The Washing Machine
As seen this morning on the Early Show
The video will play
As seen this morning on the Early Show
The video will play
Germ Warfare
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toggleswitch2
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Proving once again that hot water and bleach is a good thing!
Did anyone notice that the worse machine had a filthy/ moldy softener dispenser? Softener abuse! Waxy softener = mold food.
Did anyone notice that the worse machine had a filthy/ moldy softener dispenser? Softener abuse! Waxy softener = mold food.
mysteryclock
Well-known member
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing about softener -- persistent, available growth media / germ food. I wonder how many of us who don't use softener, actually clean our washers regularly with hot water (even w/o bleach) and let them completely dry out have these kinds of issues?
The other interesting thing about this video is that it actually conflicts with the CDC guidelines for MRSA and laundry (see link, text below). So who is right, CBS and their expert or the CDC wrt. killing germs in laundry?
"Will routine laundry processes, detergents, and laundry additives remove staph and MRSA from towels, clothes, linens, and uniforms?
Yes. Routine laundry procedures, detergents, and laundry additives will all help to make clothes, towels, and linens safe to wear or touch. If items have been contaminated by infectious material, these may be laundered separately, but this is not absolutely necessary."
One follow-up question for you guys -- why cold water with chlorine bleach instead of hot? I must have slept through that semester of Chemistry class....
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_Enviro_Manage.html#20
The other interesting thing about this video is that it actually conflicts with the CDC guidelines for MRSA and laundry (see link, text below). So who is right, CBS and their expert or the CDC wrt. killing germs in laundry?
"Will routine laundry processes, detergents, and laundry additives remove staph and MRSA from towels, clothes, linens, and uniforms?
Yes. Routine laundry procedures, detergents, and laundry additives will all help to make clothes, towels, and linens safe to wear or touch. If items have been contaminated by infectious material, these may be laundered separately, but this is not absolutely necessary."
One follow-up question for you guys -- why cold water with chlorine bleach instead of hot? I must have slept through that semester of Chemistry class....
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_Enviro_Manage.html#20
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Bah!
It floors me that a scientist, in this age of drought and dwindling resources, would recommend running a cycle of bleach and water for the sole purpose of killing germs (and ones that a healthy immune system can handle just fine, at that!). It seems to me that a better plan would be that of making sure to run at least one bleach load of actual laundry each week, thereby making that water do double duty.
This "germ-mania" in our media is getting out of hand - people are buying all kinds of unnecessary products. Even sillier, a lot of people get scared into buying something that promises to kill germs or eliminate allergens - and then they either don't use it at all, don't use it effectively or don't maintain it. I can't tell you how many Lux Guardian, Miele and TriStar vacs I've seen where the owner has never changed the HEPA filter - the supposed "miracle" vac is the filthiest thing in the house!
There was a study of cleaning products back in the late '50s that was cited by writer Vance Packard in one of his books. The study found that many purchasers of "miracle" products didn't actually want to clean - they wanted to buy something that made them feel like they had done their duty by buying the "best" product available. Actual use of the product seemed to be irrelevant.
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose and all that...
It floors me that a scientist, in this age of drought and dwindling resources, would recommend running a cycle of bleach and water for the sole purpose of killing germs (and ones that a healthy immune system can handle just fine, at that!). It seems to me that a better plan would be that of making sure to run at least one bleach load of actual laundry each week, thereby making that water do double duty.
This "germ-mania" in our media is getting out of hand - people are buying all kinds of unnecessary products. Even sillier, a lot of people get scared into buying something that promises to kill germs or eliminate allergens - and then they either don't use it at all, don't use it effectively or don't maintain it. I can't tell you how many Lux Guardian, Miele and TriStar vacs I've seen where the owner has never changed the HEPA filter - the supposed "miracle" vac is the filthiest thing in the house!
There was a study of cleaning products back in the late '50s that was cited by writer Vance Packard in one of his books. The study found that many purchasers of "miracle" products didn't actually want to clean - they wanted to buy something that made them feel like they had done their duty by buying the "best" product available. Actual use of the product seemed to be irrelevant.
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose and all that...
rayjay
Well-known member
When doing a lot of loads in one day, I always run the whites last with bleach, and always leave the door open. Never had a problem with mold or mildew. So many people have gotten away with washing in hot and warm water and I think this attributes to it. I only use cold for certain dark colors and delicates. All the other colored loades are washed in warm or hot.
rayjay
Well-known member
Bleach and Cold Water
This is all coming together now. Our friends who own a pool store and also sell chlorine and chemicals for the pool confirmed this. I bring in a sample of pool water weekly to be tested for PH and Chlorine. I one left it in a hot car for a few hours doing errands. My friend told me that I did not get a chlorine reading, and I said this was impossbile becasue I have an automatic chlorinator on the pool and I tested the water earlier in the morning and got a good reading. He asked me if I left the container with the water in the hot car. I said I did. He said that the heat dissapates the chlorine. Same principal I guess.....
