How to wash clothes to reduce the spread of COVID-19
It is recommended to use a washing machine to wash clothes as it requires a lesser human touch which lessens the chances of getting infected
The global pandemic has lead people to maintain social distancing but experts suggest that the virus can live up to hours, even days on different types of surfaces, including clothes. Even though everyone is home quarantined, health professionals, law enforces, bankers, journalists, and field administrators are still working.
On top of it, people also need to go outside for groceries, medicines, and other essentials. Hence, there is a high possibility that the virus can tag along with people who are going out putting the family at risk of getting infected. To ensure safety, clothes need to be washed and dried properly.
Here are a few steps you can follow while washing clothes:
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Use a washing machine
It is recommended to use a washing machine to wash clothes as it requires a lesser human touch which lessens the chances of getting infected. The washing machine does all the washing, rinsing, spinning, and sometimes drying. Experts advise washing clothes after every single use which has been exposed to the outside environment. You should put these fabrics in a closed bin, preferably inside a disposable liner to wash separately.
Protect yourself while handling the clothes
As these clothes may carry different sorts of germs, it is advisable to use proper hand gloves and face masks. Clean your hands and face properly afterwards. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises not to shake the bin or any of the clothes when transferring them to the washing machine as it might agitate and disperse the virus in the air and increase the chance of being infected.
Wash the clothes with warm water
Using the warmest possible water setting available in the washing machine will help to kill the germs. Any detergent can be used, but according to the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, bleach may help to inactivate viral microbes in the wash. Hence, you can either add bleach separately along with the detergent of your choice or use a detergent that contains a colour-safe bleach if it is appropriate for the fabric.
Dry the clothes in a dryer or under the sun
When it comes to drying the clothes, using a dryer is recommended as the heat will help to inactivate any viral microbes. If using a dryer is not possible, then the clothes need to be dried under direct sunlight. Heat is mandatory to inactivate the viral microbes. However, nowadays, people are also feeling hesitant to go to the rooftop to dry their clothes as it is a public place, and there is a risk of getting infected. And we all know that most of our balconies do not get enough sunlight to inactivate the viral microbes.
Hence, if it is possible, try to get a dryer or use the "air-dry" option in the washing machine. There are various dryers and washing machines in the market, including Samsung, which comes with energy-efficient features. Energy-efficient is a perfect feature for washing and drying clothes as we know the machines tend to consume a higher level of energy.
Among Samung's line of washing machines, you can rely on "EU Tumble Dryer with Heat Pump Technology (9kg)"; a machine that focuses on energy efficiency. The Heat Pump Technology makes sure that the clothes are dried while the machine consumes less power. Its Sensor Dry function detects the moisture on clothes and turns off automatically when the clothes are dry; consumes less energy as well. The usual price of the "EU Tumble Dryer with Heat Pump Technology (9kg)" is Tk79,900 but you can get it now at a discounted price of Tk67,900.
Another model – "TL Active Dual Wash (9 KG)", is also good for clothes as it focuses on in-depth cleaning. Its Water Fall technology ensure that the detergent is sprayed evenly and delivers more thorough cleanliness and rinsing. It Wobble technology allows the clothes to be washed in multiple directions that prevents tangles and increases washing power. The usual price of the " TL Active Dual Wash (9 KG)" is Tk42,900 but you can get it now at a discounted price of Tk38,900.
Where to buy it from?
You can buy the abovementioned washing machines or any other Samsung products from authorised dealers of Samsung electronics in Bangladesh. For now, you can place orders online at Samsung Bangladesh e-Store and get the products delivered to your doorstep.
