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Psychology, family and everyday life

Soiled clothing: washing it safely

Clothes and bedding soiled with body fluids can carry germs and, after chemotherapy, traces of medicines. Washing them properly protects both your family and you.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A wicker laundry basket with a lid
Figure 1.A separate lidded basket for soiled clothes

01Short answer

Handle soiled items wearing disposable gloves, and do not shake them. If you are washing straight away, put them directly into the machine; if not, keep them in a tied bag or a lidded basket. Wash them separately at the hottest temperature the label allows, with ordinary detergent, twice if needed. Dry them fully. You can run the machine empty afterwards. Throw the gloves away and wash your hands. During neutropenia, do not mix your clean clothes with other family members' dirty laundry. Ask your team how long to keep these rules.

02Simple explanation

Gloves; do not shake.

Wash separately.

Hot cycle.

Then: hands.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: after chemotherapy, clothes soiled with body fluids should be washed separately.

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

04What happens in the body?

Shaking

Throws droplets and dust into the air.

Temperature

Hot water reduces germs better.

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
ShakingThrows droplets and dust into the air.
TemperatureHot water reduces germs better.
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

Lidded basket
A laundry basket that closes.
Separate wash
Washing without other clothes.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Gloves.
  • Separately.
  • Hands.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special detergent?

Usually not; ordinary detergent is enough.

I have no washing machine.

Ask your team about hand washing.

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. Do I need a special detergent?

  2. I have no washing machine.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2019. Distress Management, Version 3.2019, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Meditation and Relaxation for Your Mind and Body
  8. American Cancer Society. What Is Anxiety?
  9. American Cancer Society. Depression and Cancer
  10. NHS (UK). Breathing exercises for stress
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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