Eco washing machines not so friendly
ECO- FRIENDLY washing machines that clean clothes at low temperatures are a breeding ground for deadly superbugs, scientists warn.
Water temperatures in many home washers are below 60C in the drive to cut energy bills and save the planet.
But researchers from the University of Bonn, in Germany, say this is not hot enough to kill germs.
It comes after a breakout of the bug klebsiella oxytoca in a babies’ intensive care unit was traced to a domestic washing machine.
It was transmitted on the knitted caps and socks used to keep the tots warm and only stopped when the machine was removed.
Hospitals normally use special washing machines and laundry processes that wash at high temperatures and with disinfectants.
Experts say the finding is also important for homeowners looking after elderly relatives or younger ones with oozing wounds or infections.
They should wash clothes and bed linen at higher temperatures.
Klebsiella oxytoca are healthy gut bacteria inside the intestines but can cause pneumonia, sepsis or urinary tract infections when spread.
They are resistant to several drugs.