This is all coming together now. Our friends who own a pool store and also sell chlorine and chemicals for the pool confirmed this. I bring in a sample of pool water weekly to be tested for PH and Chlorine. I one left it in a hot car for a few hours doing errands. My friend told me that I did not get a chlorine reading, and I said this was impossbile becasue I have an automatic chlorinator on the pool and I tested the water earlier in the morning and got a good reading. He asked me if I left the container with the water in the hot car. I said I did. He said that the heat dissapates the chlorine. Same principal I guess.....
rayjay
Well-known member
Bleach and Cold Water
No wonder why when I was growing up and my parents washed with a GE wringer, that the white were wrung into a tub of cold water and bleach for 20 min. then rinsed; they were so much whiter.
No wonder why when I was growing up and my parents washed with a GE wringer, that the white were wrung into a tub of cold water and bleach for 20 min. then rinsed; they were so much whiter.
hoover1100
Well-known member
hmmmmm
Nothing is ever going to be germ free, none of those machines will cause anyone any harm, but it's not a nice thought.
As long as there is no mould or build up or unpleasant smell, I don't see that there's a problem.
Running an empty cycle every 2-3 washes? Thats a bit extreme. Using chlorine bleach? Completely unecessary!
As long as an oxi-bleach is being used on white and light coloured clothes, as well as towels, and towels and sheets are washed at 60c (140F), there should be no mould, build up or bad smells on the clothes or the machine, therefore as far as I am concearned the washer is clean.
This is what I have done all my life, and never had any of the above problems, have never put chlorine or disinfectant into my machine, have never used temps higher than 60c (140F) for anything other than the sheer novelty value (it does not get clothes any cleaner from my experience) have never run an empty "cleaning" wash, have always washed underwear with other clothes of similar colour and have never used one of these "washing machine cleaners" appearing on the market now.
I have always used softner in almost every wash, but I guess in a machine where the softner dispenser is flushed with water it causes much less problems, I clean the dispenser maybe once every 3 months and don't get build up in it. It is however important to let the machine dry when not in use, by leaving the door ajar.
Bearing in mind my Grandfather's machine is 17 years old and has been in constant use, yet remains continuously spotless inside and out, and the clothes always come out fresh and clean, this obviously works.
Now before the top loader fanatics start ranting about how "disgusting" it is to use a front loader, and how modern ones are even more "disgusting", I can only say that even the most water efficient machines I have used have never had any of the problems mentioned above, providing the above methods are undertaken, to me it never requires thought, it's just common sense. The clothes also come spotless and fresh every time, with or without scented detergents or softners and with or without chlorine bleach, disinfectants, tumble drying, drying in the sun, ironing or any other way you can suggest of reducing bacteria numbers.
Anyone who has smells, mould or build up's in their machine, or suffers from unfresh laundry quite obviously has no idea how to use a washing machine properly, or proper laundry techniques.
Matt
Nothing is ever going to be germ free, none of those machines will cause anyone any harm, but it's not a nice thought.
As long as there is no mould or build up or unpleasant smell, I don't see that there's a problem.
Running an empty cycle every 2-3 washes? Thats a bit extreme. Using chlorine bleach? Completely unecessary!
As long as an oxi-bleach is being used on white and light coloured clothes, as well as towels, and towels and sheets are washed at 60c (140F), there should be no mould, build up or bad smells on the clothes or the machine, therefore as far as I am concearned the washer is clean.
This is what I have done all my life, and never had any of the above problems, have never put chlorine or disinfectant into my machine, have never used temps higher than 60c (140F) for anything other than the sheer novelty value (it does not get clothes any cleaner from my experience) have never run an empty "cleaning" wash, have always washed underwear with other clothes of similar colour and have never used one of these "washing machine cleaners" appearing on the market now.
I have always used softner in almost every wash, but I guess in a machine where the softner dispenser is flushed with water it causes much less problems, I clean the dispenser maybe once every 3 months and don't get build up in it. It is however important to let the machine dry when not in use, by leaving the door ajar.
Bearing in mind my Grandfather's machine is 17 years old and has been in constant use, yet remains continuously spotless inside and out, and the clothes always come out fresh and clean, this obviously works.
Now before the top loader fanatics start ranting about how "disgusting" it is to use a front loader, and how modern ones are even more "disgusting", I can only say that even the most water efficient machines I have used have never had any of the problems mentioned above, providing the above methods are undertaken, to me it never requires thought, it's just common sense. The clothes also come spotless and fresh every time, with or without scented detergents or softners and with or without chlorine bleach, disinfectants, tumble drying, drying in the sun, ironing or any other way you can suggest of reducing bacteria numbers.
