How does bacteria and fungus affect outdoor equipment?
Ever walk by your boating buddy and they have the curious scent lingering around them? You may shower regularly, but let’s face it if you’re reading this you’re probably a boater or super into the outdoors, so… No judgment, but there’s a good chance that you picked up some river funk. Even on clean equipment you might smell a mix of old shoes and popcorn with some slightly offensive earth tones mixed in. If that’s the case, some bacteria definitely has moved in.
Bacteria can affect your equipment, especially gear stored over the winter, to become dirty, smelly, and unsanitary. When you’re rafting or camping, you are likely to expose your gear to variety of bacteria. These bacteria can accumulate on your clothing, leading to unpleasant odors and possible skin problems if it is not attended to. Bacteria can also cause your clothing to deteriorate more quickly. When bacteria accumulate on your clothing and equipment, they can cause the fabric to weaken over time. Researchers have even identified bacteria which can eat synthetic plastic fibers making expensive or critically important equipment like PFDs, drysuits, and ropes or load bearing straps weaker over time.
There are several types of bacteria which can also pose a health risk if they come into contact with your skin. Some types of bacteria can cause infections or other health problems if they are allowed to proliferate on your clothing or come into contact with your skin. This is especially true if you have cuts or abrasions on your skin, as these can provide a pathway for bacteria to enter your body.
To protect yourself and your gear on outdoor adventures, take steps to prevent the accumulation of bacteria on your clothing. This can include washing your clothing regularly, using a disinfectant or antimicrobial spray on your clothing, and keeping your clothing clean and dry. But when do you know you have a problem with bacteria or fungus?
Bro you stink! Many strains of bacteria and fungus can produce unpleasant odors, which can be a problem if you are wearing the same clothes for a long time on an outdoor adventure.
Yo, why you have a sunburn under your shirt? Some bacteria and fungus can produce stains on your clothing, which can be difficult to remove. This staining can reduce the UV effectiveness of the garment that gets stained.
That throwbag is trash dude!: Some bacteria and fungus can cause your clothing and equipment to deteriorate over time, leading to holes, tears, and other damage.
What are common skin problems from bacteria/fungus in athletic wear?
There are several common skin problems that can be caused by bacteria in athletic wear. Some of the most common include:
Those speckles under your PFD… Probably gonna be Acne: Bacteria can accumulate on athletic wear, particularly in areas that are prone to sweating, such as the underarms, groin, and chest. When this bacteria comes into contact with the skin, it can cause acne breakouts.
That drysuit rash from your gasket… Could be Folliculitis: Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that is caused by bacteria. It can be caused by wearing athletic wear that is too tight, as this can trap bacteria against the skin and lead to infection.
Tiny cracks froming on your heels? Could be a yeast Infection - Yeast is a fungus normally found on your skin and digestive system. When too much yeast grows on your skin or other areas, it can cause an infection the most common yeast infection being candidiasis. Yeast can also overgrow in warm or humid conditions. Symptoms can include: Rashes, redness, itching on large parts of the skin, and boaters especially are susceptible to cracks or tiny cuts forming on the heel or bottom of the feet.
Strange spots with no pigment appearing on your skin… could be Tinea Versicolor - Patients with Tinea Versicolor present with multiple, well-demarcated, oval, finely scaling patches or plaques. Skin lesions may be highly pigmented or lose pigment altogether and the infection occasionally becomes widespread.
You should also be careful to keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered, and to seek medical attention if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or warmth around a wound.
How do I clean bacteria out of athletic wear?
To reduce the risk of developing skin problems from bacteria boaters should wash their athletic wear regularly, and to avoid wearing clothing that is too tight or that rubs against your skin. To clean bacteria out of athletic wear, follow these simple steps:
Wash the equipment with hot water: Bacteria are most effectively killed by high temperatures, so it is important to wash your athletic wear in hot water. Set your washing machine to the highest temperature setting that is appropriate for the fabric of your clothing.
Use a disinfectant or antimicrobial laundry detergent: Regular laundry detergents may not be effective at killing bacteria, so it is a good idea to use a disinfectant or antimicrobial laundry detergent. These types of detergents are specifically formulated to kill bacteria and other microorganisms, making them more effective at cleaning and sanitizing your clothing.
Dry the clothing thoroughly: After washing, it is important to dry your athletic wear thoroughly. Bacteria can survive and multiply in damp or humid conditions, so it is important to remove as much moisture as possible from your clothing. You can either tumble dry your athletic wear on a high heat setting, or hang it up to air dry.
Store the clothing in a clean and dry place: To prevent bacteria from accumulating on your athletic wear, it is important to store it in a clean and dry place. Avoid leaving your clothing in a damp or humid environment, as this can create the perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive.
By following the above steps, you can effectively clean bacteria out of your athletic wear and keep it clean, fresh, and hygienic. To prevent these problems, it's important to properly care for your clothing and equipment. This includes washing your clothes regularly and drying them thoroughly to remove any bacteria or fungus that may be present. You should also store your clothes in a dry, well-ventilated place to help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
