# How To Kill Germs in Colored Clothes? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 26, 2006, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192 "2006-06-26T13:07:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/1 "2006-06-26T13:07:01Z")
A while back, I read a thread in which I learned that soap does not actually kill bacteria. (It was about those mesh shower poufs. Apparently, they’re chock full of bacteria and it doesn’t matter that they are saturated with soap in every use.) It got me thinking about underpants. White ones can be bleached, of course, killing all germs, but what about colored underpants? I’m a bit squicked by the notion that my unmentionables may be carrying all sorts of ickiness . . . there’s no such thing as “clean” underwear, in other words. The environment in which my husband works is very unsanitary, and on occasion, he comes in contact with substances which he’d rather not. I had just been innocently chucking those things in the wash, believing that all of the germs were washed away. (Honestly, it probably would have been better for my peace of mind not to know.) So, what commonly available substances could I use to wash germy clothing without bleaching it? I thought of ammonia, but I’ve never heard that it was a germicide. Any ideas? So, what sort of ---
**Author:** ![One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/838e76/32.png) [@One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/One_And_Only_Wanderers)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/2 "2006-06-26T13:08:53Z")
How hot a wash cycle would it take to kill bacteria? Or is this dependant upon the type of bacteria? ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/3 "2006-06-26T13:12:38Z")
> [@Lissa](#): > > So, what commonly available substances could I use to wash germy clothing without bleaching it? I thought of ammonia, but I’ve never heard that it was a germicide. Any ideas? So, what sort of Ever heard of “Chlorox” or sodium hypochloride. Works like the chlorine used to disinfect public water supplies to make the water safe to drink. READ and FOLLOW the directions for use to avoid bleaching out colors! ---
**Author:** ![Avarie537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/48db29/32.png) [@Avarie537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avarie537)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/4 "2006-06-26T13:24:27Z")
IIRC, a couple of tablespoons of bleach in a colored load won’t affect the colors but is enough to kill germies when used in conjunction with a hot wash cycle. ---
**Author:** ![Cheez\_Whia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d26b3c/32.png) [@Cheez\_Whia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheez_Whia)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/5 "2006-06-26T13:41:18Z")
[Lysol concentrate](http://lysol.com/solutionsfinder_apcleaners.shtml) found at the bottom of the page. ---
**Author:** ![CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crankyasanoldman/32/11670_2.png) [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/6 "2006-06-26T13:49:10Z")
When I worked in the veterinary field, there was some kind of blue substance that we’d dilute. It smelled nice and was suppose to kill anything, but without bleach’s damaging and lightening properties. Hell if I can recall the name. I’ve heard good things about “Charlie’s Soap” and just ordered some. I am not sure it kills anything, but apparently cleans the heck out of whatever fabric is holding the offending material & bacteria. I am not affiliated with this company in any way. There is also product called Odo-Ban, findable at Sam’s Club stores, which may also be an option. I seem to recall its label touting its numerous -icide properties. ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/7 "2006-06-26T14:00:43Z")
From Cornell University: [Killing Bacterial/Viral Infections in the Laundry](http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/yates/8030.htm) ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/8 "2006-06-26T14:07:33Z")
I use [Clorox for Colors](http://clorox.com/solutions_clorox2_bleach.php) in every load of colored cotton underwear, colored t-shirts and other stuff. Sometimes I throw it in with jeans or towels. Never had a problem and my colored clothing is bright as advertised. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/9 "2006-06-26T14:15:19Z")
Why should you not want to kill the germs that aren’t in colored clothes, and how do you tell what the wee beasties are wearing in the first place? ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/10 "2006-06-26T14:18:52Z")
**How To Kill Germs in Colored Clothes?** The one thing that has me wondering is which germs actually wear colored clothes? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/11 "2006-06-26T14:19:37Z")
Who said that detergent or soap doesn’t kill germs? True, it’s not anywhere near as effective as bleach, Pine-sol or Lysol, but it does kill a good % of the little bugger, esp combined with hot water. ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/12 "2006-06-26T14:20:45Z")
Darn you **yabob** - got your remark in 3 minutes before mine. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Szlater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/90ced4/32.png) [@Szlater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Szlater)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/13 "2006-06-26T14:41:16Z")
