Is your washing machine a breeding ground for bacteria? Here's how to prevent diseases originating from it.

Even modern washing machines may fail to eliminate all disease-causing bacteria and inadvertently become their refuge.

1. Is your washing machine a breeding ground for bacteria? Here's how to prevent diseases originating from it.

Despite advancements in modern washing machines, they may still harbor disease-causing bacteria, posing health risks.

According to European experts, washing machines could house countless types of bacteria due to washing at low temperatures.

This means that many bacteria can survive throughout the laundry process. In particular, researchers have identified bacteria that can thrive on the surfaces of water valves, washing chambers, and spread widely, turning washing machines into their 'territory'. What should you do with your family's washing machine? To prevent your family's washing machine from becoming a hotbed of disease, you can use the following measures to keep your clothes and washing machine clean. Bacteria tend to hide in detergent compartments, rubber parts, or inlet/outlet hoses. Therefore, these areas should be cleaned regularly and thoroughly.

Avoid placing your washing machine in damp areas as it promotes the existence and growth of bacteria like a garage or warehouse. Some bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella Oxytoca can cause pneumonia, skin infections, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Try to wipe down the hidden areas of the washing machine with a 10% cleaning solution, experts recommend. You can also clean the entire washing drum and the exterior of the washing machine.

You should wash your washing machine at least once a month, as this significantly reduces the amount of bacteria in the washing machine. Choose the appropriate washing mode depending on the level of dirt on the laundry. For clothes with blood stains, body fluids (nasal discharge, pus, mucus...), you should choose the highest washing mode with laundry detergents like Hydrogen Peroxide, bleach or Borax at a washing temperature of over 70 degrees Celsius.