How to Sanitize Laundry: Complete Guide for Clean and Safe Fabrics
Simple washing tips that tackle hidden bacteria, keeping clothes fresh and durable.
How to Sanitize Laundry: A Comprehensive Guide
Achieving truly clean laundry goes beyond just removing visible stains. Pathogens, allergens, and unpleasant odors can remain on your clothes, sheets, and towels even after a standard wash. With the right products, temperatures, and techniques, you can minimize germs for a healthier home. This guide covers the best practices for sanitizing laundry safely and effectively while protecting fabric quality.
Why Laundry Sanitizing Matters
Laundry sanitizing targets bacteria, viruses, fungi, and allergens that regular washing may not eliminate. While everyday wear and household items can harbor germs, this becomes especially important during illness, after contact with contaminants, or in homes with infants, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals. Routine sanitizing can:
- Reduce the risk of illness and cross-contamination
- Remove persistent odors caused by bacteria and sweat
- Protect vulnerable household members
- Maintain cleanliness for bedding, towels, underwear, and sick-room linens
When Does Laundry Need to Be Sanitized?
Sanitizing laundry isn’t necessary for every load, but it’s highly recommended in specific situations:
- Someone in the household is sick or recovering
- After exposure to bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, or stool
- Towels, washcloths, bedding, and underwear—these trap more moisture and bacteria
- Clothes exposed to gym, daycare, or public places
- Persistent odor issues or mold/mildew in fabrics
General Steps for Sanitizing Laundry
The most effective laundry sanitizing process involves:
- Check Fabric Labels: Always read garment care instructions before selecting a sanitizer or high-heat setting.
- Sort Laundry: Wash sick-person laundry separately, especially with contagious illnesses.
- Use Gloves and Masks: When handling soiled or contaminated items, wear gloves and a mask. Avoid shaking out items to prevent airborne pathogens.
- Choose Sanitizing Products: Select an appropriate laundry sanitizer or disinfectant based on fabric and needs (see below).
- Wash Thoroughly: Use the hottest water temperature the fabric will tolerate. Modern machines may include a “sanitize” cycle.
- Dry Completely: Dry in the dryer on the recommended highest heat, or line-dry in full sun, which also has a sanitizing effect.
- Clean Laundry Hampers: Wipe down or wash baskets and hampers after each use, especially after handling sick-person items.
Sanitizing Methods: Products and Temperature
Option 1: Chlorine Bleach (for Whites and Bleach-Safe Colors)
Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is a powerful disinfectant perfect for white towels, sheets, and sturdy cotton clothing.
- Add 2/3 cup bleach to top-loading washers or 1/3 cup to standard HE washers, with detergent.
- Ensure contact time of at least 10 minutes in hot water.
- Do not mix with ammonia, vinegar, or other household cleaners.
- Rinse well to avoid skin irritation.
Option 2: Oxygen Bleach (for Colors and Delicates)
Oxygen bleach (often labeled as color-safe bleach) is gentler and works on most washable fabrics:
- Safe for colored clothing and sensitive fabrics
- Effective at removing stains and reducing germs when used with hot water
- Follow dosing instructions on the package
Option 3: Laundry Sanitizers and Additives
Some products, like Lysol Laundry Sanitizer or pine oil-based disinfectants, kill bacteria and viruses without bleach.
- Safe for most washable fabrics
- Add during wash or rinse cycle as per product instructions
- Ideal when sanitizing colors and synthetics
Option 4: Alternative and Natural Disinfectants
| Disinfectant | Best Use | Instructions & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White Vinegar | Odor neutralizing, mild germs | Add 1 cup to the rinse cycle; safe for colored & white laundry |
| Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) | Whites; natural disinfectant | Add 1 cup to wash; test on colors; avoid direct application |
| Borax | Stain & mildew removal | Add 1/2 cup with detergent; activates best in warm water |
| Pine Oil | Synthetic/cotton fabrics, no delicates | Add 1 cup after washer fills; avoid on silk or wool |
| Essential Oils (Tea Tree, Lavender) | Deodorizing, minor antibacterial | Add a few drops with detergent; no major sanitizing effect alone |
Option 5: High Heat
- Hot water (at least 140°F/60°C) can destroy most germs
- Dry on the highest heat the fabric allows, ideally for 30+ minutes
Refer to the care label before selecting the hottest settings, and remember high heat may shrink or fade certain fabrics.
