Do you find yourself cleaning more? Washing things more? As we adapt to this unexpected new normal, people have been on their toes about general hygiene. Bacteria, germs and other allergens are practically everywhere. Hence is important to keep things clean, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory condition.
With some helpful tips, laundry day might just be your favourite day from now on.
Give Those Old Fabrics a Shower
Fabric collects microscopic bacteria, germs, dust, and other allergens that are invisible to the eye. Dust mites or pollen from outside sticks to fabric and can trigger symptoms for people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or allergies. Dust mites, especially, are exceptionally common in pillows, bedding, upholstery, and carpeting as they feed on invisible skin flakes.
Removing such allergens from the fabrics at home can help alleviate allergies and asthma as well as to improve the wellbeing of you and your family. Look for washing machine that does this. For example, LG’s washing machines are equipped with steam capability of 60°C heating and steam wash that effectively removes 99.9% allergens. Having an appliance that eliminates allergens from your clothes will keep the allergies away. Instead of having a stuffed nose or difficulty in breathing, we can now say Hasta la Vista, baby to the allergies.
Heat Things Up with the Appropriate Water Temperature Setting
We have been told countless times that high temperature eliminates germs and bacteria – this rule applies to laundry as well. When putting clothes to wash, it is best to use the warmest possible water setting or steam function within the washing machines since germs, bacteria, and other allergens are typically sensitive to high temperature. For example, with LG washing machines, clothes are washed at a temperature of 50 to 60°C for 30 minutes, which effectively removes common household allergens and eliminates 50.9% more allergens than other washers. Of course, before throwing your clothes in for a hot water wash, it is advised that you read the garment’s care label for specific washing to prevent damage to clothes. If you already have the habit of reading the garment care label before wash, then you would make Monica from F.R.I.E.N.D.S very proud!
Wash What You Wore to the “Outside” As Soon As You Can
Have you ever heard your friends, siblings or partner telling you or someone else not to sit on their bed with “outside” clothes on? Well, as odd as it may have sounded then, they might be on to something. Fabrics do collect the tiniest specs of particles and substances that we cannot see. Even if you were outside for a few minutes to catch some fresh air, it is highly probable that you would bring pollens, dust mites, germs, bacteria and other allergens into your home. Lounging around in your “outside” clothes increases the possibility of dispersing bacteria, germs, dusts, and other allergens onto the surfaces of your home as well as in the air. This can trigger symptoms for people
with asthma and other respiratory diseases. The wise thing to do after an outing is to change out of the “outside” clothes and put them through a hot or steam wash as soon as you can.
LG steam features reduce wrinkles on clothes too, so you won’t have to iron your clothes as much, which is always a perk when life gets too busy. Plus, the washing machines have the Full Stainless-Steel Tub feature that is more effective at controlling bacteria growth than conventional plastic tubs. These antimicrobial effects can eliminate 90% of harmful bacteria, preventing it from ever taking root. What better time to lounge around in your clothes than after a wash like that? You will be lounging in clothes that are fresher than the Fresh Prince of Bel Air!
Overall, Doing Laundry Can Be a Gratifying Experience
What’s more satisfying than the feeling and smell of fresh laundry surrounding you? With juggling work-life balance as well as the stresses that come with life itself, doing laundry can be therapeutic - and it costs next to nothing. Clothes are the one thing we are given instructions to care for them (clothes’ care label), which minimises the stress because we do not have to try to make sense of the fabric type and suitable wash for them.
In addition, doing laundry also gives you some (possibly much needed) alone time to relax. And no one will say no to a clean pair of socks or a fresh-smelling shirt. If it’s your lucky day, you might even find some money in the pockets of your freshly washed pants. Now, that’s the best kind of therapy anyone could ask for.
