Table of contents:
- Various types of bacteria in a dirty washing machine
- 1. Staphylococcus (staph)
- 2. Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- 3. Corynebacterium
- 4. Propionibacterium
- 5. Pseudomonas
Although often exposed to soap, washing machines are actually ideal habitats for various types of microbes, such as bacteria. Most of the bacteria in your washing machine come from dirty clothes. If the washing machine is not cleaned regularly, these microbes can multiply and cause disease.
Various types of bacteria in a dirty washing machine
Dirty clothes that are put in the washing machine are usually contaminated by various bacteria, viruses, and fungi that come from the environment.
The washing machine itself is humid and warm. This condition is certainly very appropriate for bacteria in the washing machine to breed.
There are various types of microbes that inhabit washing machines. Citing a study published in a journal Frontiers in Microbiology, here are some of the bacteria that are present in a dirty washing machine.
1. Staphylococcus (staph)
Naturally, the bacteria Staphylococcus live on the surface of the skin and nose. These bacteria can transfer from the skin to clothes, then in the washing machine.
This number will increase as the clothes get pile up, especially if the washing machine is left dirty.
Infection staph occurs when bacteria enter the body through injured skin. People with weak immune systems are also at risk for this condition.
The infection can even lead to skin problems, such as:
- Ulcers filled with pus
- Cellulitis (infection of the deeper layers of the skin)
- Impetigo (a contagious skin infection characterized by a painful rash)
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (rashes and blisters caused by toxins produced by bacteria staph)
2. Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Bacteria E. jerk actually useful for producing vitamin K2 in the formation of feces. However, these fecal particles that contain bacteria can contaminate dirty clothes in the washing machine without realizing it.
These bacteria then enter the body through the mouth. Several types of bacteria E. coli can produce toxins in the digestive system.
This condition will result in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, to intestinal infections.
3. Corynebacterium
Corynebacterium are normal bacteria found on the skin, respiratory tract and digestive tract. Most of the species Corynebacterium does not cause disease, but there are a number of other species known to cause diphtheria.
These bacteria can transfer to clothes and thrive in a dirty washing machine. The infection is rare, but people with weak immune systems should be careful because they are more susceptible to infection.
4. Propionibacterium
Your skin is also an ideal place to live propionibacterium. These bacteria breed in an environment that contains lots of oil, such as hair follicles on facial skin.
You can also find these bacteria in washing machines that are rarely cleaned, aka dirty.
Propionibacterium in excess amounts can infect the hair follicles, trigger an inflammatory reaction, and eventually cause acne. Pimples that form are usually in the form of papules (without pus) or pustules (filled with pus).
5. Pseudomonas
Bacteria pseudomonas live and reproduce in humid and watery environments. That is why these bacteria thrive in dirty washing machines.
Especially if you often accumulate dirty and damp clothes for a long time.
Infection pseudomonas usually not a big effect for healthy people. However, those who suffer from chronic diseases or have weak immunity are at risk for symptoms, such as rashes and pus-filled pimples.
Various bacteria in a dirty washing machine can actually be found naturally on your body. These bacteria only become infected when your immune system weakens or you are exposed directly.
The best way to prevent contamination is to inhibit bacterial growth. If you regularly use your washing machine once a week, clean your washing machine every month.
If you use your washing machine only occasionally every month, clean your washing machine every few months. Use hot water and bleach to get rid of any germs.
