2023-12-07 00:05:17
The Importance of Regularly Replacing Your Underwear
Whether briefs, hipster panties or French knickers: Of course, you change your underwear every day to avoid unpleasant odors and infections. But how long do you keep your underpants before throwing them away? Probably too long. Here come the hard facts.
How often does underwear need to be replaced?
They are our loyal companions every day: underpants. We all have our favorite models that guarantee a comfortable fit and pleasant material. Most of the time, underpants are only replaced when the material wears off, they get out of shape, or they simply fall apart. And although most people change their underwear every day, many models get a little old by the time we finally throw them away.
How clean is underwear really after washing?
Even if you put your panties in the wash after wearing them for just one day, bacteria will still remain in the fabric. More precisely, these are the coliform bacteria “Escherichia coli”. They are part of our intestinal flora and are partly responsible for the decomposition of carbohydrates and proteins.
Good to know: A microbiological study by Dr. Charles Gerba showed that up to 0.1 grams of feces can be found in washed underpants – and theoretically also E. coli bacteria. But no one needs to worry about this tiny amount.
Can old underwear endanger your health?
Even freshly washed, clean underwear usually contains around 0.1 grams of feces – this is proven by various studies. It is therefore recommended that you throw away your underwear and replace it with new ones every six to twelve months. The bad bacteria can quickly lead to infections, especially in open wounds. However, if you don’t have any discomfort in your intimate area, you can wear your underwear for longer. But: All underpants have an expiry date.
When do underpants have to be thrown away?
Replacing underwear relatively frequently is not particularly sustainable and can also cause costs – women’s underwear, in particular, often costs a lot of money. But experts give the all-clear: If you don’t have any health problems, you don’t necessarily need to throw away your underwear after six to twelve months. So you can wear your favorite briefs as long as you think it’s appropriate. Provided you take care of the textiles properly.
How is underwear washed correctly?
In order to wash more sustainably and save energy, it is recommended to wash underwear at low temperatures and as little water as possible. That’s why it’s usually enough to wash underwear at 30 degrees with a good colored detergent to get it clean. However, you should know that the low temperatures are not optimal for hygiene. The laundry is only washed hygienically properly when the temperatures are around 60 degrees and it is washed with a heavy-duty detergent. Otherwise, a certain amount of bacteria will always remain on the laundry – no matter what clothing is washed. In the case of contagious diseases such as fungal infections, athlete’s foot, or norovirus, underwear and all other items of clothing worn must be washed separately at 60 degrees using heavy-duty detergent.
Does underwear need to be washed after purchase?
Unfortunately, newly purchased underwear is not free from germs and bacteria. That’s why you should always wash them before wearing them for the first time to be on the safe side. Whether underpants or bras: lingerie is often tried on in stores and has already passed through numerous hands. To make sure that it is really hygienically clean, you should put it in the washing drum first.
Also clean the washing machine regularly
To prevent bacteria and germs in the washing machine, you should wash the machine regularly with cycles above 60 degrees and with heavy-duty powder detergent.
This is how discarded underwear becomes useful
If the underwear has had its day, it doesn’t necessarily have to end up in the trash. Old briefs and boxer shorts can still be used as rags for a while. They are often perfect for cleaning your bike or shoes or giving chrome a new shine with a polish.
In conclusion, regular replacement of underwear is essential to maintain good hygiene and prevent the risk of infections. Experts recommend replacing underwear every six to twelve months, but this ultimately depends on individual hygiene and care practices. Proper washing techniques and regular cleaning of the washing machine are also important factors in maintaining good hygiene and prolonging the lifespan of underwear.
Ultimately, taking care of the textiles and being mindful of hygiene practices can help ensure that your favorite undergarments provide comfort and protection for a longer period of time.]
#Intimate #hygiene #bacteria #briefs