The Unseen World of a Commercial Washing Machine
Laundromats and professional laundry services process a high volume of clothes from many different households. This shared environment, if not properly maintained, can become a breeding ground for microorganisms. Understanding what might be lurking in those machines is the first step toward protecting yourself.
Bacteria and Fungi
The most common culprits found in washing machines are bacteria and fungi. The warm, damp environment is an ideal place for them to thrive.
- Fecal Bacteria: Studies have shown that fecal matter, including bacteria like E. coli, is present on a surprising amount of underwear. When these items are washed, especially in cold water, the bacteria can survive and transfer to other clothes and the machine’s drum. A 2019 study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found a multidrug-resistant strain of bacteria was transmitted to infants in a hospital neonatal unit through the hospital’s laundry.
- Staphylococcus Aureus: This bacterium, often associated with skin infections, can also be found on clothing, towels, and bedding. It can cause everything from minor pimples to more serious infections like cellulitis, especially if it enters the body through a cut or scrape.
- Mold and Mildew: You might recognize the musty smell that sometimes comes from front-loading washing machines. This is often caused by mold and mildew building up in the rubber gasket around the door. These fungi can transfer to your clothes, causing unpleasant odors and potentially triggering allergies or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.
Viruses
Viruses can also survive the wash cycle, particularly if the water temperature is too low.
- Norovirus: Known for causing stomach flu, norovirus is highly contagious and can survive on fabrics. A wash cycle below 140°F (60°C) may not be sufficient to kill it, allowing it to spread.
- Influenza: The flu virus can live on surfaces, including clothing, for several hours. While less resilient than norovirus, it still poses a risk in a shared laundry environment.
- Hepatitis A: This virus can also be found in fecal matter and can survive in water. While transmission through laundry is less common, it remains a possibility if hygiene standards are low.
Chemical Residues
Beyond microorganisms, the chemicals used in laundry services can also be a concern.
- Harsh Detergents: To handle heavy-duty stains, some commercial services use powerful, industrial-strength detergents. These can contain fragrances and chemicals that cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis.
- Dry Cleaning Solvents: Traditional dry cleaning relies on chemical solvents like perchloroethylene (perc). Perc is classified as a probable human carcinogen and can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and dizziness with exposure. While modern dry cleaners are moving toward safer alternatives, many still use perc.
Industry Standards: What Separates the Good from the Bad?
Not all laundry services are created equal. Reputable businesses invest in hygiene and follow strict protocols to ensure their customers’ clothes are returned clean and safe. Others may cut corners to save time and money.
Hallmarks of a Hygienic Laundry Service
When evaluating a laundromat or wash-and-fold service, look for these positive signs:
- High-Temperature Washes: Heat is one of the most effective ways to kill germs. A professional service should offer wash cycles at temperatures of at least 140°F (60°C), especially for items like bedding and towels.
- Regular Machine Maintenance: Ask the staff how often they clean their machines. Washing machine drums should be sanitized daily using a commercial-grade disinfectant or a hot-water cycle with bleach. Dryer lint traps should be cleaned after every use to prevent fire hazards and improve efficiency.
- Separate Folding Areas: A clean, dedicated surface should be used for folding laundry. Staff should sanitize this surface between orders to prevent cross-contamination. Ideally, they should also wash their hands between handling dirty and clean laundry.
- Quality Detergents: A good service will use high-quality, and ideally hypoallergenic, detergents. They may even offer customers a choice of scented or unscented products. Transparency about the products they use is a great sign.
- Well-Ventilated Facilities: Proper ventilation helps reduce humidity, which discourages the growth of mold and mildew. A facility that feels fresh and airy is generally a better bet than one that feels damp and stuffy.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Conversely, these warning signs should make you think twice about using a particular laundry service:
- Visible Grime: If the machines look dirty on the outside or have visible residue on the inside, it’s a clear indicator that they are not well-maintained.
- Musty Odors: A persistent damp or musty smell suggests a problem with mold or mildew.
- Indifferent Staff: Employees who are unwilling to answer questions about their cleaning protocols or seem unconcerned with hygiene are a major red flag.
