Keeping laundry clean and disinfected is an important part of maintaining a healthy home. Bleach has traditionally been used as a powerful disinfectant for laundry, but it also comes with downsides like fading fabrics or irritating sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are effective alternatives for disinfecting laundry using heat, UV light, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, and other natural solutions. With some simple adjustments to laundry routines, it’s possible to get clothes thoroughly clean and disinfected with or without harsh chemicals like bleach.
Washing Machine Settings for Disinfection
The washing machine itself provides opportunities to disinfect laundry through temperature and cycle settings. Optimal settings can sanitize clothes without requiring additional chemical disinfectants.
High Heat
Washing clothes in hot water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a wash cycle with water at 140°F or above can disinfect laundry on its own.
Most experts recommend setting the washing machine to the hottest temperature permitted for the fabric. Use the sanitize cycle if available, as this will heat the water more than a regular cycle.
The high heat alone can disinfect laundry in most cases, without adding any bleach or other antimicrobials. Just be sure to check clothing tags and only wash heat-tolerant items on the sanitize setting.
Extended Wash Cycles
In addition to hot temperatures, a longer washing cycle helps kill pathogens in laundry. The CDC indicates that keeping clothes in 140°F water for at least 6 minutes is sufficient to disinfect laundry.
Many modern washing machines have specialized sanitizing cycles that extend the time in hot water. The extra minutes in sustained heat allow for a very thorough disinfection.
If the washing machine does not have a specific sanitize cycle, an extended normal cycle can provide similar benefits. Simply setting the machine for a longer wash time allows clothes to remain in hot water for sufficient disinfection.
High Spin Speeds
The spinning phase at the end of the wash cycle also plays a role in properly disinfecting laundry. A high spin speed removes more excess water from clothes, which decreases opportunities for bacteria to survive and spread.
To maximize disinfection, choose the highest spin speed recommended for the fabric type. More water extraction leaves laundry drier, allowing any remaining pathogens to die off more quickly.
Disinfecting Detergents
Specialized laundry detergents can boost the disinfecting process, even in cold water temperatures. Detergents that contain antimicrobial ingredients provide extra protection against pathogens when washing in cool water.
Bleach Alternative Detergents
Many mainstream laundry detergents now contain bleach alternative ingredients that can disinfect clothes without harsh chemicals. Brands like Tide, Persil, and Seventh Generation offer detergents formulated with disinfectants that are safer on fabrics and skin than traditional bleach.
These detergents use antimicrobial agents like hydrogen peroxide or citric acid to kill bacteria and viruses. They can sanitize laundry in warm or cold washes, making them ideal for delicate fabrics. Check the product labels for confirmations of disinfecting capabilities.
Oxygen-Based Detergents
Some laundry detergents use oxygen-based ingredients to disinfect clothes and eliminate odors. Oxygen bleach products, like OxiClean or Vanish, can sanitize laundry at low temperatures when used properly.
These detergents work best when allowed to soak on clothes for up to 6 hours before washing. This extended contact time allows the oxygen bleach to fully disinfect fabrics. For best results, presoak heavily soiled laundry before washing with an oxygen detergent.
Silver Ion Detergents
Silver ions have natural antimicrobial abilities, and some laundry detergents harness this effect. Brands like Freshcare and BioKleen offer detergents that use silver ions to sanitize fabrics without chlorine bleach.
The silver ions disable the enzymes that bacteria and fungi need to multiply, stopping them in their tracks. While not as potent on viruses, silver ion detergents provide an added layer of disinfection for regular laundry.
Disinfecting Laundry Additives
In addition to hot water and disinfecting detergents, certain laundry additives can provide extra disinfection power. Boosters like bleach, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide all have sanitizing effects when used properly.
Bleach
Bleach is the most powerful and reliable home disinfectant for laundry available. The sodium hypochlorite in bleach kills bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi on contact. It also degrades and removes organic matter that can harbor pathogens.
To disinfect laundry with traditional chlorine bleach:
- Check that the fabrics can tolerate bleach before adding it.
- Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of bleach per wash load.
- Add the bleach to the machine drum before adding clothes.
- Use a hot water temperature setting.
- Allow laundry to soak in the bleach solution for at least 5 minutes before starting the wash cycle.
Bleach is very effective at disinfecting laundry, but it can damage fabrics over time and irritate skin. Avoid using it on a regular basis, and only use it for laundry that requires disinfection.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can sanitize laundry without leaving toxic chemical residue. White distilled vinegar has antimicrobial properties that destroy bacteria and viruses with prolonged contact.
For best results disinfecting with vinegar:
- Use 1 cup of vinegar per wash load.
- Add the vinegar directly to the washing machine drum before adding clothes.
- Wash laundry on the hottest safe setting for the fabric.
- Add vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser if using an extra rinse cycle.
The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves the membranes around pathogens, killing them within minutes. It’s ideal for disinfecting children’s clothes, cloth diapers, and underwear.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another alternative sanitizer that can be added to laundry loads. At concentrations of 3-6%, hydrogen peroxide kills most household bacteria and viruses.
Follow these steps to properly disinfect laundry with hydrogen peroxide:
- Use 1 cup of 3% household hydrogen peroxide.
