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Laundry: clean and dry

Clean clothes and bedding protect the skin and body from germs during neutropenia. This section covers simple rules for washing at home.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Clothes drying on a line in sunlight
Figure 1.Clothes should dry completely

01Short answer

Washing the patient's clothes separately is usually not necessary, but items soiled with blood, vomit, stool or urine should be washed separately (“Soiled clothing: washing it safely”). Use the hottest cycle the fabric allows and an ordinary detergent (fragrance-free is better). Dry clothes fully, because fungi grow in damp fabric; do not leave washing in the machine for long. Wash your hands after handling dirty laundry. Change towels and bedding often (“Sheets and blankets: soft, clean, washable”, “Towels: personal, dry and clean”). For items soiled with body fluids in the first 48 hours after chemotherapy, follow your team's instructions.

02Simple explanation

A hot cycle.

Dry fully.

Soiled items separately.

Then wash hands.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during neutropenia, cleanliness and hand hygiene are the main ways to prevent infection.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Fungus

Mould can grow in damp clothes and towels.

Chemotherapy

Some medicines are present in body fluids for the first days; use gloves.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
FungusMould can grow in damp clothes and towels.
ChemotherapySome medicines are present in body fluids for the first days; use gloves.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Mould
A fungus that grows in damp.
Wash temperature
The water temperature in the machine.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Hot wash.
  • Dry.
  • Wash hands.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Must the patient's clothes be washed separately?

Usually not, unless they are soiled.

Is bleach needed?

Usually not, unless your team says otherwise.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Must the patient's clothes be washed separately?

  2. Is bleach needed?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. NHS. Cuts and grazes
  6. NHS. Nosebleed
  7. MedlinePlus. Nosebleed
  8. MedlinePlus. Bleeding into the skin
  9. MedlinePlus. Blood transfusions
  10. MedlinePlus. Hemolytic transfusion reaction
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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