- No Separation of Items: If you see clean laundry being folded on the same table where dirty laundry was just sorted, it’s a sign of poor handling practices.
- Overloaded Machines: Staff cramming too many clothes into one machine can prevent items from being washed or dried properly, leading to a less effective clean.
Taking Control of Your Laundry Hygiene
Even when using a commercial service, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk and ensure your clothes get as clean as possible.
At the Laundromat
If you’re doing your own laundry at a laundromat, you have more control over the process.
- Wipe Down the Machine: Before loading your clothes, use a disinfectant wipe to clean the inside of the washer drum and the rubber seal around the door.
- Choose the Right Temperature: Whenever possible, wash your items in hot water (140°F or 60°C). For delicates that can’t handle the heat, use a laundry sanitizer additive in addition to your regular detergent.
- Don’t Let Laundry Sit: Transfer your clothes to the dryer as soon as the wash cycle is finished. Leaving wet laundry in the machine allows germs to multiply.
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure your clothes are completely dry before folding them. Even a small amount of dampness can encourage mildew growth.
- Clean Your Laundry Bag: Don’t forget to wash the bag or basket you use to transport your laundry, as it can harbor germs too.
Using Wash-and-Fold or Delivery Services
When you’re entrusting your laundry to someone else, communication is key.
- Ask Questions: Before committing to a service, ask about their cleaning procedures. Inquire about water temperatures, the types of detergents they use, and how they prevent cross-contamination.
- Separate Sick Laundry: If someone in your household has been ill, it’s best to wash their bedding, towels, and clothing at home if possible. If not, inform the laundry service so they can take extra precautions.
- Check Your Clothes on Return: When your laundry is returned, give it a quick inspection. Does it smell fresh and clean? Are there any signs of residue? If you’re not satisfied, provide feedback to the company.
A Cleaner Future for Laundry
The laundry industry is evolving, with many businesses recognizing the growing consumer demand for higher standards of hygiene and sustainability. Eco-friendly dry cleaners are abandoning perc in favor of safer methods like liquid carbon dioxide cleaning. Some wash-and-fold services are now advertising their use of hypoallergenic detergents and high-temperature sanitizing washes as a key selling point.
As a consumer, your choices have power. By supporting businesses that prioritize cleanliness and transparency, you contribute to raising the bar for the entire industry. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, inspect facilities, and demand the level of hygiene you and your family deserve. After all, the purpose of doing laundry is to have clean clothes, not just clothes that look clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get sick from using a public washing machine?
A: While the risk is relatively low for healthy individuals, it is possible. Bacteria and viruses can survive in washing machines and transfer between laundry loads. People with compromised immune systems, allergies, or sensitive skin are at a higher risk.
Q: Is cold water washing effective at killing germs?
A: Cold water alone is not effective at killing most bacteria and viruses. Most detergents are designed to clean effectively in cold water, but they don’t necessarily sanitize. To kill germs in a cold wash, you should add a laundry sanitizer.
Q: Are dryers effective at killing germs?
A: Yes, the heat from a dryer is very effective at killing remaining bacteria and viruses. A cycle of at least 28 minutes on high heat can sanitize most fabrics.
Q: What is a safer alternative to traditional dry cleaning?
A: Look for services that offer “wet cleaning” or “liquid CO2 cleaning.” Wet cleaning uses water and biodegradable detergents in computer-controlled machines, while CO2 cleaning uses pressurized carbon dioxide. Both are effective and much safer for you and the environment than perc.
Q: Should I wash my new clothes before wearing them?
A: Absolutely. New clothes have been handled by many people and can carry bacteria, fungi, and chemical residues from the manufacturing process. It’s always a good idea to wash them before they come into contact with your skin.
The Bottom Line on Clean Laundry
Ultimately, achieving truly clean laundry requires a combination of awareness and action. By understanding the potential hygiene risks of laundry services and knowing what to look for in a reputable provider, you can make smarter choices. Whether you use a laundromat, a delivery service, or do your laundry at home, applying principles like using hot water, drying clothes thoroughly, and maintaining clean equipment will ensure your clothes are not just visually clean, but hygienically clean as well.
