How to disinfect public washing machines
With the popularity of the sharing economy, public washing machines are becoming more and more common in apartments, schools, hotels and other places. However, sharing washing machines with multiple people also brings health risks, especially the risk of spreading bacteria, fungi and viruses. Recently, the topic of "disinfection of public washing machines" has sparked heated discussions on social media, with many users sharing disinfection methods and precautions. This article will combine the hot discussions on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed guide to disinfecting public washing machines.
1. Why should we disinfect public washing machines?
Public washing machines are prone to accumulation of dirt and pathogens due to their high frequency of use and contact with clothing from different users. The following are common sources of contamination:
| pollution source | Potential risks |
|---|---|
| Bacteria (e.g. E. coli) | May cause skin infection or intestinal disease |
| Fungi (such as mold) | May cause mold on clothes or skin allergies |
| Viruses (such as influenza virus) | Diseases may be spread through clothing |
| detergent residue | May irritate skin or cause allergies |
2. How to effectively disinfect public washing machines?
Based on recent popular discussions, here are the most recommended disinfection methods by users:
| Disinfection method | Operation steps | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| high temperature wash | Select a high temperature program above 90°C for idling operation | Suitable for high temperature resistant washing machines, some models are not supported |
| White vinegar disinfection | Pour in 1-2 cups of white vinegar and run the standard wash cycle | Natural and pollution-free, but may leave a slight vinegar smell |
| Bleach disinfection | Add 1/4 cup of bleach and run the hot water cycle | Avoid mixing with other detergents as they may damage clothes |
| Special washing machine cleaner | Use according to product instructions, usually need to be soaked before operation | Choose non-corrosive products to avoid damaging your machine |
3. Precautions when using public washing machines
In addition to regular disinfection, the following measures can also help reduce hygiene risks:
1.Clothing pre-treatment:Check the pockets before washing to avoid contaminating the washing machine with leftover items. For stubborn stains, it is recommended to pre-treat by hand washing.
2.Classified washing:It is recommended that underwear, socks and other intimate clothing be washed separately by hand; outerwear can be machine washed according to color and material.
3.Take out clothes promptly:Take it out immediately after washing to avoid the growth of bacteria in a moist environment.
4.Personal protection:Wear gloves when operating the washing machine and avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
4. Comparison of effects of popular disinfection methods
Based on recent user feedback and experimental data, the effects of different disinfection methods are compared as follows:
| Disinfection method | Sterilization rate | Ease of operation | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| high temperature wash | 99% | Medium (high temperature model required) | low |
| White vinegar disinfection | 85%-90% | high | low |
| Bleach disinfection | 95%-98% | medium | low |
| Special cleaning agent | 90%-95% | high | medium |
5. The 5 issues that users are most concerned about
Based on recent search data, here are the most popular questions about disinfecting public washing machines:
1.Disinfection frequency:It is recommended that individual users disinfect once a month and frequently used public washing machines once a week.
2.Disinfectant residue:After using chemical disinfectants, it is recommended to run the clean water cycle once to avoid residues.
3.Clothes made of special materials:It is recommended to hand wash clothes made of delicate materials such as wool and silk to avoid cross-contamination from machine washing.
4.Washing machine odor:Long-term odor may be caused by mold growth, which requires deep cleaning and keeping dry.
5.Disinfection time:The best time for disinfection is in the morning or on working days, avoiding peak usage periods.
Conclusion
The hygiene issues of public washing machines cannot be ignored. Health risks can be significantly reduced through reasonable disinfection methods and usage habits. It is recommended to choose a suitable disinfection method according to the actual situation and maintain the washing machine regularly. If you have more experiences to share, please leave a message in the comment area to discuss!
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