During cold and flu season, it’s easy to think about surfaces like doorknobs and countertops as potential sources of germs. But what about our clothing? You might be surprised to learn that your clothes can actually function as a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
How Clothing Becomes a Germy Hotspot
Microbiologist Jason Tetro, known as “The Germ Guy,” explains, “Your clothing is porous and therefore is essentially a solid petri dish.” This porous material allows germs to penetrate the fibers and find a comfy place to linger.
Any surface you touch, or even breathe near, can spread germs onto your clothes. Moisture, like sweat, can trap these pathogens within the fabric, making catching a ride onto your skin even easier.
Shaking Danger
Tetro underscores that for germs to jump from your clothes to you, they need to be released into the air, often through shaking or movement.
“There has to be some kind of shaking of the fabric to release them into the air so that you can get exposed,” he explains.
” If the fabric is dry, it’s also not that much of a risk because the germs will likely stay on the fabric.”
Germs on Clothes: How Long Do They Last?
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