Anyone who has smells, mould or build up's in their machine, or suffers from unfresh laundry quite obviously has no idea how to use a washing machine properly, or proper laundry techniques.
Matt
Half of the washers had high bacterial counts
At least half the people I know wash everything in cold and would never use chlorine bleach. I can't get them to dilute the fabric softner either. Since I wash very little in cold and do 2 chlorine bleach loads a week, I'm not worried about my machine.
Much of this bacteria grows in the "stuff" that builds up in the machine, and machines that do nothing but cold washes are loaded with "stuff".
Ken D.
At least half the people I know wash everything in cold and would never use chlorine bleach. I can't get them to dilute the fabric softner either. Since I wash very little in cold and do 2 chlorine bleach loads a week, I'm not worried about my machine.
Much of this bacteria grows in the "stuff" that builds up in the machine, and machines that do nothing but cold washes are loaded with "stuff".
Ken D.
iheartmaytag
Well-known member
Why Cold water?
I asked that question myself. What they said in the story is the Hot water makes the chlorine evaporate out and become dilute. Makes sense I guess. I was also told in FL machines with on board heaters the heater would boil off the chlorine.
My machine automatically chooses the sanatize temperature plus steam when I run the clean washer cycle.
I asked that question myself. What they said in the story is the Hot water makes the chlorine evaporate out and become dilute. Makes sense I guess. I was also told in FL machines with on board heaters the heater would boil off the chlorine.
My machine automatically chooses the sanatize temperature plus steam when I run the clean washer cycle.
mistereric
Well-known member
EVERYONE PANIC!
OMG! Blowing my nose with whats in my underwear? If I could reach my nose with whats in my underpants, I'd be a far more popular boy.
How many people use hankies anyway? Conversely, how sterile are those Kleenex you just bought? Are your underpants THAT dirty? Your arse is connected to your nose by 3 feet of skin, coincidentally.
I expect my washer to CLEAN my clothes, not to sterilize them. As long as they are clean, and smell nice, this is a non issue.
Now, if I had a cold, I would of course take more heroic measures to kill germs, but that would be throughout the house.
OMG! Blowing my nose with whats in my underwear? If I could reach my nose with whats in my underpants, I'd be a far more popular boy.
How many people use hankies anyway? Conversely, how sterile are those Kleenex you just bought? Are your underpants THAT dirty? Your arse is connected to your nose by 3 feet of skin, coincidentally.
I expect my washer to CLEAN my clothes, not to sterilize them. As long as they are clean, and smell nice, this is a non issue.
Now, if I had a cold, I would of course take more heroic measures to kill germs, but that would be throughout the house.
toggleswitch2
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ah so! Launderess was absolutely correct when she stated that chlroine bleach works just fine in cold water. Better, even.
Perhaps we are so used to adding a bit of Clorox (in a top-loader) to the last five minutes of a hot wash, that we associate bleach with hot water.
I'm guessing the heat and disipating fumes of chlorine bleach wafting out of a top-loader makes one SMELL the chlorine bleach and makes one FEEL like it is more effecive that way.
Perhaps we are so used to adding a bit of Clorox (in a top-loader) to the last five minutes of a hot wash, that we associate bleach with hot water.
I'm guessing the heat and disipating fumes of chlorine bleach wafting out of a top-loader makes one SMELL the chlorine bleach and makes one FEEL like it is more effecive that way.
launderess
Well-known member
I've Done Told You, Told You & Told You
Chlorine bleach does NOT require hot water for whitening or sanitation. While higher temperatures do speed up the process, it is not required.
This is one of the reasons commercial laundries like LCB in some cases over oxygen bleaches.
Think of all the water treated for sanitation or even when camping with chlorine bleach, does one ever hear of it being heated?
L.
Chlorine bleach does NOT require hot water for whitening or sanitation. While higher temperatures do speed up the process, it is not required.
This is one of the reasons commercial laundries like LCB in some cases over oxygen bleaches.
Think of all the water treated for sanitation or even when camping with chlorine bleach, does one ever hear of it being heated?
L.
using bleach with a wringer washer
Since the water in the wringer washer was used for many loads from whites when the water was hottest to dark colors when the water had cooled, you did not want bleach in the wash water. My grandmothers would put bleach in the first rinse tub for the whites. Subsequent white loads went through the bleach water. When it was time to wash the colors, the bleach water was drained and replaced with fresh water. Likewise with a suds-saver washer, bleach was not used in the wash water unless there were two or three loads of whites after which, the water was drained if colors were going to be laundered. If only one load of whites needed bleaching, the bleach was put in the first WARM deep rinse, followed by another rinse. It's amazing how much you used to need to know to wash clothes properly and how much has been forgotten.
