We’re living in a hyper-hygienic age…washing our hands more, disinfecting surfaces more…but what about our clothes?

Do we need to wash them if we just run to the grocery store?

MarketWatch has some things to keep in mind when it comes to doing laundry:

1. Washing your hands is more important than washing your clothes.  You’re more likely to spread the virus by touching a solid, nonporous surface than fabric like a like a keypad at the grocery store, not your clothes.
2. Researchers aren’t totally sure how long this Coronavirus lasts on clothing but other Coronaviruses generally survive better on artificial fibers like polyester versus cotton…so natural fibers might be better.
3. The average person doesn’t need to obsessively wash their clothes every time they leave the house. However, healthcare workers, first responders, essential workers who deal with the public and those living with a person who’s sick need to be a LOT more careful.
4. When you do wash your clothes, use hot water since Coronaviruses tend to be sensitive to higher temperatures.  The heat of your dryer will also help kill viruses..aand always wash your hands after touching dirty laundry, which is a good idea to do all the time.
5. If you’re washing your clothes at a laundromat or in a community laundry room, try to go at a time when it’s not crowded and make sure the surfaces you touch…counter tops, buttons, handles, change dispensers etc…are wiped down and disinfected, too.

One more thing…if you can afford it, you may want to have your laundry washed and cleaned professionally by your local laundromat or dry cleaner if they’re still providing that service.