If you’re not using your washing machine’s “sanitize” function, germs and microbes could be lingering on your laundry. You can sanitize laundry using your washing machine, dryer, laundry sanitizer, or clothing steamer. Experts recommend that you sanitize laundry on a regular basis, especially if it has absorbed sweat.
To avoid damaging your clothes, you should know that certain fabrics can only be sanitized with specific appliances and cycles. At Top Shelf Services, we do more than offer effective washer and dryer repair services. We provide information to help keep your clothes clean and fresh. That’s why we’ve decided to inform you about how and when to sanitize your laundry.
How to Sanitize Your Laundry
There are several different appliances you can use to sanitize your laundry. Each machine has its pros and cons, so it’s important to learn about them before you clean your clothes. You can use the following products and appliances to deep clean your laundry:
Washing Machine
Using your washing machine’s “sanitary cycle” is a great way to sanitize clothes that are safe to wash in high temperatures. Clothing and towels made from cotton are designed to withstand extra hot water, but other fabrics might not hold up as well in your washer’s sanitary cycle.
If you need to sanitize laundry containing elastic, spandex, wool, or other material that can’t withstand high temperatures, you should consider using a different appliance.
Laundry Sanitizer
A laundry sanitizer is a liquid cleaning solution that comes in a spray bottle. Using a laundry sanitizer is a great option for delicate clothes and fabrics that can’t be washed at high heat. You can purchase a laundry sanitizing spray at your local supermarket.
To use a laundry sanitizing product, spray the solution on your clothes, let it set in for a few minutes, and then run the clothes through your washing machine with your preferred detergent. Once your laundry comes out, it will be fresh and germ-free.
Dryer
Did you know you can also use your dryer to sanitize your laundry? If you need to clean a plush toy, stuffed animal, or pillow that isn’t machine washable, run the item through your dryer’s “steam sanitary” cycle. You’ll be amazed at how effectively your dryer removes unpleasant odors and unwanted bacteria.
Clothing Steamer
If you’re looking for a fast sanitizing option that doesn’t involve chemical products, consider investing in a clothing steamer. Clothing steamers use high temperatures to remove bacteria and other particles from your clothes. They’ll also de-wrinkle your fabrics and leave them looking like they did when you first bought them.
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When to Sanitize Your Laundry
While it’s good to sanitize your laundry often, it’s not something you need to do for every item on a daily basis. Experts recommend regularly sanitizing the clothing and fabrics that get the dirtiest.
For example, gym clothes and running attire can get extremely sweaty and dirty, so sanitizing them after every use is best. On the other side of the spectrum, clothes you wear at a desk job or when you’re running errands probably don’t need to be sanitized every time you wear them. As long as you sanitize them once a month, you should be fine.
If you work in a labor-intensive field where you’re exposed to dirt, harsh chemicals, and other unwanted particles on a daily basis, your washer’s sanitizing cycle should be your best friend. If you work at a doctor’s office or hospital, sanitizing your clothes as soon as you get back from work can help you avoid bringing germs into your home.
What to Do if Your Sanitizing Cycle Isn’t Working Anymore
If you’ve noticed that your washer’s sanitizing cycle isn’t working as well as it used to, it might be time to clean your unit. Learning how to clean your front load washer correctly will help you ensure that every part of your machine is clean and able to do its job. To clean your washing machine, follow these simple steps:
- Run a cycle with baking soda, vinegar, or bleach
- Wipe down the rubber gasket on your machine with your cleaner of choice
- Scrub the detergent dispensers
Following these steps will help you remove the mold, dirt, and bacteria from your washer that’s preventing you from thoroughly sanitizing your clothes. To go the extra mile to keep your unit free from mildew and germs, leave the door open after use. This will prevent moisture from building up and forming mold.
If you own a front load washer, consider investing in a detergent that’s specifically designed for your machine. Front load washer-friendly detergents create less suds, reducing the moisture and residue that builds up on your gasket. Once you’ve followed all of our cleaning tips, you should be able to sanitize your laundry.
Your Washer Might Be Broken if It doesn’t Sanitize Your Laundry Properly
If you still have issues with your washing machine’s sanitizing cycle after cleaning the unit, you should contact a repair company. A certified repair technician can diagnose your unit and perform the fixes it needs to work properly.
Once the technician has finished repairing and adjusting your machine, you should be able to sanitize your laundry. However, if your unit is old and in bad shape, you might have to ask yourself if it’s cheaper to repair or replace it. Your technician can advise you whether it would be more cost-efficient to keep paying for repairs or invest in a new unit.
If it’s in your best interest to install a new washer, we recommend opting for an energy-efficient unit. According to EnergyStar®, energy-efficient washers use 20% less power than other models. With a 20% decrease in energy usage, you’ll definitely see a reduction in your utility bills.
Contact Top Shelf Services for Your Washing Machine Repair Needs
Knowing how and when to sanitize your laundry isn’t helpful if your machine is broken or dirty. Contact the washer repair technicians at Top Shelf Services today to get the services you need to keep your clothes fresh and clean.
Our repair technicians are licensed, insured, and up-to-date on all modern washers, dryers, and household appliances. They’ll make sure your unit is repaired properly the first time, but if you have any issue with one of their fixes, we have a repair warranty.
Click to contact Top Shelf Appliance Repair Services today