Since the water in the wringer washer was used for many loads from whites when the water was hottest to dark colors when the water had cooled, you did not want bleach in the wash water. My grandmothers would put bleach in the first rinse tub for the whites. Subsequent white loads went through the bleach water. When it was time to wash the colors, the bleach water was drained and replaced with fresh water. Likewise with a suds-saver washer, bleach was not used in the wash water unless there were two or three loads of whites after which, the water was drained if colors were going to be laundered. If only one load of whites needed bleaching, the bleach was put in the first WARM deep rinse, followed by another rinse. It's amazing how much you used to need to know to wash clothes properly and how much has been forgotten.
It's amazing how much you used to need to know ... and h
Tom, I think you pretty much summed up this whole issue with your last sentence. So true about so many things today, and all in the name of automation and laziness. I worry for my generation!
Ben
Tom, I think you pretty much summed up this whole issue with your last sentence. So true about so many things today, and all in the name of automation and laziness. I worry for my generation!
Ben
Did anyone notice that the worse machine had a filthy/ moldy
Exactly...all that waxy, plant based extract is being spun out on the last rinse all over the tubs, gaskets, nooks & crannies!!!!
You can liken it to the black, mouldy crud you get if you`ve left a vase of flowers to long, all that crap on top of the water...even the manufacturers are waking up to it know!!!
Exactly...all that waxy, plant based extract is being spun out on the last rinse all over the tubs, gaskets, nooks & crannies!!!!
You can liken it to the black, mouldy crud you get if you`ve left a vase of flowers to long, all that crap on top of the water...even the manufacturers are waking up to it know!!!
toggleswitch2
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~The bleach was put in the first WARM deep rinse, followed by another rinse.
My Frigidaire front-loader adds bleach to a warm or cold FIRST RINSE. Seemed odd to me at first, but it works out just fine.
I simply run the "Short" cycle for an addtional three rinses and I get decent results and decent rinsing. If I don't rinse extra times when using chlorine bleach my t - - t goes on fire!
When not using chlorine bleach that is where I put my cheap/watery softener; in the bleach dispenser so that it is put in the FIRST rinse. Want the suds removed from the laundry and the chemicals rinsed out. So it works for me!
My Frigidaire front-loader adds bleach to a warm or cold FIRST RINSE. Seemed odd to me at first, but it works out just fine.
I simply run the "Short" cycle for an addtional three rinses and I get decent results and decent rinsing. If I don't rinse extra times when using chlorine bleach my t - - t goes on fire!
When not using chlorine bleach that is where I put my cheap/watery softener; in the bleach dispenser so that it is put in the FIRST rinse. Want the suds removed from the laundry and the chemicals rinsed out. So it works for me!
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Softener Buildup:
Is one of my biggest reasons for liking centre-dial 'Tags - that cup is easily kept clean. As much as I love keyboard Lady Ks, they would definitely have a problem with today's near-gel softener formulas.
Is one of my biggest reasons for liking centre-dial 'Tags - that cup is easily kept clean. As much as I love keyboard Lady Ks, they would definitely have a problem with today's near-gel softener formulas.
Extensive Test were done here on this very thing
About 3 years ago. some findings were as expected some were very eye opening. It was found as expected that as little as 1 oz of bleach could render a load bacteria free if other variables were met. Washing time / action being the most important. It was also found that loads run @ 110 and no bleach had such a high bacteria content that they could not even be counted. and it increased in less than 15 mins. Test were done over a 3 week time span on over 800 loads. It was also found that detergents the cheapest and most costly had little on no effect on the the removal of bacteria at all. And that over loading as little as 1 lb in the smaller units had a great effect on the bacteria not removed. also found was that the larger machines could render a load almost bacteria free with out bleach but the smaller ones could not. Test loads were run at temperatures from 60 to 160 and everything between. In short cold water washing CAN render a load bacteria free if run with the right formula.
About 3 years ago. some findings were as expected some were very eye opening. It was found as expected that as little as 1 oz of bleach could render a load bacteria free if other variables were met. Washing time / action being the most important. It was also found that loads run @ 110 and no bleach had such a high bacteria content that they could not even be counted. and it increased in less than 15 mins. Test were done over a 3 week time span on over 800 loads. It was also found that detergents the cheapest and most costly had little on no effect on the the removal of bacteria at all. And that over loading as little as 1 lb in the smaller units had a great effect on the bacteria not removed. also found was that the larger machines could render a load almost bacteria free with out bleach but the smaller ones could not. Test loads were run at temperatures from 60 to 160 and everything between. In short cold water washing CAN render a load bacteria free if run with the right formula.
travlincub321
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I just ran both washers through a hot water and cascade soak last night.. what a nasty mess my older whirly was... All the scrunge and gunk.. Two rinses later and i had clear water... But all the gunk was floating in the water
The facts are facts, but lets get real.
