Few people think regarding the fact that some of their favorite clothing accessories can be surprisingly full of germs. This can come as a shock to even the neatest and tidiest person, who would probably be surprised at how dirty some of these items are stored, especially in comparison to the rest of the clothes.
In today’s article, we’re going to dive into the grimy depths of one of the most beloved (but often overlooked) wardrobe items: hygiene! We’ll cover why it’s important to keep this accessory clean, what types of germs lurk in it, and how you can ensure your health isn’t affected by using or wearing it. Stay tuned for an illuminating discussion on how to save this oft-forgotten accessory from disgusting bacteria!
Discover a favorite winter accessory that is frequently overlooked.
The winter season comes with many layers of clothing, but if you’re able to stay clean with pants and sweaters, how many times have you thought regarding keeping your scarves clean? These versatile accessories can be worn in an endless variety of ways and usually add the perfect finishing touch to an outfit.
However, despite the regularity with which we wear them and take them out of a cluttered closet, we forget to wash them as often as necessary. Unfortunately, this can cause dirt and bacteria to build up on your scarf, which can cause unpleasant odors and detract from its overall appearance. This year, make a point of gently hand washing your scarves following a few weeks of wearing, to ensure you get the most out of them for years to come!
Scarves have more bacteria than you think!
Although it may seem like an unlikely idea, scarves can be breeding grounds for bacteria and dead skin cells. These microscopic organisms are attracted to the garment by the sweat particles which naturally stick to the material following some time.
As sweat evaporates, body oils settle on the fabric and provide an ideal surface for bacteria to cling to and breed. The continued breeding of bacteria on these materials creates the perfect environment of warmth and humidity that allows them to thrive. Dead skin cells also build up on scarves over time, creating an additional food source for bacteria. With this in mind, we must be aware of our cleaning habits and regularly wash our scarves for optimal hygiene!
Clean your scarf properly: how often?
To avoid the risk of transferring germs or other unsavory cells to your skin, Shannon Lush recommends washing your scarf often. She says that “everything you wear needs to be washed or sanitized in some way because you’re always shedding dead skin that settles on it and becomes decaying protein.
» If you have worn your scarf during a period of viral illness, it is best to wash it more frequently, to ensure that anything brought onto the fabric by outside sources has been removed. On average, experts suggest cleaning your wrap every one to two weeks if you wear it regularly, but the exact frequency can vary depending on your activity level and how often you do things like travel or go out. .
What is the best method to wash your scarf depending on the type of fabric?
According to Shannon Lush, it’s important to know what fabric your scarf is made of before trying to wash it. Generally :
If your scarf is wool or silk:
You should hand wash it in cold water with a mild detergent like Woolite. Be sure to dilute the detergent in a basin of cold water and never use hot water, as this may cause the fabric to shrink. Soak the scarf for at least 15 minutes, then rinse it in cold water until all soap residue is gone. After washing, lay the scarf flat on a clean towel and roll it up, pressing it gently to remove excess moisture. To dry, hang it on a hanger or lay it flat on another clean towel.
If your scarf is made of cotton or synthetic materials such as polyester or acrylic:
You can machine wash it on the gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Choose a gentle setting and avoid using too much detergent, as this can leave residue on the fabric that will attract dirt and dust over time. If possible, use a mesh laundry bag to avoid damaging zippers or other items in the washing machine. After washing, shake out the scarf and lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry. Never put it in the dryer, as it can shrink or fade quickly at high temperatures.