- Add the peroxide to the washing machine drum before adding clothes.
- Wash laundry on the hottest recommended setting.
- Allow clothes to soak in the peroxide wash water for 6-8 minutes before starting the wash cycle.
Hydrogen peroxide works well for whitening fabrics while also disinfecting them. It can help remove tough stains on whites while sanitizing the material at the same time.
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach powder, like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover, provides active stain-fighting enzymes along with an oxygen-based disinfectant. This all-in-one booster both cleans and disinfects laundry throughout the wash process.
To use an oxygen bleach additive:
- Add 1-4 scoops of the powder directly in the wash drum before adding clothes, depending on load size.
- Wash laundry in warm or hot water to activate the disinfecting effects.
- For heavy stains or disinfection, let clothes soak for 3-6 hours in the solution before starting the wash cycle.
The extended soaking time allows the oxygen bleach to fully penetrate and disinfect fabrics while loosening stains. It works well as a non-toxic bleach alternative for delicate items that require sanitizing.
Drying Clothes Effectively After Disinfecting
Proper drying is key to a complete disinfection process when washing laundry. Heat and UV light continue killing pathogens remaining after the wash cycle. Choose drying methods that maximize sanitizing effects.
Machine Drying
Tumble drying on a high heat setting helps eliminate bacteria that may survive a wash cycle with disinfectants. If the fabric permits, choose the highest temperature dryer setting to get internal temperatures above 130°F. This level of heat kills most pathogens within minutes.
To get laundry fully dry and disinfected in the machine:
- Shake out clothes well before transferring them from the washer to remove excess moisture.
- Use the high heat tumble dry setting appropriate for the fabric type.
- Dry items completely until no dampness remains. Partially dried laundry can allow mold and bacteria to continue growing.
The combination of thorough washing, proper detergent use, and machine drying provides fully sanitized results.
Air Drying
Air drying laundry outside on a clothesline or drying rack can naturally disinfect fabrics in the sun’s UV light. The sun’s rays have antibacterial effects that zap any lingering organisms after washing.
To maximize disinfection when line drying clothes:
- Hang laundry in direct sunlight, not shade, to get the full germ-killing UV exposure.
- Allow laundry to dry completely before removing from the clothesline for use or folding.
- For items like sheets or towels, flip over halfway through drying so both sides get sunshine.
The sun’s UV rays naturally destroy bacteria, viruses, mold, and dust mites as laundry dries. Rotating clothes ensures all sides disinfect.
Ironing
Ironing laundry after washing provides added heat disinfection against bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. These pathogens can occasionally survive washing and drying cycles.
Iron fabrics on the highest setting recommended to kill any lingering germs. The combination of sustained heat from the iron along with pressure effectively pasteurizes laundry after washing.
Disinfecting Specific Types of Laundry
Certain items and fabrics require extra disinfecting measures to fully sanitize them. Undergarments, athletic wear, cloth diapers, and illness contaminated laundry require moreattention.
Undergarments
Undergarments and intimates can harbor bacteria that cause infections or odors when worn. Yeast, E. coli, and Staphylococcus thrive in the warm, moist environment. Disinfecting properly reduces transmission risk.
- Wash bras, underwear, and socks separately from other clothes.
- Use hot water temperatures and extended wash cycles.
- Add oxygen bleach or vinegar to the wash water for added antimicrobial effects.
- Replace used underwear at least every year to prevent bacterial buildup in worn fabrics.
Separate washing, high heat, and disinfecting detergents help sanitize intimate items. Bleach may damage elastic over time.
Activewear
Exercise clothing exposed to sweat provides ideal conditions for bacterial and fungal growth. The heat and humidity created when working out allows microbes to thrive.
To disinfect activewear:
- Presoak workout clothes immediately after wearing to prevent microbes from adhering to fabric.
- Wash athletic apparel separately in hot water with an antimicrobial detergent.
- Use vinegar as a fabric softener in the rinse cycle to further sanitize.
- Allow exercise clothes to fully air dry after washing.
Thorough cleaning and disinfecting of activewear prevents the spread of fungi that cause ringworm or athlete’s foot infections.
Cloth Diapers
Reusable cloth diapers require special disinfecting steps to prevent dangerous diarrhea-causing pathogens in infants. Norovirus and rotavirus easily transmit through feces onto diapers.
Follow these steps to properly disinfect cloth diapers:
- Rinse solid stool from diapers into the toilet before washing.
- Do a cold water rinse cycle with detergent first, then wash diapers separately in hot water on a long, sanitizing cycle.
- Add 1⁄2 cup bleach or vinegar to the hot wash water for increased disinfection.
- Rinse diapers thoroughly to remove detergent and disinfectant residue.
Proper washing and drying procedures sanitize cloth diapers without damaging the waterproof outer materials. Always wash hands after handling soiled diapers.
Illness-Contaminated Items
Clothing or bedding exposed to contagious illnesses like flu or norovirus requires disinfecting with bleach to prevent spread. The CDC recommends adding 1⁄4-1/2 cup of bleach per wash load of contaminated laundry.
