With an Mpox variant spreading through Europe, health leaders are urging for cleaner habits as new guidance emerges on how people can protect themselves and their households from the virus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has labelled the situation a global health emergency, leading to recommendations on personal hygiene practices. One area that experts are focusing on is how often towels should be washed, as they could potentially carry the virus.
Martin Smith, founder of Showers To You, advised that everyone should establish a regular routine of washing their towels following guidance from health professionals. A survey conducted by the company revealed alarming statistics, with up to 1.5 million Brits admitting to washing their towels only once a year. This negligence is concerning as bacteria can multiply rapidly on towels, with numbers reaching 94 million after just one week of use.
Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed MBChB, a board-certified Dermatologist, stressed the importance of proper hygiene in daily routines, including the maintenance of bathroom towels. The experts recommend washing towels after three to four uses at high temperatures to effectively kill germs, maintain optimal hygiene, and reduce health risks. Surprisingly, the survey found that one in six individuals only wash their towels when they become stiff, while many rely on the “sniff test” to determine if a wash is needed.
Additionally, some Brits have been noted to wash their towels daily, showing a keen awareness of hygiene practices. Laundry expert Salah Sun suggested a more aggressive cleaning approach for towels compared to regular laundry, emphasising a separate washing cycle for towels to ensure thorough cleaning. WHO guidelines highlight that Mpox can spread through contact with infected individuals and can linger on items like clothing, bedding, towels, and surfaces.
Therefore, cleaning and disinfecting these items regularly, along with practicing proper hand hygiene, can help prevent transmission. The guidance reminds individuals to be cautious, especially if they come into contact with items that may have been contaminated by the virus. As the threat of Mpox persists and cases rise in Europe, adopting stringent hygiene practices, including proper towel maintenance, is essential to protect oneself and others from potential infections.