Does a Washing Machine Sanitize?

Last Updated on: 20th June 2023, 09:37 pm

Most advanced washing machines are quite good at cleansing the clothes and removing some of the bacteria from the clothes, towels, bed sheets, and undergarments. However, these washing machines may not completely sanitize the laundry items after all.

It’ll be unfair to say that a washing machine would sanitize the clothes, even though some washers have sanitization modes that use extra hot water or do deep cleansing to sanitize the clothes. No one would appreciate a smelly washing machine.

But, does it remove 100% of the germs on the clothes? Well, there are no guarantees that a washing machine would remove 100% of the germs and bacteria even if a special washing mode is used.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

So I’d highly recommend taking extra or manual measures to sanitize the clothes, just in case.

While some methods would require an extra wash cycle in the machine, others may need you to add a specific chemical or oil to the washing machine.

So without any further ado, let’s get right into it.

5 Ways to Sanitize Clothes

Let’s take a look at five methods of sanitizing clothes:

1. Wash with hot water

One of the oldest and most common ways to sanitize clothes or pretty much anything is to wash them with hot water. The advanced washing machines with sanitization features also use hot water to disinfect clothes. Anyway, the hot water may not 100% remove germs and bacteria, but it does help in disinfecting the clothes to some extent.

2. Use chlorine bleach

It’s also advised to use chlorine bleach to sanitize the clothes. Bleach does help in removing the stains from clothes, but I recently learned that it also disinfects the clothes. Therefore, it’s new information for me, but it looks like that a lot of people know this laundry hack and trying all along.

3. Try white vinegar

White vinegar is a solution with a small percentage of acetic acid and the rest of the content is water. Although, the acetic acid percentage may differ from vinegar type to type, make sure to read the label before trying this product. A lot of people use white vinegar to disinfect their clothes; they add a small quantity of white vinegar to the water to sanitize their clothes.

4. Add hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a light antiseptic used during minor surgeries to avoid infection. Plus, it’s widely used in gardening to help strengthen the tap water for the garden. Moreover, it’s also used as a bleaching agent and for sanitization purposes.

5. Disinfect with essential oils

Essential oils are a great choice for sanitization if you’re into natural and organic products. However, the product has to be purchased from a trustworthy source. There are several essential oils used for sanitization, such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, lemon oil, and eucalyptus oil.

Can germs survive the washing machine?

Some germs may survive the washing machine, but the risk of infection from laundered clothes is generally low. Washing clothes in hot water with detergent and drying them at a high temperature can help to kill many germs.

However, some types of germs may be more resistant and may survive the washing process. It is still a good practice to wash your clothes regularly and follow proper hygiene measures to minimize the risk of infection.

Does sanitize cycle on the washing machine kill germs?

Yes, the sanitizing cycle on a washing machine can help to kill germs. The sanitizing cycle typically uses high heat and sometimes steam to disinfect clothes and other items. This can help to kill many types of germs, including bacteria and viruses.

However, the effectiveness of the sanitizing cycle can depend on the specific model of the washing machine and how it is used. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the sanitize cycle and to use it only on items that are safe to be washed in this way.

Does laundry detergent kill bacteria?

Yes, laundry detergent can help to kill bacteria. Most laundry detergents contain surfactants that can remove dirt, grime, and bacteria from clothes. In addition, many detergents also contain enzymes and other ingredients that can help to break down and remove bacteria and other organic matter.

However, the effectiveness of laundry detergent in killing bacteria can depend on various factors, such as the type of bacteria, the amount of detergent used, and the temperature and duration of the wash cycle. Washing clothes in hot water and using an appropriate amount of detergent can help to maximize the bactericidal effect.