Disinfecting cloth napkins is a straightforward process that can be done at home using a washing machine. To ensure thorough disinfection, you should first pre-soak the napkins in a basin of hot water, adding a cup of white vinegar to help kill bacteria and viruses. After pre-soaking for about 30 minutes, transfer the napkins to your washing machine. Use the hottest water setting recommended for the fabric and a laundry detergent. Adding a cup of bleach to the wash can provide an extra level of disinfection, but be sure to only use bleach on white or colorfast napkins. Once the washing cycle is complete, dry the napkins thoroughly in a hot dryer, as the heat will also assist in eliminating any remaining germs. Remember to always wash your hands after handling dirty napkins to prevent the spread of germs.