Are my clothes free of germs?* Do I have to wash above 40°C? These and other laundry myths debunked.
Many of the tips we’ve picked up over the years about how to wash our clothes were passed on to us by our parents and come from a time when products and laundry routines were very different from today. It’s time to take another look at some of these persistent myths to separate fact from fiction.
1. Detergent is enough to remove germs from your clothes
Most people save energy by washing at low temperatures and rely on detergent to kill dirt and germs. But without bleach or very hot water, not all bacteria die. Germs can multiply, spread between the different items and create a germ soup in your washing machine.
To kill 99.9% of germs at temperatures as low as 20°C just add two capfuls of Dettol Laundry Sanitiser to your fabric softener drawer.
2. Washing at any temperature kills germs
Many of us are washing at lower temperatures to save energy but that can mean more bacteria survive. Some harmful bacteria can survive on your clothes even when washing at 60°C. But there is a solution: Dettol Laundry Sanitiser kills 99.9% of germs as low as 20°C. Just pop two capfuls into your wash to kill 99.9% of germs and reduce energy costs at the same time.
3. The more soap you use, the cleaner your clothes
No, believe it or not, the opposite is true. This makes perfect sense when you understand the fundamentals of laundry. You can find out more about the fundamentals by reading this How to clean your washing machine article.
If you use more soap than is recommended, it might not wash out of your clothes properly during the rinse cycle. This can be a big problem, as odour-causing bacteria are likely to thrive if any soap remains on your clothing after it has been washed. Unfortunately, the results aren’t going to be very hygienic or fragrant.
4. You don’t need to clean your washing machine
Sorry, not true. A clean washing machine helps remove odour-causing bacteria on clothes after you’ve done the laundry.
Experts say washing machines can be a bacteria haven, thanks to washing at low temperatures. Bacteria grows in the machine’s rubber seals, spreading during the unheated rinse cycle. It’s easy to solve: Wash with just Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner every two months to kill 99.9% of germs*.
For more useful information on keeping your house free from germs, visit tips page.
*Including bacteria and viruses. Keep out of reach of children. Use disinfection safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
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