Home washing machines fail to remove important pathogens from textiles

The importance of proper disinfection in home washing machines has been highlighted in a recent study led by Katie Laird of De Montfort University. Published in PLOS One, the study reveals that health care workers who clean their uniforms at home may unknowingly contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospitals.

Hospital-acquired infections, often involving antibiotic-resistant bacteria, are a significant public health concern. Many nurses and health care workers launder their uniforms at home using standard washing machines. However, studies have shown that bacteria can be transmitted through clothing, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these machines in preventing the spread of dangerous microbes.

In the study, researchers tested six models of home washing machines to evaluate their ability to decontaminate health care worker uniforms. Fabric swatches contaminated with bacteria were washed in hot water using either a rapid or normal cycle. Shockingly, half of the machines did not disinfect the clothing during the rapid cycle, while one-third failed to clean sufficiently during the standard cycle.

Furthermore, biofilm samples collected from inside 12 washing machines revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. It was also discovered that bacteria can develop resistance to domestic detergent, which in turn increases their resistance to certain antibiotics.

These findings suggest that many home washing machines may not be effective in decontaminating health care worker uniforms, potentially contributing to the spread of hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance. The researchers recommend revising laundering guidelines for health care workers to ensure that home washing machines are cleaning effectively. Alternatively, health care facilities could consider using on-site industrial machines to launder uniforms, thereby improving patient safety and controlling the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

The authors emphasize the need for a reevaluation of current practices, stating, “Our research shows that domestic washing machines often fail to disinfect textiles, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to survive. If we’re serious about the transmission of infectious diseases via textiles and tackling antimicrobial resistance, we must rethink how we launder what our health care workers wear.”

For more information, the study titled “Domestic laundering of healthcare textiles: Disinfection efficacy and risks of antibiotic resistance transmission” can be found in PLOS One. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321467.

In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of proper disinfection in home washing machines to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospital settings. It highlights the need for revised laundering guidelines and the potential use of industrial machines to ensure effective decontamination of health care worker uniforms.