bluesgalinkc's picture

Disinfecting Laundry

Submitted by bluesgalinkc on Mon, 01/23/2006 - 10:53am.

Shaun,

What are you trying to accomplish? Most viruses are so fragile that exposure to water and laundry soap is enough to kill them (although Hepatitis B virus can exist on a hard surface after a blood or other body fluid splatter for up to 14 days--so wash your hands with soap after using a public restroom) Bacteria, molds, and fungi can be tougher to kill depending on the environmental conditions.

Bleach is one of the most useful and inexpensive tools and a little goes a long way (and we don't want to dump too much into the water system). A 4% solution is adequate to kill most anything. But, that won't work for all fabrics.

The right amount of full spectrum UV light (that is, sunlight) (usually 15 minutes) will destroy most bugs. But, that can be tricky with the weather.

Maybe what you're using is enough, but you want that antiseptic smell? A regular wash will eliminate most of anything in the sheets. You might want to wipe down the outsides of the pillows and mattresses with a half-strength rubbing alcohol solution. Remember, alcohol works by destroying the cell walls of bugs by it's rapid evaporation. It has to dry to work.

You most likely wanted a simple answer and as usual, I've given you a prolonged lecture on epidemiology. LOL. I hope this helps. L.

Bluesy Gal Lisa

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