Cloth napkins - does typical washing machine cycle get them sanitary?

Question

I've started using cloth napkins in an effort to be more 'green'. As they have a color pattern, I don't wash them with bleach; I use a cold wash cycle with regular detergent, and then put them in the dryer. Does this get them sufficiently sanitary?

Answer 1

Sugar, washing will get them sanitary, the the drier finishes off and lingering germs. Annmarie

Answer 2

Does your washing machine have a "sanitary" cycle? If so, use that. However, if you're going "green" you should wash the napkins with other items so that you're not wasting an entire tub of water and electricity on 2-8 napkins. Your typical/basic cycle should get them clean.

Answer 3

To sanitize any cloth or sponge microwave them on high for 2 min.

The heat generated by microwaving a cloth/sponge for two minutes kills 99% of the microbes.

(always put them in the microwave wet)

Answer 4

If this is the method you use to clean your underwear and bed linens, I would think it would be adequate for cloth napkins. I too just wash mine according to my regular laundry habits. I typically throw them in with a load of towels, and I often line dry too.

Answer 5

Yes!  Cold water and a dryer !

Answer 6

Washing in cold water and regular detergent won't kill the germs. Use a disinfectant like liquid Lysol if you must use cold water.

Answer 7

Cold water does not "clean" anything..it just gets it wet.

HOT water is for sanitary usage.

If you are going to use cold try this.........

cold water, laundry soap, color safe bleach

That should be sanitary enough for what you are doing.