Healthcare workers who wash their uniforms at home may unknowingly be spreading dangerous pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to a new study. The research highlights serious concerns about domestic laundry practices and their potential role in fueling hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance.
The study, led by Dr. Katie Laird of De Montfort University and published in PLOS One, found that common household washing machines often fail to disinfect healthcare uniforms adequately. Researchers tested six models of home washing machines, using both rapid and standard hot water cycles to wash contaminated fabric swatches. Alarmingly, half of the machines failed to eliminate harmful bacteria during rapid cycles, and one-third were ineffective even during standard washes.
Researchers also analyzed biofilms from inside 12 washing machines. DNA sequencing revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. Even more concerning, some bacteria appeared to be developing resistance not only to antibiotics but also to components in domestic laundry detergents—potentially making them harder to eliminate through normal washing.
Hospital-acquired infections, many involving drug-resistant bacteria, are a major public health threat. Since many healthcare professionals wash their work uniforms at home, the study suggests this practice could undermine infection control efforts in clinical settings.
“Our findings show that domestic washing machines often fail to disinfect textiles, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to survive,” the authors stated. “To reduce the risk of pathogen transmission and tackle antimicrobial resistance, we need to rethink how healthcare uniforms are laundered.”
The study calls for updated guidelines for healthcare workers’ laundry practices, and suggests that hospitals consider providing on-site industrial laundry services to improve hygiene standards and safeguard both workers and patients.
