Can’t underwear and socks be washed together?

Yes, but with conditions

Regarding the question of whether underwear and socks can be washed together, there is actually no absolute taboo. In most cases, washing underwear and socks together does not increase health risks (although it is a bit counterintuitive). The key lies in the method and conditions of washing.

If the following conditions are met: the person is healthy and lives alone; the skin on the feet is healthy and free of infection; the underwear and socks are changed daily and kept dry; and the clothes are quickly dried in the sun or tumble dryer after washing, then it can be said to be safe enough to wash underwear and socks together.

Even if the above conditions are not fully met, the correct cleaning method can further reduce cross infection and hygiene problems. There are several points to pay attention to:

Use detergents, such as laundry detergent and laundry powder;

The washing time should be appropriate to ensure that the detergent is fully effective;

When washing by machine or hand, pay attention to rubbing thoroughly, as this mechanical action can better reduce the microbial content;

Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to fully dilute any possible microorganisms;

If washing by machine, clean the inside of the washing machine regularly to prevent bacterial growth and cross contamination;

After cleaning, dry or air dry in time;

If you want better sterilization effect, you can use warm or hot water and use detergent with antibacterial effect.

In short, washing underwear and socks together is not the root of the problem. The key lies in the details of washing. Through scientific and reasonable washing methods, it can be better to achieve both convenience and hygiene. However, whether to wash underwear and socks together is also a personal choice. If you don't like it, you can wash them separately.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital