A new scientific study raises serious questions about common household laundry practices. Researchers found that many domestic washing machines fail to disinfect textiles contaminated with hospital-like pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The findings suggest a potential pathway for infections to move between healthcare settings and homes. The results appear in a peer-reviewed journal, highlighting the need to rethink laundry guidelines for those exposed to infectious environments.
For Thai families, nurses, and caregivers, the message is clear: contaminated clothing can act as a vehicle for hospital-acquired infections if not washed effectively. In Thailand, where many healthcare workers wash uniforms at home and families care for elderly or immunocompromised relatives, understanding the limits of home washing is essential to prevent transmission.
The study, led by infection control specialists at a UK university, tested six domestic washing machines using textiles deliberately contaminated with healthcare-associated pathogens. Alarmingly, half of the machines did not disinfect uniforms during a rapid wash, and a third remained insufficient even on standard settings. Biofilms found inside the washers carried antibiotic resistance genes, signaling that some bacteria can withstand routine laundering. The researchers warn that certain pathogens may endure common household detergents and even thrive in the damp environment of washing machines.
Researchers emphasize that domestic laundering may not be enough to break the chain of infection. They advocate revising laundering guidelines for healthcare workers and exploring on-site industrial washing at medical facilities to ensure complete decontamination. Hospitals and clinics are urged to implement stricter protocols, including higher wash temperatures, hospital-grade detergents, and regular machine maintenance to disrupt biofilms.
In Thailand, uniform laundering practices vary. While some modern hospitals run in-house industrial laundry services, many facilities—particularly smaller ones—still rely on staff washing uniforms at home. Thailand’s public health guidelines have long encouraged hot-water washing, but the new evidence suggests that older or lower-grade machines may not achieve desired decontamination levels. An infection control professional at a major Bangkok hospital spoke about reconsidering policies for outpatient staff and support workers who bring uniforms home, underscoring patient safety concerns.
Hospital-acquired infections remain a challenge in Thailand, with antibiotic-resistant bacteria increasingly observed in both urban and rural facilities. The potential for work clothes to ferry these organisms between hospitals and communities highlights the importance of robust infection-control measures and reliable laundering options.
Beyond the lab, the study contributes to the broader global discussion on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR is a critical health threat identified by international health authorities, with projections suggesting rising deaths if resistance continues unchecked. Thailand has framed AMR as a national health priority, promoting prudent antibiotic use and stronger infection-control practices. The new findings add urgency to adopting practical steps for safe laundering across households and healthcare facilities.
What should Thai readers do now? Practical steps include:
- Wash healthcare uniforms at the highest temperature recommended by manufacturers, preferably above 60°C when fabrics permit.
- Use detergents with proven disinfectant properties, and consider approved additives where safe for the fabric.
- Regularly descale and clean washing machines, running high-heat, empty cycles to reduce biofilms.
- If a household member is immune-compromised, elderly, or very young, consider using professional hospital laundry services for uniforms and high-risk clothing.
- Encourage health facilities to provide or subsidize safe laundering options for staff.
- Discuss safe laundering practices at workplaces and community meetings to raise awareness.
This article integrates findings from the study with practical guidance tailored for Thai households and healthcare contexts. Data from leading research institutions indicates that home laundering, while important for everyday hygiene, may require enhanced practices or professional services to curb the spread of resistant pathogens.
For further context on antimicrobial resistance and infection control, seek official health guidance from national and international health authorities and consult hospital infection-control departments for tailored recommendations.