Clothing is one of the basic human needs. The main function of clothing is to protect body parts from weather, friction, hot/cold temperatures, insects or dust. However, what if the disturbance comes from the clothes themselves?
According to research conducted by Colla Jenecek in 1981, clothes have the potential to spread disease as they are a breeding ground for microrgarnisms, especially if the clothes are not washed cleanly and properly. Janecek also revealed that washing clothes with water alone is not enough, the bacteria in the fibers of the clothes will still remain.
The decades-old research is still relevant to the current situation, as Bhat at al added through the results of research conducted in 2011. He revealed that one type of bacteria that lives in clothes that are not considered clean is Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium carries impetigo, a common skin disease that has a high transmission rate. It can be transmitted through direct contact or indirect contact such as through towels or other intermediaries. Infants and children are usually susceptible to this disease.
S. aureus bacteria cause infections in the epidermis of the skin that usually begin with small wounds on the skin, insect bites or eczema in children. The infected skin will be yellowish or brown in color. Commonly affected body parts include the face, arms and legs.
A simple step for our family to avoid the dangers posed by bacteria on clothes is to wash clothes cleanly and correctly:
- Always use clean running water
- Wash using detergents that can protect clothes from bacteria or detergents that contain antibacterial ingredients. Antibacterials are substances that can inhibit the growth or even kill bacteria by interfering with the metabolism of harmful microbes. This substance also provides protection to your clothes and eliminates musty odors on clothes.
- Make sure your clothes are completely sun-dried. Clothes that are still damp are less comfortable to wear and vulnerable to germs that have not died completely.
Hopefully, these simple steps can become a good habit to maintain the hygiene of the clothes we wear everyday.