Health Tips: Your Jacket Spreads Germs You Can’t See

RJ Hamster

Health Tips: Your Jacket Spreads Germs You Can’t See

01/24/26

Unwashed Winter Coats Spread IllnessWinter coats worn daily in public spaces accumulate respiratory pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that survive on fabric for days, causing repeated infections when you bring contaminated outerwear into your home and hang it near living spaces. Most people wash coats once or twice per season despite wearing them daily in high-traffic areas where they contact contaminated surfaces and absorb respiratory droplets from nearby people. Wash or sanitize winter coats monthly using either machine washing if labels permit, professional dry cleaning, or fabric sanitizer sprays containing alcohol or other antimicrobial agents. Create a coat storage area near your entrance separated from living spaces, and never hang outerwear on dining chairs or throw on beds where pathogens transfer to surfaces you contact with bare skin or face. Children’s coats require more frequent cleaning as kids drag them on public floors, wipe noses on sleeves, and share outerwear with classmates spreading whatever illnesses are circulating through schools.
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