The temperature at which laundry needs to be washed in order to sanitize it varies depending on the type of fabric, its color and load size. Generally, laundry needs to be washed with hot water that is at least 140°F (60°C) or higher, in order to kill most germs and bacteria. However, if you need to sanitize any items that may contain certain viruses like COVID-19, the water temperature should be even hotter ― at least 167°F (75°C). This applies for both regular clothes as well as heavily soiled items such as beddings, towels and rags.
It’s also important not to overload your washing machine when trying to sanitize your laundry since this can reduce the water temperature below what’s necessary for proper disinfection. For best results, you should also use a high quality laundry detergent that contains an oxygen based bleach agent (such as sodium percarbonate) in order to boost the effectiveness of your washing cycle.
Introduction to laundry sanitization
Laundry sanitization is an important step in making sure that you and your family stay healthy, as it helps to kill germs that can be left behind on clothes. In order to optimize the amount of bacteria and germs killed, many people choose to use flea collar a high temperature cycle while laundering their clothing and other fabrics. But what temperature is necessary for complete laundry sanitization?
The simple answer is that hot water sanitization requires washing with water that is at least 155˚F. This temperature effectively kills any microbial life, including bacteria, viruses and molds on clothing items after washing them in the machine. It is also important to remember that if you are cleaning items such as sheets or towels with known allergens or other diseases, then additional steps should be taken, such as using specialized detergents and pre-soaks, or even higher temperatures for ultimate sanitation efforts.
Explaining the need for laundry sanitization
It’s important to understand why certain laundry items need to be sanitized in order to better protect your family and guests from getting sick. One way that germs and bacteria are spread is through contact with contaminated surfaces or apparel. To prevent this, it’s important to perform proper laundry sanitation, especially when laundering items such as towels and underwear that have the potential to harbor bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
Sanitizing your laundry helps eliminate any harmful organisms from these fabrics, so you can feel confident that everyone using them is safe from bacterial infections. You also want to be sure that all of the germs in your linens won’t cause skin irritations for those with allergies or sensitive skin. By following correct wash temperature recommendations for sanitization and using a good laundry detergent, you can get out 99% of common household germs without ever reaching a high-temperature level.
Temperature range and how it impacts sanitization
The temperature range for effective laundry sanitization is 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit. Laundry that is heated at a temperature lower than 140 degrees will not be effectively sanitized, and laundry that is heated higher than 150 degrees may damage the fabric or cause shrinkage.
When it comes to sanitizing laundry, heat is an important factor because it helps to destroy bacteria and microorganisms in fabrics. Washing at temperatures of 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit can kill 99% of chronic and contagious bacterial infections such as staph, strep throat, and even the common cold virus. In addition, viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 need to be exposed to temperatures higher than 140°F for a period of time in order to be effectively killed.
It’s important to note that laundering clothes in hot water alone will not guarantee full sanitation; only a combination of hot water and higher temperature settings around 140-150°F has been proven effective in eliminating germs and bacteria from clothing. So make sure the next time you’re doing your laundry that you double check the temperature setting on your washer!
Different types of fabrics and their corresponding temperature ranges
The temperature needed to sanitize laundry depends on the types of fabrics being washed. Each type has its own temperature range that must be adhered to in order for proper sanitization.
Cotton and wool can generally handle temperatures ranging from 130°F to 150°F, while polyester and nylon require temperate settings from 140°F to 160°F. Delicate fabrics such as silk and rayon, however, should be washed with cold water.
In order to properly sanitize any fabric, make sure you use the hottest water settings recommended for its particular material type. It’s always good practice to check the clothing labels prior to washing so you know what kind of temperature settings are best for each garment.
Benefits of sanitizing laundry at higher temperatures
Sanitizing laundry at high temperatures has several benefits. First and foremost, washing your laundry at a higher temperature can kill harmful germs and bacteria, such as staph, E. coli and salmonella. High temperatures are also great for getting rid of odors from food, smoke or pet hair. Additionally, sanitizing your laundry at a high temperature is beneficial for killing dust mites that could cause allergies.
Another benefit of sanitizing laundry at higher temperatures is that it helps clothes stay in better condition over time. Hot water breaks down detergent quicker, helping the clothes to be cleaner but not overly soapy. Also, hot water causes clothing fibers to swell which prevents fading when items are washed consecutively in hot water cycles. Putting clothing in hot water will also help break down tough stains more effectively, making them easier to remove without requiring you to use harsh chemicals or presoaks!
How to tell if clothing has been properly sanitized
The best way to tell if clothing has been properly sanitized is to look for visual clues, feel the fabric, and use a thermometer. Visual inspection, however, may not be enough.
When inspecting your clothes visually, check for discoloration or fading of colors as well as signs of wear and tear. Additionally, if washing in hot water, observe whether there are any sweat stains or odors still present.
Next, you can feel the fabric. Sanitization should leave it feeling soft yet crisp with no residue or shrinkage to the material post-washing. This can also help indicate whether or not a temperature high enough for sanitization was reached during laundering.
Finally, a thermometer is ideal for telling precisely how hot your laundry water needs to be to reach proper sanitizing temperatures—the CDC recommends hitting a minimum internal temperature of 77 degrees Celcius (170 degrees Fahrenheit). With a reliable thermometer, you will know exactly when your laundry has been sufficiently sanitized!