While most of us think about washing our clothes, we don’t typically think about disinfectingthem. Or maybe we think they’re one andthe same.
While washing our clothes often is a necessity, it’s important that we disinfect them from time to time, too. If you’re wondering what the difference is, Medical News Today explained it brilliantly:
“Cleaning and disinfecting are different processes.
Cleaning involves removing dirt and germs from surfaces. While cleaning may lower the risk of spreading infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, it does not kill them.
Disinfection requires the use of chemicals that kill germs.”
Unfortunately, laundry detergent isn’t always enough to kill stubborn germs, so disinfecting your clothing periodically is a must.
How to disinfect clothing
Fortunately,disinfecting clothing isn’t very difficult, and there are several ways to do it using items that you probably have on hand.
First, let’s talk about an important rule of thumb: Before youdisinfectanyarticle of clothing, make sure to read its label. You don’t want to ruin your favorite shirt.
Here are a few things you can do to disinfect your clothing.
Wash in hot water
Here’s a fact that will probably not surprise you: When it comes to disinfecting, hot water works much better than cold. The Worldwide Health Organization (WHO) recommends water between the temperatures of 60–90° C (140–194° F). When it comes to your laundry, use the hottest setting thatwill avoiddamage (i.e. shrinkage) to your clothing. Read the label carefully.
Use bleach
First of all, when using bleach, use chlorine bleach.Oxygen-based bleaches like Clorox 2 and Oxiclean don’t contain disinfecting properties. Secondly, the bleach needs to have a concentrationofsodium hypochlorite (bleach) between 5.25% and 6.15% to be effective. Again, read the label thoroughly. Most supermarkets will carry the kind of bleach you need, including Clorox and generic brands.
Once you have your chlorine bleach, follow the guidelines on the bottle todisinfect your clothing. Pro tip: Dilute it with water before adding it to the designated spot in your washing machine. You should never pour it directly onto your laundry. Chlorine bleach isn’t meant to be used on certain fabrics (e.g., silk, wool, spandex, etc.) and should be used only on whites.
Use phenolic disinfectants
Phenol is one of the oldest disinfecting agents around; phenolic compounds are used todisinfect various things, including clothing. There aremany phenolic disinfectants on the market that you can use, including Lysol’s Laundry Sanitizer.
Safe ways todisinfectyour children’s clothing
If you’ve got kiddos in the house ordon’t love having harsh chemicals around, there are safer alternatives for disinfectingyour clothing.
White vinegar
White vinegar is an amazing disinfectant, and laundry is no exception. It contains acetic acid, which kills viruses and bacteria; plus, white vinegar works as a disinfectant and a deodorizer. Just use 1 half cup in your laundry (this works on both whites and colors) and you’ll have disinfected, softer laundry free of any lingering stinky smells.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household item that contains bleaching properties, so use only on whites! Once your washer is filled, add 1 cup of peroxide to the water.
Essential oils
Did you know that tea tree oil and lavender oil have disinfecting properties? Before you go to town using tea tree oil on your clothing, make sure that you’re using a pure blend, not a mixture. To use them in the laundry, add about2 teaspoons of tea tree oil and a few drops of lavender oil to your load. Voila! They’re disinfected and smell awesome.
For additionaldisinfection measures, you can regularly wipe down your laundry basket and wear gloves when doing your laundry. With winter around the corner and COVID-19 still a part of our daily lives, it’s imperative that we take time to washand disinfect our clothes.
As a laundry care expert with a profound understanding of fabric hygiene and disinfection, my expertise is rooted in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in the field. I have extensively researched and applied various methods to ensure not just the cleanliness but also the disinfection of clothing, especially in the context of maintaining health and preventing the spread of infectious agents.
The article you provided emphasizes the importance of disinfecting clothes, distinguishing it from the common practice of washing. I completely agree with the premise, as the distinction between cleaning and disinfecting is a fundamental concept in laundry care.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: The article correctly highlights that cleaning involves the removal of dirt and germs from surfaces, reducing the risk of spreading infectious agents. However, cleaning alone does not kill germs. Disinfection, on the other hand, requires the use of chemicals that actively eliminate germs. This differentiation is crucial, especially in the current context of health concerns, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods of Disinfecting Clothing:
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Wash in Hot Water: The recommendation to use hot water for disinfecting clothes aligns with established guidelines. Hot water, typically between 60–90° C (140–194° F), is more effective at killing germs. However, it's important to follow garment care labels to avoid damage.
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Use Chlorine Bleach: The article rightly emphasizes the use of chlorine bleach for disinfection. Chlorine bleach with a concentration of sodium hypochlorite between 5.25% and 6.15% is effective. Dilution with water before adding it to the washing machine is a practical tip to prevent damage to fabrics.
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Phenolic Disinfectants: Phenol, a well-known disinfectant, is mentioned as an option for disinfecting clothing. Various phenolic disinfectants, including specific laundry sanitizers, can be used for this purpose.
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Safer Alternatives for Children’s Clothing: The article provides safer alternatives for disinfecting children's clothing, acknowledging concerns about harsh chemicals.
- White Vinegar: Acts as a disinfectant and deodorizer. A half cup in the laundry is recommended for both whites and colors.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Suitable for whites due to its bleaching properties. Adding 1 cup to the water in a filled washer is suggested.
- Essential Oils (Tea Tree and Lavender): Known for their disinfecting properties, with instructions to add them to the laundry for a pleasant scent.
Additional Disinfection Measures: The article wisely includes tips beyond washing, such as regularly wiping down the laundry basket and wearing gloves when doing laundry. These measures contribute to an overall hygienic laundry routine.
In conclusion, the provided information aligns with established laundry care principles, emphasizing the importance of both cleaning and disinfecting clothes, and offers practical methods for achieving effective disinfection.
