"Bathroom Towels, Hanging and Using Them Could Cause 'This'..."

Wet Towels: The Perfect Habitat for Bacteria and Pathogens
"Infectious Disease Patients Should Use Individual Towels"

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A study has found that various bacteria and pathogens clinging to towels hung in bathrooms can be a cause of infectious disease transmission.

On the 15th (local time), according to foreign media including BBC, Dr. Elizabeth Scott, a biology professor at Simmons University in the United States, warned, "Various infectious diseases can spread through towels hung in bathrooms." She explained that Salmonella, norovirus, E. coli, and even coronavirus can cling to towels and survive for up to 24 hours.

In particular, wet towels that retain moisture become an optimal habitat for these bacteria. They absorb not only mold in the humid bathroom but also various pathogens sprayed out every time the toilet is flushed. Over time, these microorganisms form biofilms on the towels, which can cause the towel's color to become dull.

Experts advised paying attention to towel hygiene to prevent various infectious diseases. Professor Scott emphasized that towels should be washed frequently, especially in households. She added, "Patients with infectious diseases such as food poisoning and enteritis who experience vomiting and diarrhea should use individual towels and wash them daily."

She also recommended washing towels in warm water between about 40 to 60 degrees Celsius and occasionally using antibacterial detergent. For cold water washing, adding enzymes or bleach can also help, and drying towels in sunlight can have a sterilizing effect, BBC reported.