This is house hold laundry machines and it is used by one family in most cases.
Do you or I feel that a few germs is going to harm someone in the same family???
Haven't we build up enough immunity to combat this???
I think so.....
At this rate, these scientists are leading us to a super germ that Clorox will not remove.....
The more we hear about these minor nuasince the more paranoid people get and jump off the deep end........
OK......, so now we feel that everything must be germ free to live today?
Where's my BUBBLE?!?
This is house hold laundry machines and it is used by one family in most cases.
Do you or I feel that a few germs is going to harm someone in the same family???
Haven't we build up enough immunity to combat this???
I think so.....
At this rate, these scientists are leading us to a super germ that Clorox will not remove.....
The more we hear about these minor nuasince the more paranoid people get and jump off the deep end........
OK......, so now we feel that everything must be germ free to live today?
Where's my BUBBLE?!?
mrb627
Well-known member
Facts
That woman's LG washer was second to the Whirlpool toploader because she probably closes the door right away and does allow the machine to dry out.
That Whirlpool was gross. And if you have ever taken the shell of a DD machine, you will see where the bacteria are living. The outer tub. You have to be extra careful when dealing with machines that have plastic wash tubs. YUK!
I suppose the best of the bunch would be the F&P machines as they do disassemble easily for servicing and cleaning.
Otherwise, give me a stainless steel outer wash tub please.
MRB
That woman's LG washer was second to the Whirlpool toploader because she probably closes the door right away and does allow the machine to dry out.
That Whirlpool was gross. And if you have ever taken the shell of a DD machine, you will see where the bacteria are living. The outer tub. You have to be extra careful when dealing with machines that have plastic wash tubs. YUK!
I suppose the best of the bunch would be the F&P machines as they do disassemble easily for servicing and cleaning.
Otherwise, give me a stainless steel outer wash tub please.
MRB
Sounds more like laundry sorting for neurotics!
So, what are the documented cases of cross-infections caused by germ-laden washing machines to back up these claims? How did we ever survive in the olden days, before anti-bacterial additives, when people used to re-use washwater many times over in their wash tubs? Maybe the flu pandemic of 1918 was caused by people laundering their hankies with their unmentionables - the mind boggles. Should I, perhaps, autoclave my laundry from now on? Or ought I to replace my washer with an incinerator? Is there a link between climate change, the GFC, Islamic extremism and the germs that breed in our washers? Are washer germs destroying our future? Can I get a government grant to find out?
Food for germs?
rapunzel
So, what are the documented cases of cross-infections caused by germ-laden washing machines to back up these claims? How did we ever survive in the olden days, before anti-bacterial additives, when people used to re-use washwater many times over in their wash tubs? Maybe the flu pandemic of 1918 was caused by people laundering their hankies with their unmentionables - the mind boggles. Should I, perhaps, autoclave my laundry from now on? Or ought I to replace my washer with an incinerator? Is there a link between climate change, the GFC, Islamic extremism and the germs that breed in our washers? Are washer germs destroying our future? Can I get a government grant to find out?
Food for germs?
rapunzel
Agreed this is waaayy out or bounds.
/too many people running loose screaming its not sanitized. Well that just might be a GOOD thing! A bit of bacteria is what causes us ALL to help build up antibodies against more dangerous things. It is a FACT that housekeeping and laundry employees ARE sick less often than other staff due to being exposed to a wide amount of well yes GERMS! Thus helping us to build our immune system up. I had a number of employees at the old plant that had been there 30 and 40 years and had never missed a day due to a illness. Most had take off for personal and family reasons but NOT illness. They were there long before I ever started and ALL reitred in GOOD health!
So to all you clammering sickies running around with a Clorox bottle in each hand screaming at the top your germ laden lungs remember germs ARE NOT ALL BAD!
/too many people running loose screaming its not sanitized. Well that just might be a GOOD thing! A bit of bacteria is what causes us ALL to help build up antibodies against more dangerous things. It is a FACT that housekeeping and laundry employees ARE sick less often than other staff due to being exposed to a wide amount of well yes GERMS! Thus helping us to build our immune system up. I had a number of employees at the old plant that had been there 30 and 40 years and had never missed a day due to a illness. Most had take off for personal and family reasons but NOT illness. They were there long before I ever started and ALL reitred in GOOD health!
