As parents, we're always looking for the best ways to do even the simplest things. This is especially true where the health and safety of our children are involved. Something as simple as changing the way we do the laundry can be an opportunity to make our family's lives better and safer.
Here are some questions about clothing and cleanliness, which are commonly asked these days. The answers and tips may help, and could go a long way for mommies and daddies who are resourceful and proactive.
How should I do the laundry if someone in my family is feeling sick?
Health authorities agree that while a sick person's laundry could potentially contain bacteria or viruses, it is generally okay to wash it with other people’s items.
That said, it is still very important to handle such clothes with care. If you are washing the clothes of a family member who is sick, have them place their clothes in a plastic bag first, and then use disposable gloves as you handle them. Remember to minimize your contact with the clothes before you've placed them in the wash. If you are handwashing the clothes, keep the gloves on as you do, as they are an added protection.
Is it okay to dry clothes indoors?
We all try our best to dry our clothes thoroughly by exposing them to sunlight, so they don't develop bacteria and that familiar kulob odor. But that can be challenging, especially if you live in a small condominium with limited sunlight and ventilation.
Don't worry, though: Clothes dried indoors can still be made clean and fresh as long as they're washed properly and dried completely. When drying indoors, it's even more important to use a fresh-smelling fabric conditioner during the rinse cycle. Consider this a wais hack that keeps the kulob away.
Should I immediately wash clothes after coming from the supermarkets and groceries?
The short answer is yes: In these circumstances, it is definitely best to wash your clothes as often as possible.
That said, virus particles in the air are usually too small to land and stick to clothes—all the heavier particles typically fall to the ground. And so unless you have unusual, direct contact with others (sneezing, coughing, or direct touching), you don't need to worry too much about getting your clothes contaminated.
What's the best way to wash face masks?
We can expect face masks to be the norm for a long time, and so many have decided to get washable ones for the whole family. When wearing cloth masks don’t forget to include filters and wash them as well. These must be washed regularly, and while there are no hard rules, the best practice is to wash after every use.
It is also perfectly fine to wash cloth face masks in a washing machine, with other clothes. Just be sure to wash your hands after removing the mask from your face.
Does hot water get rid of bacteria on clothes?
For the safety and protection of your family in these times, health authorities officially recommend washing clothes with the warmest possible setting, to help eliminate germs and bacteria that are sensitive to high temperatures.
Here, mommies and daddies should be practical and judicious: water that's too hot may damage clothes, so it would be good to find the right temperature balance. Even better, we can also use other wais ways to add an extra layer of protection, such as using an antibacterial fabric conditioner that can help keep your family's clothes safe.
Taking care of our families means taking care of their clothes, and it’s always good to take every extra precaution we can.
Wash your household’s clothes with Surf Antibacterial Fabric Conditioner, which can provide protection from bacteria.* It’s a great extra layer of protection that can help keep you and your family safe, clean, and healthy.
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