What Would Happen If You Never Clean Your Washing Machine?

Kim -

It always makes us feel crisp to get a load of clean and fragrant clothes out of the washing machine.

But what if you know that those freshly laundered clothes and sheets may be dirtier than they were before? Actually, this may happen if you haven't cleaned your washing machine ever.

Yes, your washing machine needs to be cleaned at least once a month, or more frequently for some people.

The washing machine always deals with dirty laundry such as sweaty socks and dusty curtains, it can develop into a cradle of nasty bugs and especially pathogens. They can prosper inside your washing machine, and eventually making their way onto you via your clothes!

How Dirty Would It Be?

Your washing machine is a humid environment, which will be a fertile breeding ground for bacteria like salmonella.

Can't the detergent destroy them? Not always. Bacteria and viruses can survive in cold water, and simple washing with detergent cannot eliminate and deactivate enteric viruses such as adenovirus, rotavirus and hepatitis A.

What’s more, according to a microbiologist, there's about 0.1 gram of feces in the average on each pair of adult underwear, which is equivalent to a quarter of the weight of a peanut.

And patients with infectious diseases have fairly high concentrations of the virus in their feces—up to 100 billion per gram of feces.

Those bacteria can then grow in the washing machine and taint other clothes. If you touch a contaminated object and then inadvertently put hands in your mouth, you may get infected.

Will Those Germs Do Harm To Your Health?

In general, the elderly and kids who are immunocompromised, may likely have vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. It is the primary symptom of the norovirus, adenovirus and salmonella. And these infections can cause other illnesses, too.

How Often Should It Be Cleaned?

It depends on who you live with and what you put in the washing machine. Once in one or two months would suffice if no one is sick in your families.

But if you have kids, you should clean your machine once a week since their undergarments have more poop particles.

How to Keep Your Washing Machine Germ-free

Here are several tips from microbiologists about how to clean your washing machine:

•Wipe out water-drops inside the machine, then clear its filters and drain. •Disinfect the machine with with 40 to 60°C hot water (104 - 140°F) and bleach. •Dry your clothes on high heat settings or for longer duration can significantly reduce the amount of microbes. •If you used to sort clothes on the table, remember to disinfect the surface after each use. •Sanitize your hands after touching dirty laundry.

Is It Really Bad To Never Clean Your Washing Machine?

If not to mention the poop-stained panties, as long as your overall health is good, slacking on cleaning your machine might not be such a serious problem.

But still, you should develop a good habit of maintaining a hygienic washing machine. Sanitizing it monthly should be sufficient to control odors and ensure your machine runs smoothly.