Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that can easily spread to clothing, towels, bedding and other laundry items. Taking proper precautions with your laundry is crucial to avoiding reinfection and stopping the spread of athlete’s foot to others in your household. This comprehensive guide will provide tips and best practices for keeping your laundry free of athlete’s foot fungus.
Washing Machine Hygiene
The moist environment inside your washing machine can allow athlete’s foot fungus to thrive. Take these steps to disinfect your machine and kill any lingering fungus:
Clean Washer with Bleach or Vinegar Monthly
- Run a hot wash cycle monthly using either 1 cup of bleach or vinegar to clean out the machine. Vinegar is a natural antifungal that can help kill fungus.
- If using bleach, run an extra rinse cycle afterwards to remove bleach residue.
Leave Washer Door Open to Dry Out
- Always prop the washing machine door open after use to allow the interior to dry out completely.
- This prevents damp conditions where fungus can grow.
Scrub Inside of Washer with Baking Soda
- Use a soft cloth dipped in baking soda and water to gently scrub the washing machine basin, door gasket and detergent dispenser.
- Baking soda is abrasive enough to remove biofilm buildup but gentle enough not to damage the machine.
Sanitize Washer with Hot Water Cycle
- Periodically run the washer empty on the hottest water setting to kill any lingering fungi inside the machine.
Laundry Detergent and Additives
Using a specially formulated detergent or adding fungicidal agents to your regular detergent can boost its effectiveness at killing athlete’s foot fungus and other pathogens during the wash cycle.
Look for Antifungal or Antibacterial Detergents
- Seek out laundry detergents that specifically advertise anti-fungal or antibacterial properties. These usually contain ingredients like tea tree oil.
- Detergents with enzymes to break down proteins can also help destroy fungi. Check the label for protease or cellulase enzymes.
Add Borax or Baking Soda
- Adding 1/2 cup borax or baking soda to each load can increase the cleaning and disinfecting power of your regular detergent.
- These naturally antifungal minerals work well alongside detergent to kill fungi.
Use Oxygen Bleach Additives
- Oxygen bleach additives release peroxide to break down fungi cell walls and disinfect laundry.
- Look for products like OxiClean that can be added along with regular detergent.
Try White Vinegar Rinse
- During the rinse cycle, add 1 cup of white vinegar which can help remove detergent residue and has antimicrobial properties.
- Vinegar’s acidic pH makes it harder for fungi to thrive.
Washing Instructions
It’s vital to wash clothing, towels and bedding properly at high enough temperatures to destroy the resilient athlete’s foot fungus. Follow these laundry guidelines:
Wash Towels, Sheets on Hot
- Wash any towels, sheets or clothing that contacts infected feet using the hottest water setting appropriate for the material.
- Heat of at least 130°F is ideal for killing fungus – check clothing labels.
Dry Completely on High Heat
- Always machine dry laundry on the highest heat setting items can handle to ensure no moisture remains.
- Residual dampness allows fungus to survive.
Wash Gym Clothes after Each Use
- Promptly wash exercise clothing, socks and shoes after sweating in them to prevent fungal growth.
- Bacteria and moisture build up fast in sweaty gym clothes.
Use Sanitize or Sterilize Cycle
- Use a washer sanitize or sterilize cycle if available to wash clothes at extra high temperatures needed to disinfect them.
- This ensures fungi are destroyed even without added bleach.
Wash Towels, Bedding Weekly
- Launder any shared towels or bed linens at least weekly, more often if heavily used, to prevent fungus reinfection.
- Fungus rubs off on fabrics easily so wash them frequently.
Drying and Storing Laundry
Proper drying and storage of clean laundry is just as important as washing to prevent the return of athlete’s foot fungus. Follow these dryer and storage guidelines:
Clean Lint Screen Before Each Load
- Be sure to clean lint out of the dryer filter before each load to allow maximum air circulation for faster, more effective drying.
- Lint can hold onto moisture that encourages fungal growth.
Dry Thoroughly on High Heat
- Machine dry clothing, sheets and towels on the highest heat setting recommended for the fabric.
- Ensure items are completely dry – moisture allows fungus to survive.
Hang Up or Fold Laundry Promptly
- Remove dried laundry from washer promptly. Do not leave laundered items balled up in basket.
- Fold or hang clothing right away to prevent damp spots where fungus can linger.
Store in Cool, Dry Area
- Keep closets, dressers and linen shelves clean and moisture-free.
- Avoid storing laundry in basements, garages or humid environments.
Seal Bedding in Mattress Cover
- Encase mattresses and pillows in protective covers to shield them from recontamination.
- Wash covers frequently to remove any fungus buildup.
Store Shoes in Sunlight
- Place shoes or sneakers in direct sunlight for a few hours to dry thoroughly after wear. Sunlight has antifungal effects.
- Rotate pairs of shoes to give each one a chance to fully dry out between wearings.
