Your winter clothes could be making you sick, says microbiologist

Are your filthy winter clothes making you sick? The cleanliness of your clothes may play a direct role in staying healthy during the winter months.

University of Arizona microbiologist, Charles Gerba, says that you may be making yourself sick by not properly washing your winter gear. In a report on BostonGlobe.com, Gerba says some germs can survive being washed in the laundry and says to use hot water and bleach when possible.

He says viruses can build up on hats, scarves, and gloves and recommends that clothes that are worn in public be washed at least once a week.

Gerba told the BostonGlobe.com that other places known to harbor germs include the kitchen, public transportation, cellphones, restaurants, and grocery stores.

READ MORE: BostonGlobe.com