How to Disinfect Towels

Disinfect towels with common household items.

Your towels work hard for you. The more use they get, the more likely they are to accumulate mildew and bacteria, especially in hot, humid weather. Fortunately some basic household items will make your towels fresh-smelling and sanitary once again.

Instructions

Ways to Prevent Mildew and Bacteria Growth

1. Hang towels to dry as soon as you are finished using them. This will allow for air circulation through the towel, which hinders mildew growth. Wait until towels are completely dry before placing them into a laundry basket or hamper.

2. Wash towels shortly after use. By washing towels immediately, you wipe out the opportunity for mildew or germs to accumulate.

3. Use a clothes dryer a clothesline to dry towels thoroughly as soon as you are done washing them. Allowing newly washed towels to linger in the washing machine creates an environment in which mildew and bacteria can grow and thrive. The heat from clothes dryers and direct sunlight both disinfect and kill germs.

Disinfect Towels Using Vinegar

1. Start the washing machine. Hot water works best to kill germs, but follow the washing instructions on your towels. Use the warmest water temperature suggested. White distilled vinegar has natural disinfecting qualities and is mild enough that it does not harm fabrics.

2. Add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to the washing machine.

3. Measure and add laundry detergent, following the detergent recommendations.

4. Add towels to the washing machine and let the machine do its work.

5. Remove towels from the washing machine when it is finished.

6. Dry thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• One alternative to vinegar is bleach. Bleach can be very harsh on fabrics but is also very effective. Add ¾ cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser. Or, dilute bleach with a quart of water and add this mixture to the washing machine five minutes after the initial cycle has started.

• Adding 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to the last rinse cycle of your washing machine helps towels rinse better.

• Do not mix bleach with ammonia or any other acid. Doing so may produce toxic gases.

• Bleach is hard on fabrics. Do not use more than is recommended in order to prevent the breakdown of your towels.

• The sun can unevenly discolor or fade fabrics that are not colorsafe if the sun exposure is too lengthy, so remember to bring the towels inside when they are dry.

References

• Clorox: Clorox Regular-Bleach: Usage
• The Vinegar Institute: Uses and Tips
• Greenpole Solutions: Clotheslines Are Back
• Oregon State University Extension Service: Conserving Water in the Home: Washing Clothes
• New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services: Cleaning Products May Be Dangerous When Mixed

Resources

• University of Missouri Extension: How to Prevent and Remove Mildew- Home Methods