Disinfecting Other Items
In addition to clothing and linens, athlete’s foot fungus can infect other belongings like shoes, rugs and towels. Use these methods to disinfect items:
Spray Shoes with Antifungal Powder
- Remove shoe insoles and spray inside thoroughly with antifungal powder.
- Let powder sit before brushing out.
Wash Hats in Hot Water
- Frequently launder hats worn often in hot, soapy water and allow to air dry fully.
- Sweat and oils on hats can feed fungus.
Replace Flip Flops Regularly
- Discard and replace old flip flops frequently as the foam materials are very porous.
- Spray new flip flops with disinfectant spray.
Use Tea Tree Oil on Towels
- Add a couple drops of pure tea tree essential oil to the rinse cycle when laundering towels.
- Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal that leaves towels disinfected.
Vacuum Carpets, Rugs Frequently
- Vacuum high traffic areas and soft furnishings like rugs often to remove fungal spores.
- Steam mop non-carpeted floors – heat kills fungi.
Let New Clothes Air Out
- Remove any plastic wrapping on new clothes and wash before wearing.
- Allow new clothes to air out as plastic can trap moisture fungi feed on.
Preventing Reinfection
Practicing good hygiene and maintaining cleanliness are key to stopping the athlete’s foot fungus from recurring after treatment. Here are some tips:
Dry Feet Thoroughly After Bathing
- Pat feet dry gently with a clean towel, especially between the toes where moisture gets trapped.
- Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to ensure feet are totally dry.
Wear Clean Socks Daily
- Put on a fresh pair of socks made of natural breathable materials like cotton each day.
- Avoid wearing the same socks two days in a row.
Apply Antifungal Powder
- Dust antifungal powder inside shoes before putting them on and onto feet, particularly between toes.
- Powder helps absorb moisture and keeps area dry.
Disinfect Shower/Bath Weekly
- Scrub bathtub and shower walls weekly with bathroom cleaner containing bleach to kill fungus.
- Prevent buildup by spraying shower head with vinegar and scrubbing minerals.
Clip Toenails Straight Across
- Trim nails short and straight across to avoid ingrown toenails which can harbor fungus in the cracks.
- Disinfect nail clippers with alcohol after each use.
Alternate Pairs of Shoes
- Rotate two pairs of shoes daily and avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row.
- Let shoes dry out fully between wears.
Don’t Share Towels
- Do not share bath and hand towels or reuse towels between washes. Use only fresh towels.
- Shared damp towels can easily spread the infection.
Disinfect Foot Baths
- Foot baths should be cleaned with bleach after each use.
- Do not share foot baths with others.
FAQs
How long can athlete’s foot fungus live on fabrics?
Athlete’s foot fungus can survive on clothing, bedding and other materials for several weeks if left damp. The key is to fully dry and disinfect all laundry on a regular basis.
Can I get athlete’s foot fungus from trying on clothes at a store?
It’s unlikely but possible. The fungi would need damp conditions to survive and transfer onto your feet. Trying on shoes without socks poses the most risk.
Does bleach kill athlete’s foot fungus?
Yes, bleach is highly effective at killing athlete’s foot fungus and other pathogens. The proper bleach concentration and soak time are key. Always follow bleach label instructions.
Can I put shoes in the washing machine?
Canvas sneakers can be washed in the machine but avoid putting leather shoes through the washer. Instead, spray inside shoes thoroughly with antifungal spray or rubbing alcohol and let fully air dry.
How should I wash socks and underwear?
Because socks and underwear are in close contact with infected areas, always wash them in hot water above 130°F and dry completely on high heat. Avoid wearing damp socks or underwear.
Will vinegar kill athlete’s foot fungus in laundry?
Yes, vinegar is antifungal and antibacterial. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to laundry rinse cycles and use undiluted vinegar to clean washing machines. Vinegar’s acidic pH inhibits fungal growth.
How do I sanitize towels and sheets?
Wash towels and sheets used by someone with athlete’s foot weekly in hot water above 130°F. Add borax or baking soda along with detergent for extra disinfecting power. Dry on high heat.
Can I put shoes in the dryer to kill fungi?
No, the adhesives and materials in athletic shoes cannot withstand high dryer heat. Instead, allow shoes to air dry fully in sunlight which has natural antifungal effects. Rotate pairs.
Does sunlight kill athlete’s foot fungus?
Yes, sunlight has natural disinfecting abilities. Place shoes and other articles out in direct sunlight for a few hours which can help destroy fungus. The UV rays and dry heat are antifungal.
Conclusion
Athlete’s foot fungus is extremely contagious and can linger on laundry and household items long after treatment. Stopping reinfection requires diligently washing and drying clothes, towels and bedding on the hottest settings appropriate for the fabrics. Add antifungal laundry additives when washing infected items. Always promptly store fully dried laundry in clean, moisture-free spaces. Disinfect shoes, floors, bathrooms and other areas. Practicing proper hygiene and maintaining cleanliness are also key to eliminating athlete’s foot fungus from your home and clothing.