What is the Best Way to Sanitize Laundry?
Harmful bacteria, allergens, and viruses can all reside in dirty clothes, and without proper sanitation, they’ll stay there. But what’s the best way to sanitize laundry? We’ve got a few ideas to help you clean and sanitize your family’s laundry below.
Understanding Laundry Sanitization
Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing may seem similar, but they serve different purposes. Cleaning removes dirt and debris, disinfecting eliminates bacteria and viruses, and sanitizing goes further by reducing bacteria and allergens to safe levels, which is ideal for baby clothing, towels, and bedding. In populous areas, such as Detroit, seasonal flu outbreaks are common, and proper sanitization becomes essential for household hygiene, offering peace of mind to families.
Methods for Sanitizing Laundry
There are several effective methods to sanitize laundry, each catering to different fabric types and household priorities. From using hot water in the wash to high heat in the dryer, there are many ways to remove bacteria and allergens from your laundry.
Hot Water Cycle
Hot water is one of the simplest and most widely known methods to sanitize laundry. Washing items at 140°F or higher eliminates most germs and bacteria. However, not all fabrics can withstand high-heat washes.
Delicate fabrics such as silk or wool may shrink, while bold-colored items might fade. For durable items, such as bedding, towels, or school uniforms, though, hot water offers an easy and effective sanitation solution.
Safe Use of Bleach
Adding bleach to your laundry is another effective method to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. Chlorine bleach is ideal for whites and durable items, but it can damage or discolor colored fabrics.
Non-chlorine bleach offers a gentler alternative for colored and delicate items. Always check fabric care guides before bleaching and dilute the bleach in water to avoid uneven spots on your garments.
Ozone-Infused Water
One of the best ways to sanitize laundry is to wash it in ozone-infused water. Ozone-infused laundry washing is a high-tech yet eco-friendly way to sanitize laundry. This method works by infusing water with ozone, a natural disinfectant that effectively kills viruses and bacteria.
This method is perfect for households that want chemical-free sanitization. Plus, it works at cold water temperatures, making it energy-efficient and gentle on fabrics.
Using Laundry Sanitizers
Readily available in stores, laundry sanitizers are a popular, user-friendly solution for sanitizing everyday clothing. You can add most to the rinse cycle, and they work effectively even in cold water. Laundry sanitizers are also safe for a variety of fabrics, including children’s clothing, activewear, and bedding.
High Heat in the Dryer
Drying laundry on high heat is another effective method for killing germs and bacteria. Ensure your dryer settings are set to high (if the fabric allows) for at least 30 minutes.
This method is particularly effective for heavier items, such as towels, socks, or denim. However, keep in mind that some delicate fabrics may shrink or experience wear under exposure to excessive heat.
Elevate Your Laundry Routine
Sanitizing your laundry isn’t complex or costly. There are many simple and affordable methods for ensuring your family’s laundry is clean and safe. Follow Detroit Mommies for more practical tips on home management, DIY crafts, local events, and creating a healthier, happier household!
Photo – Karolina Grabowska
