Domestic laundering of healthcare textiles: Disinfection efficacy and risks of antibiotic resistance transmission

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are growing public health concerns, with textiles potentially contributing to microbial transmission. In the UK, domestic laundering machines (DLMs) are commonly used to clean healthcare worker uniforms, raising concerns about their effectiveness in decontaminating microorganisms and their potential impact on AMR. A study found that only 50% of DLMs achieved sufficient decontamination, with rapid cycles performing inconsistently. The findings suggest that domestic laundering of healthcare uniforms may be insufficient for decontamination, posing risks for HAI transmission and AMR.