Did you know that washing your underwear incorrectly can spread poo and cause hygiene issues? A recent survey conducted by Currys revealed that 76% of Brits wash their underwear at temperatures below 40°C to save energy. However, washing at lower temperatures may not effectively remove traces of feces, resulting in pooey pants. Even clean underwear can have up to 10g of excrement. To avoid contamination, it is recommended to wash underwear separately from other laundry, especially if it has been worn multiple times. Washing at higher temperatures or using laundry cleansers that kill bacteria at low temperatures can help eliminate fecal matter. Learn more about proper underwear washing techniques in our blog.
Introduction
A recent survey conducted by Currys has shed light on British citizens’ laundry habits and their impact on cleanliness. With rising energy prices, many Brits are choosing to wash their clothes – including underwear – at lower temperatures to save energy. However, experts warn that this practice may not effectively remove traces of feces, potentially leading to what has been humorously dubbed “pooey pants.” This article will explore the survey findings and provide guidance on maintaining good hygiene while being mindful of energy consumption.
Survey Findings
According to the survey, a staggering 76% of Brits wash their underwear at temperatures below 40°C to conserve energy. While this is an admirable effort to save money and reduce carbon footprint, it raises concerns about cleanliness. Even after a thorough clean, underwear can still harbor traces of feces, with up to 10g of excrement possible.
Wearing Habits
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 32% of Brits wear their underwear more than once before washing. This practice, although not uncommon, can contribute to the persistence of fecal matter. To mitigate the risk of contamination, it is recommended to wash underwear separately from other laundry, especially if it has been worn multiple times.
Temperature Matters
To effectively eliminate bacteria and minimize the spread of fecal matter, experts suggest washing hand towels, bath towels, and underwear at higher temperatures, ideally above 60°C. This can help ensure that any potential contamination is eradicated. Alternatively, laundry cleansers claiming to kill 99% of bacteria at low temperatures, such as 15°C, can be used as an alternative.
Potential Contamination
Washing underwear at temperatures below 40-60°C can potentially spread fecal matter to other laundry items. This means that if items like tea towels and pillowcases are involved, there is a risk of contaminating areas such as the kitchen or bed. To avoid this, it is crucial to separate laundry based on use or type, rather than just color.
Changing Habits
The survey highlighted that 36% of respondents have changed their washing habits due to rising energy prices, with 76% choosing to wash their clothes at temperatures below 40°C. Men were found to be the biggest offenders, with 32% admitting to wearing their underwear more than once before washing.
Recommendations
While it is commendable to save energy and reduce environmental impact, experts still recommend washing underwear after each wear. This is especially important considering that 49% of Brits wash themselves daily. Additionally, some people have been found to wear the same pair of pajamas for a week before washing them, while others prefer a fresh pair after just two wears. To help readers navigate the question of how often to wash clothes, consumer advocate Which? has created a helpful guide.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of saving energy, Brits are experimenting with lower washing temperatures. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between energy conservation and maintaining proper hygiene. By adopting good practices such as separating laundry, washing at higher temperatures when necessary, and utilizing laundry cleansers that kill bacteria at low temperatures, individuals can keep their clothes clean and reduce the risk of spreading fecal matter.
