Sanitizing Laundry: A Guide to Disinfecting Clothing, Linens, and Fabric

When someone in your household is sick, it’s crucial to prioritize their recovery while also taking steps to prevent the spread of illness to other family members. Disinfecting household surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and TV remotes is a common practice to stop the spread of germs. However, it’s equally important to sanitize clothing, sheets, and other fabric items that may harbor bacteria and viruses. A simple wash cycle may not be enough to thoroughly disinfect the laundry, and one contaminated item can soil an entire load, as shown in a study from the University of Arizona.

The study also revealed that regular washing with detergent alone may not effectively kill certain enteric viruses, such as rotavirus and adenovirus, which can cause severe illnesses like diarrhea and cold or flu-like symptoms. To prevent the spread of germs within your household, it’s essential to sanitize laundry items that have come into contact with someone who is sick. This includes clothing, towels, bed sheets, pillowcases, and throw blankets.

To effectively sanitize laundry, it’s important to check if your washing machine has a special wash cycle designed for this purpose. Many high-efficiency machines feature a sanitize button or option that uses extra-hot water to eliminate 99.99% of common bacteria found in clothes, sheets, and towels. If your machine doesn’t have a designated sanitize cycle, using the warmest water temperature available is recommended. However, it’s crucial to check the care labels of clothing and fabric items to ensure they can withstand hot water washing without damage.

If hot water washing is not suitable for your items, or if you want an extra disinfecting boost, adding a laundry sanitizer product to the wash can be beneficial. Liquid bleach is a highly effective option, as it can reduce the number of viruses by over 99.99%. Commercial disinfecting laundry detergents are also available and can help kill bacteria and germs that regular detergents may leave behind. It’s important to follow the instructions on the label and test the product on an inconspicuous area before washing to ensure colorfastness.

For normal laundry loads that do not require disinfecting, using a regular wash cycle with cold water is sufficient. This can be better for the environment and your budget, as cold water washing consumes less energy. Remember to use the appropriate amount of laundry detergent for the size and soil level of your load and avoid overloading the machine.

In terms of frequency, it’s advisable to sanitize laundry when washing heavily soiled items that may carry more bacteria, such as sweaty gym clothes, towels, and bedding. Towels should be washed every few days, while bedding should be washed once a week. Additionally, it’s recommended to sanitize laundry after someone in your household has been ill to eliminate germs and bacteria effectively. By following these laundry sanitizing tips, you can help keep your family healthy and prevent the spread of illness within your home.