When it comes to doing laundry after someone has been sick or washing clothing exposed to contaminants, the wash cycle on its own might not be enough to disinfect or sanitize the load. Laundry methods vary from everyday cleaning to enhanced precautions that call for certain cycles, water temperatures, and, in some cases, liquid laundry sanitizers formulated to disinfect and sanitize clothing and household linens, such as sheets and towels.
Ahead, we’ll explain laundry sanitizers, the viruses and bacteria they can eliminate, and how to use them correctly to ensure they work as intended.
What Is Laundry Sanitizer?
Laundry sanitizers are liquid products formulated to kill certain types of bacteria on fabrics when used in washing machines. They are meant to be used along with regular laundry detergent in loads that require sanitizing or disinfecting. In addition to in-wash laundry sanitizers, spray and aerosol fabric sanitizers can clean non-washable fabrics, such as upholstery. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates sanitizing and disinfecting products.
Laundry sanitizer differs from chlorine bleach, which also has disinfecting properties. Notably, laundry sanitizers are color-safe and can be used on fabrics that are not bleach-safe without the risk of color loss.
Bacteria and Viruses That Laundry Sanitizer Kills
Before adding laundry sanitizer to your washday routine, it is important to understand the types of bacteria and viruses it can eliminate. They vary from brand to brand, but in general, laundry sanitizer can eliminate the following types of pathogens in laundry:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and GI-related issues
- Proteus mirabilis, which can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli, food-borne pathogens that can cause gastroenteritis and systemic infections
-
Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause staph infections
Before using a laundry sanitizer, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for information on which viruses and bacteria their product works on—and which it doesn’t. In addition, consult the usage instructions that correspond to the sanitizing need. For example, Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is effective at killing the COVID-19 virus, but only when used as a pre-soaking agent.
Laundry sanitizers are recommended for use in special circumstances, such as confirmed or suspected enteric infections that cause vomiting or diarrhea. Laundry sanitizers are also recommended for washing work clothes that have been contaminated with pathogens of human, animal, or agricultural origin. People with weakened immune systems may also benefit from using a laundry sanitizer as a prophylactic measure.
How to Safely Handle Laundry When Someone Has Been Sick
When someone in your household has an enteric infection, use a laundry sanitizer in conjunction with a heavy-duty laundry detergent to prevent the illness from spreading to others. Additionally, follow these steps to ensure the safe handling of laundry that requires sanitizing or disinfecting.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling contaminated work clothes or laundry used by a person who is sick.
- Do not shake out dirty laundry.
- Wash items in a separate load to prevent cross-contamination.
- Remove gloves and wash or sanitize your hands immediately after handling contaminated laundry. Wash or sanitize your hands again after transferring laundry from the washer to the dryer.
- Clean and disinfect hampers and other surfaces that came in contact with the soiled laundry.
How to Use Laundry Sanitizer
Consult the usage instructions on the product label for guidelines on how much laundry sanitizer to use per load; measurements vary from brand to brand. The manufacturer’s instructions also offer guidance on the proper use of laundry sanitizer for sanitizing versus disinfecting, and instructions for use on certain types of viruses, such as COVID-19.
Laundry sanitizer should be used in the rinse cycle, either by putting it in the fabric softener compartment for automatic dispensing or by adding it directly to the drum of the washer during the rinse cycle. Do not mix laundry detergent and laundry sanitizer together.
Consult the usage guidelines on the label for instructions about recommended water temperature settings and the care tag on the garment. Use the hottest water setting the fabric can tolerate.
Using Laundry Sanitizer to Sanitize Laundry
Add laundry sanitizer to the rinse cycle, either by putting it in the fabric softener compartment or by pouring it directly into the drum of the washer during the rinse cycle. Allow 15 minutes of exposure during the rinse cycle.
Using Laundry Sanitizer to Disinfect Laundry
Dilute the laundry sanitizer according to the product instructions and soak items for 15 minutes. After soaking, rinse the items thoroughly with clean water or machine wash as usual.
Source: Kerr, J. (2025d, May 20). Laundry Sanitizer Helps Keep Your Clothes Clean (Especially After You're Sick)—Here's How to Use It. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/laundry-sanitizer-8739942