Washing in the hottest water safe for them will clean them, but not truly sterilize them. Only chlorine bleach can do that – and you don’t want to use that on colors.
I would just wash them twice and dry thoroughly. The heat from the dryer will do more of the bacterial killing than the wash.
I also found (via google) this thing called Sanifast but I’ve never used it so I have no idea whether it’s any good. Looks like it’s marketed to large guest service businesses such as hotels, but it can be bought by the public. (link below)
Just wash them. If they can take bleach, use it. If they can’t, add a half cup of Listerine mouth wash to the wash cycle. I always use
a half or full cup of white vinegar in the rinse water to make sure I get out all the soap.
Good Luck!
White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You’ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and very economical.
Dry cleaning can sanitize clothing. The heat and antibacterial additives will do the job. As for washing you can add a few teaspoons of chlorine bleach to the wash and let it soak an hour or so. If color is a problem, use hydrogen peroxide. Never pour either on the clothes but dilute it well into the wash water.
I use an antibacterial cleaner that is used for baby cloth nappy. I use Dettol Laundry Rinse Sanitiser. You will probably be able to find something similar to this. As well as drying out in full sun. If clothing is delicate dry them inside out to reduce sundamage to the important part that people see.
Jun 23rd 2010 • 13:06
by MrsJ
Washing in the hottest water safe for them will clean them, but not truly sterilize them. Only chlorine bleach can do that – and you don’t want to use that on colors.
I would just wash them twice and dry thoroughly. The heat from the dryer will do more of the bacterial killing than the wash.
I also found (via google) this thing called Sanifast but I’ve never used it so I have no idea whether it’s any good. Looks like it’s marketed to large guest service businesses such as hotels, but it can be bought by the public. (link below)
Jun 23rd 2010 • 13:06
by M S
Just wash them. If they can take bleach, use it. If they can’t, add a half cup of Listerine mouth wash to the wash cycle. I always use
a half or full cup of white vinegar in the rinse water to make sure I get out all the soap.
Good Luck!
Jun 23rd 2010 • 16:06
by gigage_u
What’s the best way to sanitize used clothing and cloth items? Does just chucking them in the washer sterilize them?
Jun 23rd 2010 • 17:06
by moon beam
White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You’ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and very economical.
Jun 23rd 2010 • 17:06
by voicefro
Dry cleaning can sanitize clothing. The heat and antibacterial additives will do the job. As for washing you can add a few teaspoons of chlorine bleach to the wash and let it soak an hour or so. If color is a problem, use hydrogen peroxide. Never pour either on the clothes but dilute it well into the wash water.
Jun 23rd 2010 • 18:06
by Mai
I use an antibacterial cleaner that is used for baby cloth nappy. I use Dettol Laundry Rinse Sanitiser. You will probably be able to find something similar to this. As well as drying out in full sun. If clothing is delicate dry them inside out to reduce sundamage to the important part that people see.