Where to find information about how much to wash something?

[Alt_account356]

I am not trying to seek reassurance, I am just trying to find a good place to find scientific answers about how much to wash something. I tried Google but it just has basic answers that aren't very nuanced. If people with OCD could find resources like this then it would help them not have "magic numbers" of how much to wash something. Then all they would need to do is manage the intrusive thoughts. So I think finding resources would be helpful.

[Sallyskins]

I'm afraid it would only feed the OCD to be told how much to wash something. Is it a surgical operating theatre? No? Then a little common sense is usually enough to tell you.

The intrusive thoughts and the washing are all part of the OCD. Learn to live with a little dirt. CBT can help with this.

I know how hard it is, as I'm often washing imaginary dirt off my hands. Really, though, I'm washing negative thoughts away. Try to separate the physical need for a certain amount of cleanliness from the OCD demand for absolute cleanliness.

It does take some getting used to - the feeling of being dirty. But it gets better the more you practise.

[Alt_account356 in reply to Sallyskins]

But the problem is you don't know if you are dirty or not. Common sense doesn't really work when you have been doing extra cleaning stuff for a while. This is where the question is still good and necessary.

[OCDBrain in reply to Alt_account356]

Practical answer. Wash your hands before you eat. Don't touch your eyes or mouth, especially in public. Basic hygiene.

It's like door checking. To NOT check to see if a door is locked before you go to bed is dumb. To check it multiple times is reassurance.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to OCDBrain]

Trouble comes in when you know your mind is going.

I'm pretty sure I checked this before, but I can't trust my mind. So I'll go check...

Um... did I check that? Nice bedtime ritual. Every night.

[Sallyskins in reply to Alt_account356]

For most purposes, a simple once-over with soap will do. Don't go on scrubbing until you or what you are washing 'feels' clean - having OCD means that no matter how much you wash or clean you'll still feel dirty.

For cleaning surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen, white vinegar and baking soda are good - they clean and disinfect. Kitchen surfaces don't need to be as clean as a surgical operating table, but do need a clean if meat or fish have touched them, as do your hands. Soap and water, or washing up liquid and water are usually enough.

Other household surfaces can get away with being dusted, with a soapy sponge to mop up stains or spills or gunge - be careful with using water or wet cloths on electrical appliances. They don't need to be germ-free.

Try leaving things to get a little dirty before cleaning or washing them. Shower no more than just once a day - that's enough. It's all right to miss a day unless you've been exercising hard and sweating. Put on fresh underwear each day but outer clothes often don't need washing when you've only worn them once. If they pong or you've dropped something down your front, then put them in the machine. If not, hang or fold them up and wear them again. Sheets and duvet covers - put on fresh ones once a week.

This may make you feel uncomfortably 'dirty'. Try to get used to it - do it gradually. If the urge to wash becomes too much and you give in, don't worry about it. Try again.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Sallyskins]

Hi Sally. Vinegar and / or baking soda are not disinfectants. Look it up. They're great for cleaning. If something really needs disinfecting, like an oral thermometer, use alcohol.

What's "pong"? I've never heard it used outside of "ping-pong".

[Sallyskins in reply to Nothing_but_books]

A 'pong' is a nasty smell. Maybe it's English usage.

I shall certainly check out the disinfectant properties (or not) of baking soda and vinegar. I'm not suggesting their use for thermometers or anything that needs completely disinfecting. For most purposes, though, as you say, they are great for cleaning - and a lot cheaper than most proprietary alternatives.

Thanks for the reply - and the admonition!

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Sallyskins]

I'm sorry if I worded it wrong. Forgive me please -- it wasn't intended as an admonition. I'm fussy about words; that's just me. Baking soda and vinegar are my favorite cleaners, especially since I have a bird and she can't tolerate harsh cleaners.

I worked as a dental assistant and disinfecting means something specific related to safety.

[Sallyskins in reply to Nothing_but_books]

No problem - and pleased to have the benefit of your professional knowledge!

[IStillHaveHope]

I to have problems knowing what "enough" is. I have found that "trusting my gut" is often the way to go. I don't know if there's much credit to it, but I heard an idea a while back that people with OCD may be relying too much on their rational brain Questions like, "How do I know if it's okay to touch a newspaper on a subway?", or "How do I know how much to wash something?" don't have scientific answers. Most people would just say something like, "Well it looked like it was enough.". People aren't rational creatures and we are endowed with senses that allow us to know things without using rationality. You just need to trust them.

For me I've found that there is a smaller voice telling me what "enough" is. The louder one is OCD who is screaming at me that I don't know for sure what "enough is. I try and trust that smaller voice. It was very hard in the beginning but as I made the conscious decision to try an follow it. As far as I can tell it knows what is correct at least (or more) than the rational side. It's really quite incredible when you think about it.

I don't know if this helped, or even made sense, but I hope you find the peace you're looking for. God bless you my friend.