Laundry Sanitizing by Item Type
Clothes Worn Daily
What others are reading
- Wash after each use if exposed to sweat, dirt, or germs
- Use warm or hot water cycles for cottons; cool water with sanitizer for synthetics
Sheets and Bedding
- Launder sheets in hot water weekly; more often during illness
- Use bleach or an approved sanitizer for best results
- Dry thoroughly, preferably in a dryer or outdoors in sunlight
Towels and Washcloths
- Wash towels every 3–4 uses; more frequently if used at the gym or by ill household members
- Opt for hot water and bleach or sanitizer for white towels
- Don’t leave damp towels in a pile—launder promptly to avoid mold
Laundry for Sick or Immunocompromised People
- Handle as a separate load with gloves and a mask
- Avoid shaking laundry; place directly into washer
- Use a sanitize cycle, bleach (if safe), and the hottest water suitable
How to Sanitize Laundry and Protect Your Washing Machine
Washing machines can accumulate germs, especially after repeated sanitizing of soiled laundry. Regular maintenance includes:
- Run a cleaning or sanitize cycle with hot water and 1 cup bleach or white vinegar—monthly, or after washing contaminated loads
- Wipe door seals, gaskets, dispensers, and outer surfaces with a disinfectant
- Leave doors and dispensers open to air dry and prevent mold
Extra Tips for Effective Laundry Sanitizing
- Don’t overload the machine: Space lets items move and ensures thorough cleaning
- Measure accurately: Too little sanitizer weakens results, too much can damage clothing
- Treat stains before sanitizing: Pre-treat spots for best results
- Promptly remove laundry: Wet laundry left in the washer leads to more germs and mildew
- Clean laundry baskets regularly: Use a spray disinfectant or hot, soapy water
- Store clean laundry in a dry, protected area: Keep away from pets and dampness
What Not to Do When Sanitizing Laundry
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar: Produces toxic gases
- Don’t use hot water on delicate fabrics: May shrink, fade, or ruin synthetics, wools, or silks
- Avoid over-sanitizing: Regular repeated use of harsh chemicals wears down fabric quicker
- Don’t skip checking garment care tags: Always confirm what your items can withstand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I sanitize laundry?
Only sanitize laundry when necessary. For everyday loads, a regular wash is sufficient. Disinfect when laundry is exposed to illness, body fluids, or strong odors, and always for bedding/towels of someone sick.
Is it safe to wash sick-person laundry with other household laundry?
According to the CDC, it is safe to wash clothes of a sick person with others, provided you handle items carefully (avoid shaking), wash hands after handling, and use appropriate temperature and chemicals. However, separate loads offer extra precaution in high-risk cases.
Can I sanitize laundry without bleach?
Yes. There are many effective alternatives: laundry sanitizers, oxygen bleach, hot water, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, borax, or pine oil (depending on fabric). Always check care labels and test new products on a small section first.
Does drying clothes in the sun sanitize them?
Sunlight is naturally antibacterial and helps kill some bacteria and viruses, but it may not disinfect as thoroughly as hot water or chemical methods. Use sunlight as a supplement, not a sole method, for heavily soiled or contaminated laundry.
What settings should I use to sanitize laundry in a modern washer?
If your machine offers a “sanitize” or “steam” cycle, use it for maximum heat. Otherwise, select the hottest temperature recommended for your fabric and pair it with a sanitizer or disinfectant for best results.
Key Takeaways for Healthier Laundry
- Use hot water and dryers for thorough sanitizing when fabric allows
- Choose the right sanitizer: chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, or specialty products
- Try vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or borax for natural alternatives
- Always handle contaminated laundry carefully to protect yourself and your home
- Clean machines and hampers regularly to prevent cross-contamination
References
- https://www.clorox.com/learn/how-to-sanitize-clothes-sheets-and-towels/
- https://americanapplianceinc.net/blog/disinfect-clothes-in-the-washing-machine/
- https://bakerscentrelaundry.com/disinfecting-laundry-without-bleach-a-guide/
- https://www.phonesoap.com/blogs/news/how-to-sanitize-laundry
- https://steam-one.com/en/blogs/blog/how-to-disinfect-your-laundry-without-washing-it
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kq6S-km6-sU
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