sources<\/a> speculating and testing how long the virus can remain on surfaces. I\u2019ve seen some claiming several hours, all the way up to several days (depending on the surface of course). This, of course, means that though your hands may be free from the virus after washing, your clothes may have picked them up from the outside waiting for you to touch them (undressing for example). <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSo What Are The Best Ways To Disinfect Clothes?<\/h2>\n1:\u00a0 Cleaning With Laundry Detergent<\/h3>\n Thankfully, cleaning clothes with good quality laundry detergent is one of the most simple and effective ways to disinfect clothes. The strong soap breaks apart and carries away any lurking virus, bacteria, or fungi that may be clinging to your garments. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPowder detergent is slightly more effective than liquid so prefer that if you have it. Lean towards smaller loads of clothes with a full water level to get a thorough wash and rinse. If you are focused on disinfecting as best as you can, don\u2019t skimp on the detergent. If you have an abundant supply saved up, use the maximum your washer recommends.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/noscript><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSet your washer to the hottest, safe, water temperature that your clothing allows. Be careful with full or blended synthetic fabrics as they cannot take much heat, follow the recommendations the manufacturer recommends. Sort your natural and synthetic fabrics into separate loads. The CDC recommends washing in water over 160 degrees Fahrenheit, or 71 degrees Celsius, as effective for disinfecting.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n2:\u00a0 Using Added Disinfectants<\/h3>\n Adding disinfectants is another one of the ways to disinfect clothing. Though this method is effective, since the products are specifically designed for the purpose, it can be expensive. Additionally, disinfectants, depending on the state of where you are, disinfectants may be in limited supply if you haven\u2019t stocked up beforehand.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/noscript><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe most important thing to remember when using disinfectants is to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. In general, you should prewash the clothes in hot water with laundry detergent, and then use disinfectant on a rinse cycle. Make sure to allow some time for it to work \u2013 if your machine has a soak setting, use that.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBleach As A Disinfectant<\/h3>\n Liquid household bleach is an effective disinfectant and is quite inexpensive when compared to branded disinfectants. Some fabrics cannot be washed with bleach, namely wool, and silk. Additionally, bleach will remove the color from colored clothes. So, obviously this is an option only really suitable for light clothing or a time when you have no other choice.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/noscript><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nLike the brand-name detergents, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and use after washing the clothes. It is important to remember that bleach is a powerful chemical and must be handled with care. Absolutely avoid mixing bleach with any ammonia-based, or acidic products, as this will create extremely dangerous chlorine gas. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n3:\u00a0 Wipes And Sanitizers<\/h3>\n <\/noscript><\/p>\nEthanol (alcohol) or bleach-based wipes should be used to clean accessories and clothes that cannot be washed, as they, of course, can carry the virus. Leather and faux leather bags, garments, as well as jackets, fur, etc. For alcohol wipes, make sure you use at least a concentration of 70%. Using these wipes on leather will dry out the leather, so make sure to re-hydrate it again with your preferred method. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n4:\u00a0 Pressing And Steaming<\/h3>\n Using a hot iron on clothes can disinfect clothes, to a degree. However, it is not as reliable as the other methods, as well as requiring you to touch the potentially infected fabric many times.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/noscript><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSteaming, if you have access to an appropriate tool can be effective. The steam is easily hot, enough to disinfect, the critical part is getting complete coverage of the clothing. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n5:\u00a0 Boiling<\/h3>\n <\/noscript><\/p>\nClothes can be boiled in a large pot for a few minutes, which is a surefire way of sterilizing anything. This is not a very practical option but it\u2019s a good one to have in your arsenal nonetheless.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSome Closing Words<\/h2>\n Always remember when you are disinfecting clothes that may be infected, wear rubber gloves and a mask. Disinfect or safely dispose of them once you are done. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAlso, don\u2019t forget to store your supply of cleaning agents safely and out of the reach of young children. Everything in this list from bleach to hot irons can be extremely dangerous.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAnd of course, it goes without saying to limit your exposure to the outside. Remember that all surfaces are potential homes for the virus, that means groceries from the store, anything delivered to your home \u2013 wipes or soap should be used on what you can.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n