What Does Sanitize Mean On A Washer? How do sanitizing cycles work?

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
11 min read

Sanitizing a washing machine is what? Microorganisms, which include bacteria and germs, can be removed or reduced by washing garments. To keep laundry free of bacteria, use this sanitized cycle. Sanitizing your clothes isn’t necessary for everyone, although it might be useful in some situations.

While hot water and bleach can kill bacteria like salmonella and E.coli, not all people use bleach when they wash their clothes. Instead of using hot water to wash their clothes, the majority of people use cold. A normal dryer also fails to destroy bacteria because to its low temperature. Find out more about the washer in the paragraphs that follow, aside from what it means.

The Way It Works

To kill microbes on linens or clothing, sanitize in a washing with water or steam. This cycle sees water or moisture rise to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this warmth, these small pests will be wiped out in no time. Using this method, you can disinfect your laundry while also killing hazardous microbes and germs. Additionally, it is good at eliminating odor-causing microorganisms.

How to Sanitize Laundry: 3 Effective Options | Whirlpool

The Sanitize Cycle Uses

The sanitization cycle is overlooked by most people. However, there are some circumstances in which it is absolutely essential. Sanitizing one’s attire, such as that worn by health care personnel, is a good idea. Using a time-saving and helpful cycle, even mothers can use cloth diapers. People who spend a lot of time with animals often use a sanitized cycle to keep their clothes fresh and clean. Teenage guys’ socks can also be washed using this cycle.

The NSF Certification

NSF International tests products before they are made available to the general public, which is used by the majority of consumers to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Washers with sanitized cycles, for example, go through a test to check how well they kill bacteria. Washers that eliminate 99.9% of germs receive an NSF seal of approval, which is the highest possible rating. The first recipient of this honor was Whirlpool. An NSF-certified washer is always a good choice.

The Sanitization of Laundry Clothes On A Sanitary Cycle

After putting your washing machine to a sanitary cycle, it is easy to disinfect your laundry and wash your garments. You could also use sanitizing chemicals like laundry bleach. Load and washer type is another factor to consider. Check the care labels to ensure that the cloth won’t be damaged or faded.

#1. Set the washer on a sanitary cycle

Check to see if the washer has a sanitizing cycle. This cycle is offered on Whirlpool washers, which use extra hot water to destroy 99.999% of three common household germs. If a sanitary cycle isn’t available, utilize the warmest temperature setting available to get the best cleaning results. Three practical ways to sterilize laundry may be beneficial.

#2. Put the sanitizer product on the laundry

If there is no sanitary cycle or you cannot wash it in hot water, use the sanitizing product. Wring out the dish, add the sanitizer, and wash as usual. As a last step in the sanitation cycle, add this product, which can be an excellent household cleanser, in order to give germs an extra fighting chance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding sanitizer to the load. In order to get rid of 99.999% of the bacteria in your home, you can choose the Whirlpool Washer that uses detergent and an oxi-additive.

#3. Add the liquid bleach

While used in the sanitary cycle or when washing bleachable objects in hot water, the liquid bleach is beneficial. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding the bleach to the load. Finally, perform a spot test on the bleach before applying it to the fabric in order to avoid any damage or fading. Knowing how to use bleach in the washer is also a good idea.

#4. Sanitize the dryer

Dryer laundry should be sanitized before being put away. If you’ve followed the instructions, use the sanitizing cycle. It’s best to utilize the warmest temperature setting that maximizes cleaning performance if there isn’t one

What Does Sanitize Mean On A Washer? 3 Amazing Sanitary Cycle! - Krostrade

How do sanitizing cycles work?

In order to get rid of 99.9 percent of three common household germs, you can use the sanitize cycle on your washing machine or dryer. Make sure to use the hottest temperature setting possible if your machine doesn’t have a pre-programmed cycle.

How do I clean my washer and dryer?

In order to prevent the transmission of bacteria, you should clean your washing machine and dryer on a regular basis, but especially after laundering items that have been exposed to a sick family member.

Washing machine

Your washing machine should be cleaned at least once a month, or when a family member has been ill, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Learn how to keep your washing machine clean by reading this article.

