- After washing, tumble dry on low heat for 30 minutes: One doctor told the
New York Times that tumble drying for 30 minutes or ironing after washing can
help minimize new bacteria that’s been picked up during the wash. “The heat from a low
dry cycle or an iron was sufficient to get the clothes free of the studied
bacteria,” she told the publication. - Sick roommate or family? Don’t mix your underwear in the
same load: With bacteria already swimming around in your washing machine, there’s
no need to risk more. - Don’t mix contaminated underwear with other pairs or pants
if you have BV: This is especially important for people who do laundry
less frequently. Do a separate wash to keep the bacteria levels lower and avoid
cross contamination. - Wash underwear separately from clothes with other bodily
fluids: In hospital settings, wash clothes that have been cross-contaminated
(with vomit, blood, urine, etc.) separately. Do the same with your underwear,
especially if you have family members who work in a hospital. If there are
other fluids, focus on getting the blood or vomit out of the clothes and
keeping them away from garments that you wear up against your private parts.