So to all you clammering sickies running around with a Clorox bottle in each hand screaming at the top your germ laden lungs remember germs ARE NOT ALL BAD!
At my place of work...
...three of the four washers, that we use to launder clothes for 50 residents, are over 20 years old. When staff load clothing with poo on it they often leave skid marks on the washer tops. Whilst we stock gloves, disinfectant cleaner and paper towels in each laundry, rarely are they used. More detergent ends up over the tops of the machines and in the agitator conditioner dispensers, than in the wash tub. Staff often select cold instead of the recommended warm wash necessary to activate the germicidal properties of our detergent (we use Eltra). Yet, in the six years that I've been working there, we've only had one episode of gastroenteritis requiring us to lock down the place. I can say with certainty that this incident was not caused by the germs that live in our washing machines. When nobody is around I often clean up the laundries. The clothes come out cleaner than the linen we get back from the industrial laundry and the machines are clean on the inside and never smell.
rapunzel
...three of the four washers, that we use to launder clothes for 50 residents, are over 20 years old. When staff load clothing with poo on it they often leave skid marks on the washer tops. Whilst we stock gloves, disinfectant cleaner and paper towels in each laundry, rarely are they used. More detergent ends up over the tops of the machines and in the agitator conditioner dispensers, than in the wash tub. Staff often select cold instead of the recommended warm wash necessary to activate the germicidal properties of our detergent (we use Eltra). Yet, in the six years that I've been working there, we've only had one episode of gastroenteritis requiring us to lock down the place. I can say with certainty that this incident was not caused by the germs that live in our washing machines. When nobody is around I often clean up the laundries. The clothes come out cleaner than the linen we get back from the industrial laundry and the machines are clean on the inside and never smell.
rapunzel
At my place of work
How do you live with yourself? Are you bragging? Are you maybe looking for a forum where you can get your kicks by springing scat references on the unsuspecting? You express no interest in appliances on your profile. Are you here to gross us out? Many of us have cared for elderly loved ones or are doing so now. Reading of what amounts to abuse, negligence, malfeasance and heaven knows what other evil in your place of work is very upsetting. I hope someone in your country reads your post and is motivated to start an investigation. Taking advantage of anyone with whose care you are entrusted is evil. It does not matter if we are talking about human beings or animals receiving poor treatment.
If warm water is needed to activate the germicidal properties of a detergent, a cold water wash should not even be a selectable option on the washing machines in an institutional setting.
How do you live with yourself? Are you bragging? Are you maybe looking for a forum where you can get your kicks by springing scat references on the unsuspecting? You express no interest in appliances on your profile. Are you here to gross us out? Many of us have cared for elderly loved ones or are doing so now. Reading of what amounts to abuse, negligence, malfeasance and heaven knows what other evil in your place of work is very upsetting. I hope someone in your country reads your post and is motivated to start an investigation. Taking advantage of anyone with whose care you are entrusted is evil. It does not matter if we are talking about human beings or animals receiving poor treatment.
If warm water is needed to activate the germicidal properties of a detergent, a cold water wash should not even be a selectable option on the washing machines in an institutional setting.
rayjay
Well-known member
I have to agree that some of this is taken way too far. You do need to be exposed to some germs/bacteria. I think if everyone follows proper laundering habits, everything should be okay. When done, leave top or door of washer open. If your whites are bleached, then this should be enough. Clean fabric softener dispenser regularly. I have never had mold, mildew, or smell problems.
lotsosudz
Well-known member
We all survived
It was told to me along time ago: God made dirt, and dirt don't hurt. We as a society, have been made paranoid by all this germ craze. In a recent study scientist's did on children, If more kids were allowed to eat dirt once in a while, as well as allowed to get dirty when they played, they would have more natural antibodies ahainst all these wierd diseases and viruses. Just a thought.
It was told to me along time ago: God made dirt, and dirt don't hurt. We as a society, have been made paranoid by all this germ craze. In a recent study scientist's did on children, If more kids were allowed to eat dirt once in a while, as well as allowed to get dirty when they played, they would have more natural antibodies ahainst all these wierd diseases and viruses. Just a thought.
Bragging?
Not at all and I don't even understand why you would make such a statememt.
Don't know how it is in the US, but I work in an industry that is chronically underfunded and understaffed. Folk don't come and beat down the doors of aged care facilities to work there. Those that do are overworked and grossly underpaid. They generally go above what is required of them to make the lives of the ones they care for better; and that is a heck of a lot more than many families do for their own parents and relatives.
