What environmentally friendly way is there to get germs out of kitchen cloths?

Question

My wife says the only way is to dry them on high heat in the clothes dryer.

Answer 1

I use vinegar in my rinse cycle and dry them in the sun. If she is used to using bleach have her try a non cholrine bleach. You can also microwave a damp sponge for a few minutes to kill bacteria.

I grew up only using a line dryer and we never got sick. There are germs and bacteria on every surface of our homes no matter how great a housekeeper you are. We have been frightened by media reports about these things we have lived with for all of time. You are more likely to get sick if you eliminate all germs from your environment. Our immune systems need to fight off easy things to build strength to fight off the tough stuff. We are creating resistant varieties with all the antibacterial soaps and things we use.

If she uses a dryer, have her avoid dryer sheets, they put a coating on the fibers and lock in the bacteria.

Answer 2

A capful of bleach in the washer is the best way to kill germs. It will have virtually no impact on the water that goes down the drain to the waste water treatment plant. Then you can dry your cloths on a clothes line outside if you want to save energy from the dryer.

Answer 3

If they are white a little Clorox works fine.

Answer 4

Dampen lightly and heat in the microwave until good and steamy.

Answer 5

The washer will remove enough of them to be safe.  People have been getting by without clothes dryers for thousands of years.