Does Laundry Detergent Really Kill Bacteria?
We rely on our washing machines and laundry detergents to clean our clothes and linens. But does your regular wash cycle actually kill bacteria and other germs? The answer may surprise you.
How Detergents Work
Laundry detergents are designed to remove dirt, stains, and odors from fabric. They contain surfactants that help lift soil away from fibers and suspend it in the wash water to be rinsed away.
However, unlike disinfectants or sanitizers, regular detergents aren’t specifically formulated to kill germs. While the cleaning action of the detergent and agitation of the washer can remove some bacteria from fabrics, it doesn’t necessarily kill them.
The Hot Water Myth
Many people assume that washing clothes in hot water is enough to kill bacteria. However, most home hot water heaters don’t reach high enough temperatures to effectively sanitize laundry.
Water needs to reach 140-150°F to kill most germs. That’s much hotter than the average hot cycle, which is around 120°F. Plus, many fabrics can’t withstand such high heat and could be damaged in extra-hot water.
When to Sanitize Laundry
For most everyday laundry, washing with a good detergent in warm or hot water is sufficient to get clothes clean. However, there are some situations where you may want to take extra steps to sanitize fabrics:
- Illness: If someone in your home is sick, especially with a contagious illness, washing their linens and clothing separately with a laundry sanitizer can help prevent the spread of germs.
- Allergies: Hot water and sanitizing detergents can help remove dust mites and other allergens from bedding and clothes.
- Dirty diapers: Washing cloth diapers in hot water with a sanitizing agent is important to kill bacteria and prevent diaper rash.
- Gym clothes: Sweaty workout gear can harbor odor-causing bacteria. Using a sports detergent with sanitizing properties can help freshen them up.
How to Boost Your Detergent’s Germ-Killing Power
If you’re concerned about does detergent kill bacteria, there are some steps you can take to make your regular wash more effective:
- Use the hottest water safe for the fabric. Check care labels and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Choose a detergent with sanitizing properties. Look for words like “antibacterial” or “sanitize” on the label.
- Add a laundry booster. Products like borax, vinegar, or oxygen bleach can help disinfect clothes when added to your regular wash cycle.
- Dry clothes on high heat. The heat of the dryer can also help kill some germs, but it’s not a substitute for sanitizing in the wash.
The Bottom Line
While regular laundry detergents are great at cleaning clothes, they aren’t designed to kill all bacteria. For most loads, a good detergent and warm water will get clothes fresh and clean.
But if you’re concerned about germs, using hot water, sanitizing detergents, and laundry boosters can provide some extra peace of mind. When in doubt, always follow the care labels on your garments to keep them looking their best.
