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  • Writer's pictureHinton Magazine
    • Jan 28

Alarming Hygiene Habits Revealed: 76% of Brits Washing Their Underwear Incorrectly, Posing Potential Health Risks!

As the energy price cap rises again, many households will be making further habit adjustments to cut costs. A recent survey of 2000 Brits, by white goods and tech retailer Currys, found that 36% have already changed their washing habits due to the energy price rises, and the number one change half of those have made is to wash at a lower temperature. 


The study revealed that when it came to the ideal temperature and setting for Brits, 76% will wash their laundry at temperatures 40°C and under, with 66% defaulting to the quick wash setting. But doing so could have dire consequences. 



A 2021 study references the fact that the average pair of adult underwear contains 0.1g of faeces (stool) and states “Temperature plays the most important role in terms of pathogen control, requiring temperatures exceeding 40°C to 60°C for proper inactivation.”  


This is further supported by a different study, in the Journal of Infection and led by Charles Gerba, PhD, microbiology professor at the University of Arizona. It found that the average pair of clean underwear still contains about 0.1 grams of faeces and could hold up to 10 grams. This means that those who are washing their clothing at just 30°C - 40°C are likely spreading this faecal matter to other laundry items, such as tea towels and pillowcases - meaning poo may have already ended up in your kitchen and on your bed! 


The survey by Currys also found that 32% of Brits wear their underwear more than once before washing, with men being the biggest offenders, increasing the level of bacteria lurking in their undies. Of these respondents, the majority (71%) only separate their laundry depending on the colour, not the use or type, meaning that this faecal bacterium is likely spreading to other laundry in the washing machine. 


The experts at Currys recommend that people wash their hand towels, bath towels and underwear at higher temperatures (ideally 60°C and over) to ensure bacteria is being eradicated. For those that are worried about the energy consumption or ruining their delicates, there are also laundry cleansers available which, when added to the wash, claim to kill 99.9% of bacteria on temperatures as low as 15°C. 

It isn’t all bad news though, the same study revealed that most Brits (49%) wash themselves daily, minimising the bacteria build-up on their clothing. However, in the case of underwear, it is always recommended that it’s washed after each wear. 


As for PJs, 44% will wear the same pair for a week before throwing them in the wash, while over a quarter (26%) prefer a fresh pair after just two wears. 


To help Brits stay fresh when it comes to their laundry, Currys have built a tool which analyses lifestyle habits to give the recommended wash frequency of certain items, such as bras, towels, pillowcases and jeans.  


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