How to Sanitize Your Laundry: 10 Proper Ways to Do It
Nowadays, it is not just the flu that can knock you and your family down. We are talking about the ongoing pandemic too. Experts recommend that we remove the clothes that we wore outside and put them in the laundry for cleaning. However, you will need to do more than wash your clothes to get rid of the germs and bacteria present.
10 Ways to Sanitize Your Laundry
It is easy to assume that washing and sanitizing your clothes will be the same for every outfit that you wear. However, there are different steps involved in washing white clothes to colored clothes, not to mention the fabric used for your clothing. Here’s what you need to know.
- Wash white-colored clothes in hot water at 140 degrees.
The hot temperature is an effective way of disinfecting your clothing while getting rid of any dirt or dust buildup.
2. Use laundry detergent and bleach.
The combination of laundry detergent and bleach not only helps in breaking down the stains and other dirt on your white clothing, but bleach can also act as a disinfectant. However, if you are washing colored clothes, never use bleach since it can cause discoloration. Look for an alternative to bleach instead.
3. Put clothes in the dryer for 45 minutes.
Using your dryer to dry your clothes, whether white or colored, is a good idea as it speeds up the time it takes for them to dry and be worn. However, make sure that you run the dryer for 45 minutes to ensure that any remaining germs or bacteria are removed.
4. Read the label.
Some colored clothing won’t do well in hot water, but they can withstand the warmest temperature. Check your clothing label to see its laundry guide so you won’t ruin your outfit while disinfecting it.
5. DIY disinfecting solution.
There are some fabrics that do not do well when washed, like silk, wool, or even dry clean clothing. In this case, preparing a mixture of 2 parts water and 1 part isopropyl alcohol can help with disinfecting the fabric. Spray it on the clothing and brush down the clothing gently.
6. Try steaming.
Steaming is also another way to disinfect specific clothing. Again, check out your clothing label to see what kind of cleaning is recommended for the fabric.
7. Add vinegar.
Bleach can be strong for some fabrics, which is why you can use vinegar as an alternative. Add half a cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle to help eliminate bacteria and odor at the same time.
8. Peroxide works too.
Adding a cup of peroxide to your white clothes as soon as the washer is filled and the cycle begins can help with the disinfection process. For colored clothing, add a cup of peroxide to the bleach dispenser once the washer is filled. Make sure that you test this first on colored clothing to see if it will cause discoloration.
9. Borax for disinfection.
Borax is also useful for disinfecting clothes, but this will only work when combined with hot water. White-colored clothing can be disinfected this way since it can withstand hot temperatures.
10. Dry clothes under the sun.
If you don’t have a dryer at home, hanging your clothes outside to dry under the sun is also a good way to disinfect your clothes.
Disinfecting your laundry when someone is sick at home is a great way to stop the germs from spreading. With the right laundry cleaner from our chemical supplier in the Philippines, you will be able to protect your loved ones from any health issues.