Experts at cleaning and laundry company Dr Beckmann have advised regular washing of clothes at 60 degrees to help eliminate the spread of bacteria and viruses.
As the UK continues to self-isolate due to COVID-19, the cleaning experts say household linen, towels and underwear should all be washed at a temperature of 60°C to reduce the spread of germs.
Dr Beckmann spokeswoman Susan Fermor said: “There’s a common misconception that people should wash clothes on the hottest possible setting to kill bacteria, but it’s unnecessary. Tests have proven that washing your clothes at 60°C, with a good detergent, is perfectly adequate to kill bacteria.
“Just make sure that you check all garments are suitable to be washed at this temperature before putting them in the washing machine and take care not to ruin your clothes by boil washing.”
Experts at Dr Beckmann also recommend washing your clothes more regularly than usual – especially when you come home from work or from trips outside where you come into contact with other people.
“Most people leave clothes and household items until a pile has built up before washing. There’s also a tendency for people to wash at 40 degrees on a quick wash cycle, which we don’t recommend. Under current circumstances, we would recommend that you do 60-degree washes, more regularly, as soon as clothes have been worn,” Susan Fermor added.