The vast majority of people, who are prepared to work as aged carers, now come from non-English speaking backgrounds. Many of them have very limited English. They just manage to pass the competencies required for them to qualify as basic level aged carers. They are by and large good people, who try to do the right thing, but some things do get lost in translation ever so often. Thus, I go in and fix things that have been overlooked by others. We have monthly meetings where issues are discussed, memos are issued and staff are spoken to individually. Written instructions and pictures on how to use the washing machines are displayed in both laundries and so is information regarding infection control protocols. Still, things don't always go as they ideally should and working with people I find that many can't or aren't prepared to think or take initiatives for themselves.
Our staff ratio for the morning shift is 50 residents divided between 3 care staff plus one shift supervisor, who does the medications, wound dressings, organizes Dr's and other medical appointments, liaises with me, residents, relatives and so on. I am not going into details about what care staff have to do, but anyone who has looked after the elderly knows the complexities of assisting people with advanced dementia and other age related problems. All residents have to be showered and ready by 10:00am - staff start work at 6:30am - you do the maths and try to imagine how busy that is. So if a little brown streak ends up on the top of our washing machines and isn't cleaned off instantly, it isn't because of neglect, carelessness or malificence, it's because people are run off their feet. It most certainly isn't the end of the world. Our cleaner cleans the laundries twice a week, but that doesn't account for the other five days and if no other staff are available I go in and fix it. After 1:00pm we only have 2 staff to take care of our residents and from 9:30pm it's only one. Then there are the agency temps, they are another challenge and I try to avoid bringing them in as little as possible.
You know, from personal experience I can say with utmost certainty that a lot of people who talk like you have no real interest in or understanding of what it takes to look after elderly people. You propbably wouldn't even get out of bed for the money that aged carers get paid, let alone clean up people, who, after all, are strangers.
In regards to 'scat' references (which is a term that relates to a sexual practice)- that is your inference, so stop projecting your crap on my post. If the mere mention of the word 'POO' makes you react like this, what do you do when you go to the toilet? Have mental crisis? Let me guess, you s**t gold nuggets that don't smell.
So I don't have any appliances in my profile - what are you? My mother? And ,yes, I can live with myself. What about you?
Kind regards
rapunzel
P.S. - I bet you've never had someone's stoma bag burst on you whilst performing CPR on them.
Not at all and I don't even understand why you would make such a statememt.
Don't know how it is in the US, but I work in an industry that is chronically underfunded and understaffed. Folk don't come and beat down the doors of aged care facilities to work there. Those that do are overworked and grossly underpaid. They generally go above what is required of them to make the lives of the ones they care for better; and that is a heck of a lot more than many families do for their own parents and relatives.
The vast majority of people, who are prepared to work as aged carers, now come from non-English speaking backgrounds. Many of them have very limited English. They just manage to pass the competencies required for them to qualify as basic level aged carers. They are by and large good people, who try to do the right thing, but some things do get lost in translation ever so often. Thus, I go in and fix things that have been overlooked by others. We have monthly meetings where issues are discussed, memos are issued and staff are spoken to individually. Written instructions and pictures on how to use the washing machines are displayed in both laundries and so is information regarding infection control protocols. Still, things don't always go as they ideally should and working with people I find that many can't or aren't prepared to think or take initiatives for themselves.
Our staff ratio for the morning shift is 50 residents divided between 3 care staff plus one shift supervisor, who does the medications, wound dressings, organizes Dr's and other medical appointments, liaises with me, residents, relatives and so on. I am not going into details about what care staff have to do, but anyone who has looked after the elderly knows the complexities of assisting people with advanced dementia and other age related problems. All residents have to be showered and ready by 10:00am - staff start work at 6:30am - you do the maths and try to imagine how busy that is. So if a little brown streak ends up on the top of our washing machines and isn't cleaned off instantly, it isn't because of neglect, carelessness or malificence, it's because people are run off their feet. It most certainly isn't the end of the world. Our cleaner cleans the laundries twice a week, but that doesn't account for the other five days and if no other staff are available I go in and fix it. After 1:00pm we only have 2 staff to take care of our residents and from 9:30pm it's only one. Then there are the agency temps, they are another challenge and I try to avoid bringing them in as little as possible.
You know, from personal experience I can say with utmost certainty that a lot of people who talk like you have no real interest in or understanding of what it takes to look after elderly people. You propbably wouldn't even get out of bed for the money that aged carers get paid, let alone clean up people, who, after all, are strangers.
In regards to 'scat' references (which is a term that relates to a sexual practice)- that is your inference, so stop projecting your crap on my post. If the mere mention of the word 'POO' makes you react like this, what do you do when you go to the toilet? Have mental crisis? Let me guess, you s**t gold nuggets that don't smell.
So I don't have any appliances in my profile - what are you? My mother? And ,yes, I can live with myself. What about you?
Kind regards
rapunzel
P.S. - I bet you've never had someone's stoma bag burst on you whilst performing CPR on them.
