Bleach

• Bleach is the strongest cleaning solution that is also safe for use on textiles. Two types of bleach are used: chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach. Use chlorine bleach if you are disinfecting white fabric and use color-safe oxygen bleach if you are disinfecting colored fabrics.
  
  

Using Chlorine Bleach to Disinfect

• Chlorine bleach is extremely caustic because it is strong enough to kill bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew spores as well as dust mites. To use it, fill the washing machine with water. Add the laundry detergent of your choice, and shut the lid until the water is sudsy. Add 1 cup of chlorine bleach or as directed by the bleach manufacturer. Add the fabric and launder as normal.
  
  

Using Oxygen Bleach to Disinfect

• Oxygen bleach is not as strong as chlorine bleach, but it will remove the majority of contaminants on the fabric. To use it, fill the washing machine with water and add 1 cup of oxygen bleach or an amount as directed by the manufacturer. Each type of oxygen bleach has a different percentage of actual oxygen bleach in it, which will result in different quantities that are useful for disinfecting clothes. Add the fabric, and run the cycle as you normally would.
  
  

Gentler Alternatives

• Strong disinfectants are important if the fabric has been in sewage or has been exposed to a certain type of chemical. If you simply got it dirty in your garden or if you are cleaning your child's cloth diapers, you can use a gentler disinfectant. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that will help remove contaminants from your fabric. To use it, add 1 cup of white vinegar to the water before you add the fabric. Launder the fabric as you normally would.