What washing machine temperature kills bacteria?

Author: Dorris Wolf DVM  |  Last update: Monday, June 29, 2026

One study, done in Britain and published 12 years ago, showed that washing the very dirty clothes of hospital staff members at approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a home washing machine was just as effective at killing one type of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) as washing it at a much higher temperature.

How hot does the washing machine need to be to kill bacteria?

60°C is the perfect temperature for killing bacteria, viruses and removing stains. This wash setting is also highly recommended for washing towels and bedding, but obviously this setting is going to increase running costs as the higher the temperature the higher the cost.

What water temperature kills bacteria in a washing machine?

The researchers stress that (in health care settings, especially) laundry that comes in contact with vulnerable populations who are in nursing care, and those with infections, should be washed on the hot cycle, at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature kills E. coli in a washing machine?

To kill the germs in your laundry, wash your clothes on the hot cycle, then put everything in the dryer for 45 minutes. Wash whites with bleach, and use peroxide or color-safe bleach for colors. Do your laundry in water that's at least 140 F to kill any viruses or bacteria.

What temperature is sanitize on a washing machine?

Uses high heat (>150° F) to reduce bacteria, and the cool down is extended to protect users from a hot garment.

What Temperature Kills Bacteria In The Washing Machine?

Do washing machines get hot enough to sanitize?

Sanitize cycles on washing machines or dryers are designed to help fight against particular common household bacterias by using an extra-hot wash or dry cycle. If your machine doesn't have a designated cycle, use the warmest temperature setting available to optimize cleaning performance.

What's the difference between sanitize and disinfect?

Sanitizing kills bacteria on surfaces using chemicals. It is not intended to kill viruses. Yes, EPA registers products that sanitize. Disinfecting kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces using chemicals.

Can bacteria survive in a washing machine?

Any lower washing temperature offers survival conditions for bacteria and induces cross-contamination in the laundry. Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, for example, have been shown to survive laundry programs at 50°C (Munk et al., 2001).

What temperature wash kills staph?

In the present study, a simple method for simulating a full laundering process in a professional laundry was developed to evaluate how different washing temperatures affected the bacterial decontamination. The results showed that the decontamination of the test samples was comparable at 70 and 60°C.

What is the best temperature to wash clothes?

When to Use Warm Water – For man-made fibers, knits and jeans, use warm water (90°F). Most of your clothes can be washed in warm water. It offers good cleaning without significant fading or shrinking. When to Use Cold Water – For dark or bright colors that bleed or delicate fabrics, use cold water (80°F).

What laundry detergent kills MRSA?

Lysol® kills 99.9% of viruses & bacteria, including MRSA!

How do I get rid of bacteria in my washing machine?

Run a Hot Wash Occasionally: Once a month or so, run a hot wash cycle (around 60°C) with an empty machine. This can help to kill any lingering bacteria that may be present within the drum. Adding a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle can further aid in disinfection.

What temperature to wash bed sheets?

Sheets should be washed at a warm temperature to kill bacteria. A good temperature to wash bed sheets is 40 degrees but a 60-degree wash will be better at killing germs and should be used if someone in the house has been ill. As always, it's best to consult your bedding care labels for guidance on temperature.

What temperature does washing machine kill fungus?

Fungal spores can live up to two years in footwear, so even if treatment appears successful it is recommended that socks and hosiery are washed at 60 degrees to kill off the fungal cells, or that an antifungal agent is added to your wash.

What temperature should water be to sanitize laundry?

Hot water cycles, which typically run at 130°F or above, can sanitize the nasty things quite well — like vomit, feces, and urine. Hot water is also exceptional at loosening and rinsing away dirt, grass, oily stains and sweat stains.

Which laundry detergent kills bacteria?

Lysol antibacterial detergent is a new detergent that does double duty because it's designed to remove both stains and bacteria. It's a detergent that cleans in more ways than one. Lysol what it takes to protect. 37oz. , 92oz. , 138oz.

Can MRSA survive the washing machine?

Launder items in a washing machine with laundry detergent. Use the warmest water recommended on detergent and clothing labels. Hot water helps kill MRSA.

Does hot water sanitize laundry?

A: In studying laundry issues, we consistently find you get more survival of fecal bacteria in cold [water washing than] hot water washing. Hot water is very important in killing off these organisms.

What bacteria cannot be killed by cooking?

Fact: Some bacteria, such as staphylococcus (staph) and Bacillus cereus, produce toxins not destroyed by high cooking temperatures. Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours in a refrigerator temperature of 40 degrees or below. Myth: Freezing foods kills harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.

How do you disinfect laundry in the washing machine?

A disinfectant, such as chlorine bleach, added to your load does a much better job getting rid of pathogens. Still, hot water can't hurt. Use the warmest water setting the items can take, and wash them according to the maker's instructions.

Can HPV survive the washing machine?

SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: HPV is resistant to heat and drying, and is able to survive on inanimate objects such as clothing and laboratory equipment that have come in contact with infected patients, although the precise survival time is unknown 1 11.

Does vinegar sanitize or disinfect?

Acetic acid (vinegar) is an effective mycobactericidal disinfectant that should also be active against most other bacteria. These findings are consistent with and extend the results of studies performed in the early and mid-20th century on the disinfectant capacity of organic acids.

Does bleach sanitize or disinfect?

If used correctly, bleach reliably sanitizes and disinfects non-porous surfaces of common and harmful bacte- ria and viruses. It has a short killing time and it does not need to be rinsed since it breaks down quickly into harmless components.

What is the most effective natural disinfectant?

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most powerful natural cleaning and disinfecting agents. Health professionals trust it against harmful bacteria, antigens, and viruses. It's used for a variety of disinfecting jobs, including cleaning cuts, removing earwax, and promoting dental hygiene.

Previous article
How do I get my drains checked?
Next article
Will concrete cure at 40 degrees?