Sanitizing your laundry can be as simple as washing your clothes on a sanitary cycle or adding a laundry sanitizing product or bleach. Which option you choose depends on your washing machine and type of load. Be sure to check care labels to avoid fading or damaging the fabric.
Option 1: Wash on a sanitary cycle
Check to see if your washer has a cycle designed for sanitizing laundry. The cycle, available on select Whirlpool Washers, uses extra-hot water to eliminate 99.9% of three common household bacteria.¹ If your washing machine doesn’t have a sanitary cycle, use the warmest temperature setting available to optimize cleaning performance.
Option 2: Add a laundry sanitizer product
If you don’t have a sanitary cycle or your laundry can’t be washed in hot water, add a laundry sanitizing product and wash as normal. These products, available from top household cleaner brands, can also be added to a sanitary cycle for an extra bacteria-fighting boost. Add sanitizer to your load based on product directions. Select Whirlpool Washers also have a specialized Sanitize with Oxi cycle, which uses detergent with an oxi additive to eliminate 99.9% of three common household bacteria.¹
Option 3: Add liquid bleach
Liquid bleach can be used in addition to a sanitary cycle, or for bleachable items that can’t be washed in hot water. Add bleach to your load based on the manufacturer’s directions. When using bleach, remember to spot test in a hidden area to help avoid fading or damage to the fabric.
Finish sanitizing in the dryer
The final step in sanitizing laundry is running it through the dryer. If your dryer has a designated sanitize cycle, we recommend using it. If it doesn’t have one, use the warmest temperature setting available to optimize cleaning performance.