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The original was posted on /r/biology by /u/sandgrubber on 2025-10-21 17:09:13+00:00.

I often see “news” articles claiming that testing shows dish cloths, bed sheets, wash rags, etc. are full of bacteria and fungi, so you should wash frequently or use bleach. I’m 76 now and have been sloppy about such things all my life, as was my mother. I have always had a healthy immune system, same for my siblings. I can’t remember even missing a day of work due to illness. I wonder hyper-vigilant cleaning actually has any health benefits in environments where foecal contamination and parasites are not a concern.