Hygiene of the clothes we wear is an important aspect of personal hygiene. Clothes get dirty and need to be changed every day.

Dirty clothes, especially underclothes and socks, can harbor microorganisms. Re-wearing dirty clothes many times or sharing dirty, sweaty sports equipment can lead to skin infections. Unpleasant body odor can also arise from bacteria that accumulate on stains, from mold on clothing and from stale cigarette smoke that has permeated fabric. Washing clothes keeps clothes free from micro-organisms.

Usually two layers of clothing are worn: The internal layer (or underclothes) such as pants, vest and T-shirt and the outer layer of clothing.

The underclothes are right next to our skin and collect sweat and dead skin cells, which can stain the cloth. Bacteria grow abundantly in this dirt and produce a bad smell in addition to the specific odor of the sweat. Underclothes, therefore, must be washed more frequently (daily) than the outer layer of clothing.

Washing dirty clothes requires adequate clean water, detergents and washing facilities.

If possible, the washed clothes should be ironed to help the destruction of body lice and nits. Boiling water or insecticides can be used to destroy clothes’ infestation.

To help prevent the growth of mold, wet clothes should be hung or dried as soon as the wash cycle has finished, and damp clothing should not be left at the bottom of the washing basket. Clothes should be sun-dried.

Good hygiene prevents many infectious diseases.

Fena, the makers of Fena detergent, will participate in the 26^th Perfect Health Mela to be held from 18^th October to 20^th October and educate visitors and participants about fabric care and hygiene.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA