Is Your Laundry Really Clean?

Have you ever wondered how clean your laundry really is? Sure, it looks fresh and smells nice, but is it actually germ free? Most of the time, a regular wash does the trick—but sometimes, your clothes, towels, and bedding need more than just soap and water. Whether it’s after an illness, dealing with pet messes, or tackling allergy triggers, knowing when to sanitize your laundry can make a big difference. Below are cases where you should pay special attention to sanitizing your laundry.

• Household Sickness: If you or someone in your home has been under the weather, those germs don’t just disappear. They can stick around on clothes, sheets, and towels, waiting for their next victim. To prevent your cold from spreading to everyone in your household, follow the disinfecting instructions below.

• Babies or Young Kids: Little ones touch everything—and a lot of that ends up in their mouths. Their clothes, bibs, and blankets go through a lot, and regular washing might not be enough to remove bacteria and allergens. Sanitizing their laundry can help keep them (and you) healthier.
• When You Have Fur Babies: Love your furry friend? Their bedding, toys, and even your clothes can collect bacteria, pet dander, and sometimes even parasites. When you have pets involved, be sure to increase the frequency of washing your garments.
• If You Work in Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, and anyone working in hospitals or clinics bring home more than just a long shift. Their scrubs and work clothes can carry all kinds of germs. In these cases, sanitizing laundry isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.
• For Allergy Sufferers: If someone in your home struggles with allergies, their laundry could be making things worse. Dust mites, pollen, and pet hair love to cling to fabric.

How to Actually Sanitize Your Laundry (Without Overcomplicating It)

Let’s be honest—most of us just throw everything in the washer, pour in some detergent, and hope for the best. And most of the time, that works fine. But if you’re dealing with germs, sickness, or just some seriously dirty laundry, a little extra effort can make a big difference. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Sort Your Laundry: Sorting laundry isn’t just about colors. If someone in your house is sick, don’t mix their clothes with everyone else’s. Keep contaminated items—like sweaty gym gear, pet blankets, or anything that’s seen a little too much life—separate. It helps stop germs from spreading.
2. Use the Right Detergent: Not all detergents are made equal. You can find detergents specifically desined to kill germs. Look for ones that are labelled as a disinfectant. These have ingredients that target bacteria and viruses, so they do more than just make your clothes smell fresh. Check the label before you buy—it’s worth it.
3. Hot Water is Your Best Friend: If your clothes can handle it, go for hot water. The CDC recommends 140°F (60°C) to kill bacteria, but don’t just crank up the heat without checking the tag—unless you’re cool with turning your favorite sweater into doll-sized clothing. For delicate fabrics, don’t risk it. Most dry cleaning solvents do the job just fine. Not sure? Ask your local dry cleaner. Many dry cleaners offer free pickup and delivery, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
4. Add an Extra Layer of Protection: If you’re dealing with really germy laundry, a laundry sanitizer can help. You can find these in most stores, and they work alongside your regular detergent. A little extra germ-fighting power never hurts.
5. Bleach, Vinegar, or Hydrogen Peroxide: Bleach is the heavy hitter here—it’s great at killing germs, but only safe for whites. If you need a gentler option, try color-safe bleach, 2-3% hydrogen peroxide, or distilled white vinegar. Pine oil works too if you’re into that fresh, woodsy smell.
6. Use the Longest Wash Cycle: The longer your clothes soak, spin, and rinse, the better. If something is extra dirty, don’t rush it—let the machine do its job. More time in the wash means fewer lingering germs.
7. Dry Everything Completely: Damp clothes are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If you’re using a dryer, go for the highest heat setting the fabric can handle. Air-drying? Make sure there’s plenty of airflow and, if possible, some sunlight. UV rays help kill germs too.

That’s it! A few small changes, and you’ll have fresher, cleaner, truly sanitized laundry—without turning laundry day into a science experiment. Let me know in the comments what sort of results you get.