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Old 10-03-2014, 11:56 PM
 
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I live in a building where there is shared laundry machine and was wondering if I have athletes foot or similar fungus, would there be a risk of transferring it from my load of wash to another persons wash?

I haven't been able to find anything that suggests this using google so thought I would ask here.

Last edited by itchyguy; 10-04-2014 at 01:11 AM..
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Old 10-04-2014, 01:42 AM
 
Location: Out there somewhere...a traveling man.
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Depends on the conditions. Cold water washing may not kill the fungi and dirty the machine. Hot water washing and drying should kill the fungi. I guess you'll find out when you wash your clothes and put them on.

Athlete's foot Causes - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic

Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms' growth.

Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.
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Old 10-04-2014, 05:59 PM
 
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Prevent the Spread of Athlete's Foot in Laundry

This site has info on your question.

Sounds like you'll even need to clean your laundry basket so as not to spread it further.

Seems like you'll need to wash the affected clothing in very hot water. Some sites recommend using bleach, some sites disagree with the bleach theory.
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Old 10-04-2014, 06:02 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wit-nit View Post
Depends on the conditions. Cold water washing may not kill the fungi and dirty the machine. Hot water washing and drying should kill the fungi. I guess you'll find out when you wash your clothes and put them on.

Athlete's foot Causes - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic

Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms' growth.

Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.



The temperature of the hot water in the washing machine has to reach a certain number to work.

Prevent the Spread of Athlete's Foot in Laundry
Use hot water (140 degrees F. or 60 degrees C.) and regular detergent for infected laundry. Lower temperatures will not kill the fungus and can transfer spores to other fabrics in the same load.
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