For illness disinfection:
- Handle contaminated items with disposable gloves to prevent risk of infection spread.
- Wash items separately in hot water on a long wash cycle with added bleach.
- Machine dry or hang in direct sun until completely dry to destroy lingering pathogens.
Isolating contaminated laundry and using bleach neutralizes viruses and prevents transferring illness through fabrics. Handle with caution and disinfect properly.
Natural Disinfectants for Laundry
Chemical-free, non-toxic alternatives provide natural disinfecting options for laundry. Natural antimicrobial extracts effectively destroy pathogens without harsh bleach or toxic residues.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal that can sanitize laundry at low concentrations. It works well against odor-causing microbes in exercise clothes or sheets.
To use tea tree oil in laundry:
- Add 2-4 drops of oil per wash load directly into the drum.
- Wash clothes in warm or hot water to activate disinfection.
- For heavy disinfection, soak laundry overnight in a tea tree oil solution before washing.
The antiseptic compounds like terpinen-4-ol make tea tree oil an effective disinfectant at low concentrations in water.
Borax
Borax powder is a naturally occurring salt that can remove stains, soften water, and disinfect laundry. It breaks down microorganisms’ cell walls and destroys them safely at low levels.
For laundry disinfection with borax:
- Add 1⁄2 cup borax to the wash water for a regular size load.
- Use hot water washes to enhance disinfectant effects.
- Can boost the cleaning power by combining with washing soda.
Borax works against odor and stain causing bacteria like Serratia marcescens in laundry when added directly in wash water.
Citrus Peels
Dried citrus peels from oranges, grapefruits, or lemons contain antimicrobial citric acid that can sanitize laundry. The acid breaks down bacteria cell membranes on contact.
To use citrus peels in laundry:
- Save peels from citrus fruits, completely dry, and store to add to wash loads as needed.
- Add 2-4 dried peels directly in the wash drum per load.
- Wash clothes in warm or hot water to release the disinfecting citric acid.
Citrus peel powder can also work as a non-toxic laundry booster for disinfection. Just grind peels in a food processor and add like normal detergent.
Thyme Oil
Like tea tree oil, concentrated thyme essential oil provides strong antibacterial effects at low levels. The active compound thymol can kill odor-causing bacteria in laundry and fabrics.
To use thyme oil for laundry disinfection:
- Add 2-3 drops of thyme oil per wash load to the drum.
- Wash fabrics in warm or hot water to activate the oil’s effects.
- Can add drops to water when rinsing laundry for added antimicrobial benefits.
Thyme oil’s natural disinfecting abilities eliminate laundry odors safely without skin irritation risks of synthetic disinfectants.
Preventing Recontamination of Laundry After Disinfecting
To secure fully disinfected laundry, steps must be taken to prevent recontamination after washing. Dirty storage bins, transferring wet clothes, and improper folding can reintroduce bacteria.
Use Clean Laundry Baskets
Avoid transferring freshly washed clothes into a dirty laundry basket or hamper. Only move fully disinfected laundry into clean, sanitized bins to store.
Wash laundry baskets and hampers themselves frequently with hot water and soap to kill bacteria accumulation on surfaces. Store them in clean areas away from soiled clothes piles.
Fold Right Away
Waiting to fold clean laundry allows damp fabrics to cultivate mold, mildew, and bacterial growth before wearing. Folding directly after drying ensures clothes remain fully sanitized.
If laundry must temporarily sit wet or damp before folding, keep it in an open, ventilated area. Tight stacks or piles prevent drying and increase contamination risk.
Dry Fully Before Removing
When machine or line drying laundry, always allow items to dry completely before taking them out of dryers or off clothes lines. Leftover moisture breeds microbes quickly.
Check clothes thoroughly to confirm no damp spots remain before transferring them out of drying machines or taking them off clotheslines.
Use Higher Dryer Heat
Cotton, polyester, and other durable fabrics can tolerate high tumble dryer heat up to medium or even high settings. The increased temperatures kill more bacteria remaining after wash cycles.
Avoid over-drying laundry, but maximize heat intensity based on fabric tolerance. Higher dryer heat equals greater disinfection.
Disinfecting Whites with Bleach
White fabrics that are bleach safe provide the best opportunity to use the full disinfecting power of chlorine bleach. For the whitest whites, bleaching maximizes stain removal and pathogen killing.
Whitening Boost
Bleach excels at both brightening whites and disinfecting the material. Sodium hypochlorite degrades colored compounds and organic debris that dull fabric over time.
Soaking heavily stained white items in diluted bleach before washing restores their vibrancy and whiteness through stain breakdown and fabric lightening.
Stain Removal
Along with whitening, chlorine bleach penetrates and degrades difficult set-in stains on white clothes, towels, and sheets. From food or grass stains to armpit discoloration, bleach can eliminate them.
Make a concentrated bleach soak or paste and pre-treat stained spots on whites before washing to lift stains away along with disinfecting.
Sanitization
The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that chlorine bleach eliminates over 99% of bacteria and viruses on laundry when used properly. Its powerful sanitization outperforms other disinfectants.
For laundry prone to bacterial buildup like towels or sickroom linens, bleach provides the highest level of