We’ve all been there – a load of laundry that needs a good disinfection, , especially during flu season or after handling items that might be contaminated.
While bleach is a popular disinfectant, it can be harsh on fabrics and unsuitable for many colored clothes. Luckily, there are effective alternatives that can help you disinfect laundry without using bleach.
In the following blog, we will walk you through simple steps and methods to ensure your laundry is clean, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria, all without relying on bleach.
Let’s find out!
Why Should You Disinfect the Laundry?
Clothes, towels, and linens can harbor bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens. Items such as gym clothes, baby clothes, and towels are particularly prone to accumulating germs.
Here’s why disinfecting laundry is essential:
- Eliminating Germs and Bacteria: Regular washing may not be enough to remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections or illness.
- Preventing Odors: Disinfecting helps eliminate the microbes that cause unpleasant odors, leaving your laundry smelling fresh.
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Disinfected laundry is particularly important for those with sensitive skin, babies, or anyone prone to allergies, as it minimizes the risk of irritation.
- Maintaining Fabric Integrity: Disinfecting without bleach helps preserve the color and quality of your fabrics, extending their lifespan.
The Top 5 Natural Disinfectants for Laundry to Know
There are several natural disinfectants that can be used as alternatives to bleach which are super gentle on fabrics yet effective in killing germs.
They are as follows:
Method#1 Use Vinegar as a Natural Disinfectant
White distilled vinegar is a powerful, natural disinfectant with antibacterial properties. It is also gentle on fabrics and does not leave harmful residues. Plus, vinegar works pretty well in killing bacteria, mold, and viruses – making it a versatile cleaner for your laundry.
How to Use Vinegar in the Laundry?
- Add Vinegar to the Wash: Pour 1 cup of white distilled vinegar into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. This ensures that the vinegar is released during the rinse cycle.
- Wash with Hot Water: For best results, wash your laundry with hot water, which helps enhance the disinfecting power of vinegar.
- Dry Thoroughly: After washing, dry your laundry completely in a dryer or hang it out in the sun, as UV rays also have disinfecting properties.
Tip: Vinegar also acts as a natural fabric softener, so you can skip commercial softeners.
Related Post: How To Thoroughly Disinfect Shoes From Fungus
Method#2 Utilize Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfection
Hydrogen peroxide is another excellent alternative to bleach. It has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. When used in laundry, it helps to disinfect and whiten clothes without the harmful effects associated with chlorine bleach.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide in the Laundry?
- Check Fabric Compatibility: Ensure your fabrics are colorfast and safe for hydrogen peroxide by doing a patch test on a small, hidden area.
- Add to Wash Cycle: Pour 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the bleach dispenser of your washing machine or directly into the drum before adding clothes.
- Wash as Usual: Proceed with your regular wash cycle. For heavily soiled or contaminated items, opt for a hot water cycle to maximize disinfecting power.
Warning: Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on colored fabrics without a patch test, as it may cause bleaching.
Method#3 Use Baking Soda for Odor and Germ Control
Baking soda is a mild alkaline compound that can neutralize acids and help kill bacteria and fungi. While it may not be as strong as other disinfectants, it is highly effective at removing odors and enhancing the overall cleanliness of your laundry.
How to Use Baking Soda in the Laundry?
- Add to Laundry Detergent: Add ½ cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent in the washing machine.
- Wash with Warm Water: Use warm or hot water to help activate the baking soda’s cleaning and deodorizing properties.
- Rinse and Dry: Ensure a thorough rinse and dry your clothes completely to prevent any residual odor.
Tip: Baking soda is particularly effective for cleaning clothes like gym accessories, socks, and other items that tend to retain strong odors.
Method#4 Lemon Juice as a Natural Disinfectant and Brightener
Lemon juice is a natural acidic cleaner that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is also a natural bleaching agent, which can help brighten whites while disinfecting your laundry.
How to Use Lemon Juice in the Laundry?
- Pre-Treat Stains (Optional): Apply lemon juice directly to stains and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.
- Add to Wash Cycle: Add ½ cup of lemon juice to the wash cycle along with your detergent.
- Dry in the Sun: For extra whitening and disinfecting, dry your laundry in direct sunlight after washing.
Warning: Lemon juice can have a lightening effect, so use it cautiously with colored fabrics.
Method#5 Disinfecting with Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil have natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. When used in laundry, they can help to disinfect while also leaving your clothes with a pleasant scent.
How to Use Essential Oils in the Laundry?
- Choose Your Oil: Select essential oils known for their disinfecting properties, such as tea tree or eucalyptus.
- Add to the Wash Cycle: Add 10-20 drops of essential oil to your laundry detergent or directly into the washer drum.
- Wash with Warm Water: Use warm or hot water to help activate the oils’ properties.
- Dry Completely: After washing, dry your laundry thoroughly.
Tip: Essential oils are concentrated, so a little goes a long way. They are particularly useful for refreshing and disinfecting items like bedding and towels.
Additional Tips for Disinfecting Laundry
Beyond the primary methods, following a few additional tips can help maximize cleanliness, prevent cross-contamination, and ensure that your washing machine remains in optimal condition. Here are a few tips to follow:
Wash at the Right Temperature
Higher temperatures are more effective at killing germs. Whenever possible, use the hottest water setting safe for the fabric. For items that can withstand it, washing at 60°C (140°F) or above is ideal for disinfecting.
Separate Laundry by Type
To avoid cross-contamination, separate laundry by type. Wash heavily soiled items, such as towels or gym clothes, separately from less soiled items like everyday wear.
Regularly Clean Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine can harbor bacteria and mold if not cleaned regularly. Run an empty wash cycle with hot water and 2 cups of vinegar once a month to disinfect and deodorize your machine.
Avoid Overloading the Washer
Overloading the washing machine can prevent proper cleaning and rinsing. Ensure there is enough space for water and detergent to circulate freely around the laundry.
Use Dryer Heat to Your Advantage
If possible, use the high heat setting on your dryer to kill any remaining germs after washing. For items that cannot be tumble dried, hang them in direct sunlight, as UV rays have natural disinfectant properties.
Related Post: Safe And Efficient Clothing Disinfection Tips
Concluding Words
Disinfecting laundry without bleach is not only possible but also easy and safe for your clothes and skin. Whether you choose to use natural alternatives like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda, or rely on hot water and essential oils, you can effectively eliminate germs and keep your laundry fresh.
Additionally, incorporating these good practices will ensure that your clothes are truly clean and disinfected, protecting you and your family’s health.
Read More: Steps To Disinfecting Carpet Without A Steam Cleaner