Well...
I am not going to judge the American way of washing. I just will tell you about how it is here in GERMany
Actually, I can say that in the past I have NEVER heard about problems with germs in washing machines or that a washer smells bad. That just came up the last 2 or 3 years since everbody wants to save the planet by washing everything cold. That led to more and more washers which would be considered as stinky and dirty. 5 years ago, everything was fine. All the housewives (and -men) ran a 60°C/140°F wash or even hotter and we were all happy. NOW people wash their bedding, underwear, kitchen towles or baby clothes cold. It is true that todays detergents clean well in cold water but they won't stop a build up of nasty smell or germs. Thats why even one of our primetime news show brought up a report about this theme where they recommend to wash at least at 60°C/140°F every week or every 2 weeks (depends on the amount of laundry you have) and the machine and its owner will be happy. If you still have problems, you have the option to run an empty boilwash at 95°C/203°F with citric acid and a scoop of Persil and that should kill everything. I by the way never had problems with those issues. Maybe it is because I refuse to wash my bedding or underwear in cold water or maybe it is because I run at least an empty boilwash with the ingredients mentioned above twice a year.
And another point: The bleach in Persil for example (and in most of the German powdered detergents for whites) is based on hydrogen peroxide. I was told that it works best in hot water. Please note, I am not talking about enzymes. When you run a boilwash, the washer will remain some time at the station of about 30° or 40° C (86°/104° F) to give the enzymes time to do their work (well, my Miele does that and I suppose washers from other brands do that too). It is called the enzyme-phase of the mainwash. After that, the heater starts to rise the temperature, the enzymes will die and the bleach begins its work. So I was quite puzzled when the lady in the video recommended to use bleach in cold water. But maybe it is another type of bleach, there are several types that work differently.
I have "Eau de Javel" here at my house and I use it for really tough stains on whites. If I would use it on colored items, I could throw them away because it is not colorsafe. I already ruined a shirt because some drops of the bleach got on it so the dark blue color was gone after 10 minutes. "Eau de Javel" works in any water temperature so I think it really depends on the type of bleach someone uses.
I wished everbody would stop that "cold-wash-hype". It is okay to save energy but not on the wrong end. One time, I did the experiment to wash a load of 60°-items on cold. They came out nearly clean but did not smell like that. And still some stains on my kitchen towles. That cured me from doing further loads on a coldwash.
I am not going to judge the American way of washing. I just will tell you about how it is here in GERMany
Actually, I can say that in the past I have NEVER heard about problems with germs in washing machines or that a washer smells bad. That just came up the last 2 or 3 years since everbody wants to save the planet by washing everything cold. That led to more and more washers which would be considered as stinky and dirty. 5 years ago, everything was fine. All the housewives (and -men) ran a 60°C/140°F wash or even hotter and we were all happy. NOW people wash their bedding, underwear, kitchen towles or baby clothes cold. It is true that todays detergents clean well in cold water but they won't stop a build up of nasty smell or germs. Thats why even one of our primetime news show brought up a report about this theme where they recommend to wash at least at 60°C/140°F every week or every 2 weeks (depends on the amount of laundry you have) and the machine and its owner will be happy. If you still have problems, you have the option to run an empty boilwash at 95°C/203°F with citric acid and a scoop of Persil and that should kill everything. I by the way never had problems with those issues. Maybe it is because I refuse to wash my bedding or underwear in cold water or maybe it is because I run at least an empty boilwash with the ingredients mentioned above twice a year.
And another point: The bleach in Persil for example (and in most of the German powdered detergents for whites) is based on hydrogen peroxide. I was told that it works best in hot water. Please note, I am not talking about enzymes. When you run a boilwash, the washer will remain some time at the station of about 30° or 40° C (86°/104° F) to give the enzymes time to do their work (well, my Miele does that and I suppose washers from other brands do that too). It is called the enzyme-phase of the mainwash. After that, the heater starts to rise the temperature, the enzymes will die and the bleach begins its work. So I was quite puzzled when the lady in the video recommended to use bleach in cold water. But maybe it is another type of bleach, there are several types that work differently.
I have "Eau de Javel" here at my house and I use it for really tough stains on whites. If I would use it on colored items, I could throw them away because it is not colorsafe. I already ruined a shirt because some drops of the bleach got on it so the dark blue color was gone after 10 minutes. "Eau de Javel" works in any water temperature so I think it really depends on the type of bleach someone uses.
I wished everbody would stop that "cold-wash-hype". It is okay to save energy but not on the wrong end. One time, I did the experiment to wash a load of 60°-items on cold. They came out nearly clean but did not smell like that. And still some stains on my kitchen towles. That cured me from doing further loads on a coldwash.
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