But did you know that winter accessories, including your trusty coat and gloves, could actually be putting your health at risk?
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Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie – dubbed the “Queen of clean” – says that many of the items in our winter wardrobes are secretly harbouring hidden germs.
If that isn’t enough to make you run straight to the washing machine to put a load on – Lynsey says one item is the worst culprit and it’s stomach churning.
Here, Lynsey, who regularly shares her cleaning tips and tricks with viewers of ITV show This Morning, gives the lowdown on the clothing items which harbour filth and how often you must wash each to keep germs at bay…
COATS
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A BREEDING GROUND FOR GERMS
They may keep us toasty but our coats could also be giving us colds – or even worse.
Read More in Hidden Germs
Lynsey says: “The biggest issue with coats and jackets is normally the environmental aspect, such as sitting on public transport, a coffee shop chair or a park bench.
“These are normally covered in germs and bacteria – from food spillages and bird poo to bodily fluids from other people.”
Lynsey warns that not only will this “make the item smell,” but the lingering bacteria and germs will also start to cause havoc in your home sooner or later:
“Bringing these germs into your home is not good and eventually they spread around your home causing illness and smells,” she adds.
This has been backed up by many other cleaning pros, including Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona, who told the New York Post that winter coats are a guaranteed “germ magnet”.
He explained: “They probably get pretty gross because people don’t tend to wash them a lot — what, once a year?”
But he said that this lack of attention means the bacteria will fester, likening them to men’s ties.
Charles said: “Like coats, those get stowed away rather than cleaned, and they’re among the grossest things I’ve ever studied.”
Eventually they spread around your home causing illness and smellsLynsey Crombie
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH A WINTER COAT?
Lynsey says: “Wash once a fortnight if you are dog walking or catching a tube or train. Once or twice a season if you are only wearing it occasionally.
“If you’re worried because they are dry clean only, give them a regular blast with steam to freshen them up, spot clean them, or hang them outside on a sunny day to let the sun naturally disinfect.
“But other than this, depending on how much you wear it, aim to wash a few times a season.”
GLOVES AND SCARVES
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WINTER GLOVES AND SCARVES
Lynsey maintains that “scarves and gloves tend to be the most germy outerwear” we own – unsurprising considering how much we wear them.
She went on to say: “We pick things up with our gloves and don’t tend to wash them as much as we do our hands.
“And when it’s cold and flu season these items usually take all the germs from runny noses and sneezes, so they are going to be festering away with germs.”
Charles explained: “Your hand-warmers are hotbeds for germs – especially if you keep them on during your morning commute.”
A study by microbiologists at London Metropolitan University previously found 121 different types of bacteria and mould strains on public transport.
The 2016 experiment, which saw swabs taken from various London Underground trains, buses and taxis, also discovered nine bacteria species associated with antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
SO HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GIVE GLOVES AND SCARVES A DEEP CLEAN?
Lynsey says: “Gloves should be washed once a week, but they will need cleaning on a regular basis.
“As they are usually wool, they need to be washed on a wool cycle with a wool specific liquid detergent.
“Meanwhile, scarves should go into the washing machine five times a season – but if you have a cold, wash them!”
WINTER BOOTS
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GERMS LINGERING IN WINTER BOOTS
How many times have you stepped in something whilst you’re out walking, or rushing from a to b? Well, that’s not even half of it.
Even if you haven’t knowingly trodden in dog mess, Lynsey says it could still be lingering: “There are plenty of bacteria in mud, as well as animal faeces which can bring in infections,” she explains.
However, it’s not just the outside of your treads that you need to worry about.
“The inside of boots are normally a breeding ground for odour causing bacteria,” Lynsey adds.
“This can cause foot fungus if you wear them without socks – plus it can cause them to stink!”
And Charles agreed: “Boots are bad.
“You get faecal bacteria on the bottom of your shoes and more of that bacteria gets picked up when your boots are wet.”
This can cause foot fungus if you wear them without socksLynsey Crombie
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN OR WASH WINTER BOOTS?
Lynsey says: “At least five times during a season. If they don’t pass the sniff test, wash them.
“Use odour eaters or pop in a few tea bags to soak up smelly odours and air them outside on a regular basis as and when.
“And keep the outside of your boots clean and bash off as much mud as you can before bringing them into your home.”
And don’t forget your hat!
Lynsey also had another top tip under her hat.
The cleaning guru explained that beanies and other hats shouldn’t be forgotten.
While not as bad as other offenders, they can still pick up germs when you’re out and about. And they often have a build-up of old skin cells and perspiration.
Her advice? Lynsey concluded: “Wash your beanie at least once a month during the winter.”
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