As you’ve probably suspected, washing your clothes with regular laundry detergent isn’t quite enough to fully disinfect your clothing. It may smell nice and fresh afterward, but there are a few key types of fabric that can introduce bacteria to the whole load of laundry:
- Dish towels — If you use towels to wipe up counters after messes, this is a big one. But even if you just dry your hands and dishes with them after being cleaned, the continuous moisture can invite germs.
- Undergarments — Because of their proximity to sensitive areas, underwear is often one of the most germ-prone pieces of clothing we wear.
- Bath towels — Even though you mostly use these after bathing, skin cells and residual bacteria can rub off onto the towels. The repeated exposure to moisture can exacerbate that depending on how many days you use the same towel.
- Pants after outdoor work or play — Kneeling on the ground, sliding and playing, etc. can all introduce bacteria from dirt, grass, and plants.
Disinfection Checklist
- Wash whites or like-colors in hot water at least 140°F to help break down oils and dislodge bacteria.
- For whites, wash with bleach. Usually about 1/2 cup of bleach is sufficient for regular loads. For high-efficiency washing machines, 1/4 should do it (since they use less water).
- For colors, you can add peroxide to your wash. For a regular load, use 1 cup added to the bleach dispenser or directly into the wash drum.
If you’re looking for disinfecting additives that aren’t as intense as bleach or peroxide — particularly for sensitive clothing materials — try white vinegar. Vinegar is mildly acidic and also breaks down bacteria. And just as importantly, it won’t bleach colors from your fabrics.
Use between 1/2 cup to a full cup of vinegar in your wash. Vinegar can also soften stiffer fabrics, which may be a side benefit for you.