> [@One And Only Wanderers](#): > > How hot a wash cycle would it take to kill bacteria? Or is this dependant upon the type of bacteria? Considering you get thermophilic bacteria that hang around in hot springs and around the deep ocean thermal vents I’d say it’s pretty dependant on the type of bacteria. However, pathogenic bacteria generally thrive in a small temperature band that is similar to the human body (iirc, 35-40C). That’s not to say they can’t survive at higher or lower temps, just that they do best in that temp range. As for the best way to rid clothes of bacteria, imo it’s simple. Dry the clothes as thoroughly as possible, preferably outdoors where the sun’s UV light will add to the effect. ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/14 "2006-06-26T15:49:48Z")
> [@Lissa](#): > > It got me thinking about underpants. Aaah, I loves the way you think.😉 I was teasing my gf recently about the teensy things she wears under her dress. Surely they are so tiny a microorganism hasn’t a place to hide. One answer to your question has to do with organic debris. Get rid of _any_ organic debris and the microorganisms present have nothing to keep them well-fed. > [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](#): > > When I worked in the veterinary field, there was some kind of blue substance that we’d dilute. A chlorhexadine product like Nolvassan? A quaternary ammonia like Roccal-D? Neither would be appropriate for **Lissa’s** unmentionables, IMHO. (and yes, I feel strange having an opinion about **Lissa’s** unmentionables)😉 ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/15 "2006-06-26T17:36:39Z")
Just out of curiosity, how many people do you know who have picked up bacterial infections from their laundry? ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/16 "2006-06-26T17:46:46Z")
> [@Smeghead](#): > > Just out of curiosity, how many people do you know who have picked up bacterial infections from their laundry? No one. I acknowledge that my concern is illogical and that I’m not going to catch anything or become ill from unkilled germs in my laundry. However, I have a nagging sense that it’s gross and I’d like to find a way to sterilize my clothing simply for peace of mind. It’s the same thing when it comes to touching bathroom doorknobs: I’m not going to get sick, most likely, but it seems gross to me, so I avoid touching them if at all possible. As I said, my husband sometimes comes in contact with Very Nasty Things in his line of work and I’d like to make sure those germs are eradicated to the best of my abilities. ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/17 "2006-06-26T17:47:30Z")
As DeVena’s link points out, you’re going to be putting those unmentionables through the dryer, right? The dryer is way, way hotter than any hot water you’re going to be using to wash the clothes and the clothes are exposed to it for quite a while. I dunno if they’re sterile after coming out of the dryer, but they’re pretty close. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/18 "2006-06-26T19:06:41Z")
Borax and/or vinegar are both germ killers. Adding white vinegar to the rinse water will kill germs and soften fabrics! ---
**Author:** ![Szlater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/90ced4/32.png) [@Szlater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Szlater)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/19 "2006-06-26T22:03:13Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > I dunno if they’re sterile after coming out of the dryer, but they’re pretty close. They won’t be sterile, bacterial and fungal spores would most likely survive, and the instant you touch them you’ll be inoculating them with whatever viruses, bacteria and fungi you have on your hands. However, along with air drying, it would probably be the closest you can get without dousing everything in a antimicrobial and vacuum packing them, all done in a clean room. > [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > Borax and/or vinegar are both germ killers. Adding white vinegar to the rinse water will kill germs and soften fabrics! At what concentration? Neat (or high concentration) vinegar may well be bacteriocidal but when it’s dilute how effective is it? **Just a quick thought** You could put the smaller items in a pressure cooker/autoclave for 20-30 minutes, and then dry them in a disinfected microwave. They would probably be as sterile as you could get in the home. I am not a laundress, but I would imagine that if your items could survive a boil wash then they should survive in the pressure cooker. ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2006, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192/20 "2006-06-27T14:41:28Z")
> [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](#): > > When I worked in the veterinary field, there was some kind of blue substance that we’d dilute. It smelled nice and was suppose to kill anything, but without bleach’s damaging and lightening properties. Hell if I can recall the name. “Little Boy Blue” ?? That was used in times long past to make white clothes look whiter. Not an antiaeptic! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-germs-in-colored-clothes/362192.md?page=2)