4 Popular Laundry Myths Busted

Many of the tips we’ve picked up over the years about how to get clothes extra clean were passed on to us by our parents, and come from a time when products and laundry routines were very different from today. It really is time to take another look at some of these persistent myths to separate fact from fiction.

1. Detergent is not enough to remove bacteria on your clothes

Most people save energy by washing at low temperatures, relying 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.

Just add two capfuls of Dettol Laundry Sanitiser to your fabric softener drawer and it will kill 99.9% of bacteria even at temperatures as low as 20°C.

2. Water below 60°C doesn’t kill germs

More bacteria survive at lower temperature washing, which is something more of us are doing to save energy. But even washing at 60°C, some harmful bacteria can survive on your clothes and spread to other items in your washing machine.

There is an easy solution: Dettol Laundry Sanitiser has a special formula that kills 99.9% of bacteria, even as low as 20°C. Just pop two capfuls into your wash to save clothes from bacteria and energy costs, at once.

3. The more soap you use, the cleaner your clothes

No, believe it or not, the opposite is true.

If you use more soap than is recommended, the suds might not get fully washed out of your clothes during the rinse cycle. This can be a big problem, as odour-causing bacteria are likely to thrive if any of the soap remains on your clothing after it’s 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 low-temperature washing. Bacteria grows in the machine’s rubber seals, spreading during the unheated rinse cycle. It’s easy to solve: Wash with a washing machine cleaner every few months.

For more useful information on keeping your house free from germs, click here.