Dryer

Make sure your dryer is clean and in good operating order as often as necessary, but especially when a member of your family has been sick. Clean your dryer from top to bottom with these simple procedures.

When Should You Sanitize Your Laundry?

Experts agree that sanitizing your dirtiest laundry on a regular basis is a good idea. Yes, we’re talking to you, sweatpants and that sickly, sniffling child you’ve been lugging around the house under a blanket. This doesn’t mean that each and every load of clothes should be sanitized. In order to “sanitize” your laundry, you must use high temperatures or chemicals to eliminate 99.9 percent of germs.

According to Laura Johnson, LG Electronics’ consumer analyst for research and development, “Using the sanitary setting on your washer is a nice choice, but it doesn’t need to be used every day,” The setting’s usage of excessively high water temperatures might damage clothing and lead to fading over time.

For example, if a member of your household has just fallen ill, you can use this cycle to assist limit the spread of viruses through clothing and bedding.” Sanitizing their bedding, bath towels and clothes when a member of the family is sick can assist ensure that everyone else in the house stays well.

When it comes to sweaty, stinky, filthy clothing, Clorox’s in-house scientist and cleaning specialist, Mary Gagliardi, aka “Dr. Laundry,” has a simple solution: sanitize everything. Sanitizing anything you’ve sweated on or inside of is a solid rule of thumb. These include stinky bath linens as well,” she says. How many different kinds of towels are there? It’s time to double-check everything!

How to Sanitize Laundry

You can get germ-free laundry by using the sanitary cycle if you have a washing machine that features a “sanitary” or “sanitize” cycle as well as fabrics that can endure high temperatures. “Cotton and the like can be cleaned in the extremely hot temps utilizing the sanitize cycle on your washer—but you want to be careful with other items that can’t handle those high temperatures (think elastics, spandex, wools, etc.),” advises Johnson. Before sanitizing any clothing or towels, check their care labels.

The “steam sanitary” mode on your dryer may be the answer for objects that can’t be washed in water but can take high temperatures. Stuffed animals and pillows (with the exception of down pillows) can benefit from this product, according to Johnson.

Sanitizer can be added to your washing machine in order to get rid of any germs that may be lurking in your clothes. Laundry sanitizer products can now help with stuff you can’t add to your bleach load, whereas bleach has long been the go-to for laundry sanitization. Laundry items that aren’t bleach-safe should be sanitized with Clorox® Fabric Sanitizer,” advises Gagliardi.

Steam clean: The high temperatures of a textile steamer can eliminate germs and bacteria when used correctly.. The LG Styler steam closet can disinfect and de-wrinkle your blouses, jackets, face masks, and more without the use of harmful chemicals.

Can Washing Machines Sanitize?

There are so many high-tech features in today’s washers that you may find yourself wading through a sea of brand-specific jargon.

The ability to travel at a breakneck pace. Quick and Easy. Washing with hot water and steam is an option. LuxCare. A sanitization cycle, which is a high-temperature wash or rinse cycle that results in more cleaning power, is one of the most important aspects of a washing machine.

There is a “Sanitize Option” feature in our catalog to help you narrow down your options for the best laundry equipment. But first, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of a washing machine with a sanitize-cycle.

Washing Machine Settings Explained | Maytag

Is the Allergen Cycle Different than the Sanitize Cycle?

In the event that you have a pet, an allergen-reduction cycle is a godsend in the laundry room. What about the sanitary cycle feature?

Well, the main difference is in the amount of time and temperature of the wash. When it comes to reducing allergens, a longer wash time and higher water temperature of over 131° are generally considered to be the most effective methods for eliminating 95% of dust mites. An additional rinse is required for both the allergen-reduction cycle and the hygienic cycle.

AllergyTM and sanitary wash cycles are available in the LG 4.5 cubic-foot front-load washing machine (WM3900HWA). High-temperature water eliminates 99.5 percent of bacteria; steam decreases dust mite populations by 75%.

The GFW650SSNWW, a 5.0-cubic-foot smart front-load washer from GE, works in a similar manner. One of these cycles is designed to remove allergies while the other employs oxygenated additives and water temperatures of at least 120° to disinfect. The allergen-reducing feature, on the other hand, employs steam and a longer rinse cycle to raise the water temperature.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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