When someone in your household is sick, laundry quickly becomes more than just a chore, it’s part of your first line of defense against spreading germs. From contaminated clothing and bedding to the washing machine maintenance, knowing how to properly clean, disinfect, and maintain your laundry setup can make a real difference in keeping the rest of your household healthy.
In this blog, we will walk you through best practices for sanitizing laundry when illness strikes, with practical tips on water temperature, detergents, additives, safe handling, and washing machine maintenance that help stop germs in their tracks.
Why Laundry Hygiene Matters During Illness
Clothing, towels, and bedding can harbor viruses, bacteria, and fungi long after they’re used. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, germs can spread through contaminated fabrics, especially when items are handled improperly or washed incorrectly. High-touch items like pillowcases, blankets, and bath towels are particularly susceptible because they come into close contact with the face, hands, and body. Without proper sanitation, these everyday fabrics can quietly contribute to the spread of illness throughout a home.
Proper laundry sanitation helps:
- Reduce cross-contamination between household members
- Prevent re-infecting someone who’s recovering
- Keep washing machines from becoming a source of lingering germs
Taking a thoughtful, consistent approach to laundry during illness supports overall household health. When residents understand how germs travel through fabrics and equipment, they can make small but impactful changes to their routines that protect everyone in the home—especially those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or already feeling unwell. Our blog has more suggestions to handle clothing safely during high-risk activities.
Keeping your Laundry Routine Clean & Safe
Sanitizing laundry begins before anything goes into the washer. Taking precautions at this stage helps limit the spread of germs to your hands, clothing, and surrounding surfaces. Proper pre-wash handling also reduces the risk of cross-contamination with other household laundry. Here are some tips for handling your laundry to maintain sterility.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling items from someone who is sick
- Avoid shaking laundry, which can spread germs into the air
- Keep items separated from other household laundry if possible
- Wash your hands thoroughly after loading the machine
- Using a dedicated laundry basket or washable liner for sick household members can further reduce exposure.
Water Temperature: Hotter Is Usually Better
One of the most effective ways to kill germs during laundry is heat. Higher water temperatures help break down and eliminate bacteria and viruses that may survive cooler wash cycles. According to The Spruce, use the warmest water setting safe for the fabric. Hot water (at least 140°F) is ideal for bedding, towels, and durable clothing, and make sure to always check care labels to prevent fabric damage. If hot water isn’t an option, don’t worry—some additives and detergents can help compensate.
Choosing the Right Detergents and Additives
Regular laundry detergent removes dirt and some germs, but during illness, extra disinfecting power can help. Helpful additives include laundry sanitizers approved for use in washing machines, oxygen bleach for color-safe disinfecting, and chlorine bleach for whites.
Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar, as this can create dangerous fumes. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for both detergents and additives.
Don’t Forget Washing Machine Maintenance When Someone Is Sick
Your washer works hard during illness—and it needs attention, too. Germs can linger inside drums, seals, and dispensers if machines aren’t cleaned properly. Frequent loads, heavy soils, and added sanitizing products can all increase residue buildup over time. Without regular cleaning, this buildup may reduce cleaning effectiveness and create odors. According to Meliora, routine maintenance helps ensure each load is truly clean and prevents the machine itself from becoming a source of contamination.
Washing Machine Maintenance During Illness Season
- Run an empty hot-water cycle with bleach or a washing machine cleaner weekly
- Clean detergent drawers and rubber door seals
- Leave the washer door open between loads to allow moisture to evaporate
- Wipe down knobs, buttons, and lids with disinfectant
Routine washing machine maintenance helps prevent mold, bacteria buildup, and unpleasant odors—especially when you’re running frequent loads for sick household members. Regular upkeep also improves machine performance and extends the lifespan of critical components. By staying proactive, residents can help to ensure washers continue to operate efficiently and hygienically. You can find more long-term care tips in Automatic Laundry’s washing machine care resources.
Conclusion: Clean Laundry, Healthier Homes
Sanitizing laundry when someone in the home is sick doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency and attention to detail. From safe handling and proper temperature settings to smart detergent choices and regular washing machine maintenance, each step plays a role in reducing germ spread and protecting your household.
If you’d like expert guidance on maintaining laundry equipment or upgrading machines designed for high-performance sanitation, contact Automatic Laundry today. Our team is ready to help you keep your laundry systems running clean, efficient, and worry-free.
