The fungal infection starts imperceptibly and develops slowly, but once it appears and develops, getting rid of this disaster can be quite complicated. This sort of infection is known for an extended treatment needed to destroy it completely which makes people search for various methods of fighting it.
If you ever asked yourself questions like “Does bleach kill fungus?” and you couldn’t find the proper answer, today we will share the basic information regarding this topic.
How to Disinfect Laundry. Fungi Removal Hints And Instructions
The best option is to combine the natural and commercial products for proper disinfection if you want to be sure you cast that stuff away. Like that, the treatment will have a double-action effect leaving no chance for the fungi to survive.
Fungi are mostly dangerous because of their extreme viability. Unlike germs, it is not enough to simply wash your clothing to destroy the spores. Some members of the fungi family can easily restore themselves even after being exposed to water and detergent!
So how to kill fungus, you may wonder? Well, fortunately, those microorganisms are not immortal. If you want to truly sanitize your laundry, make sure all the necessary steps are completed:
- Keep the infected items separate from the rest of the laundry to avoid contamination
- Launder the infected clothing at 60 C with the ordinary detergent running a complete cycle
- Try to add all-fabric bleach to the washer to destroy fungus spores more successfully
- For wool items, opt for warm water laundry with a pine oil disinfectant, or go for Lysol adding it straight into the wash water
- When drying garments, choose the hottest setting possible to kill the spores for sure
In case you would prefer to avoid bleaching agents, try out Borax as an alternative. Simply mix four cups of it with one cup of hydrogen peroxide, and blend the solution with the regular amount of detergent you use. This mixture can be added either to the dispenser or directly to the washer tub when water is already running.
For not only killing fungus but also scenting the laundry, try to add tea tree or lavender oil which are also the natural disinfectants. Only 2-3 drops of oil mixed with your detergent will make your clothing fungus-free and aromatic.

How to Cast Fungi Away From Your Clothing
However, we need to remember that fungus can be quite tricky, and different kinds of this infection sometimes need distinct approaches and means. Below, you will find ways of destroying the most common types of fungus that humans can get infected with.
How to kill ringworm
A ringworm rash is uncomfortable but fortunately, it’s treatable. Make sure you start treatment asap since then the result will be quicker and more stable.
When choosing what kills ringworm, we’d recommend using several methods at once.
- Apply topical antifungals
Miconazole, terbinafine, or clotrimazole medications are the best ones to cure this infection at home. Apply it to the cleaned rash area 2-3 times a day. The treatment needs to be applied with a thin layer and reach beyond the damaged zone by 2 cm.
- Launder bedding daily
Everyday laundering of the bedsheets might be bothersome but it’ll allow destroying the fungus way faster. Add some bleach to the wash since it works perfectly on ringworm, and always use the hottest water possible. But if you wonder how to get rid of ringworm with bleach, remember that this product can’t be applied to the skin directly if not diluted!
What about the antifungal sprays? Does Lysol kill ringworm? Yes, this remedy can also be added to the treatment to make the effect stronger.
- Don’t cover it
If you put a bandage onto the ringworm, it will lock the moisture in and slow down the curing of the rash significantly. Instead, opt for loose-fitting and long-sleeved pants and shirts.
- Keep it dry
If you sweat a lot, take a shower regularly with the antifungal soap and apply the curing remedy once the rash area is dry. And never put on clothes onto the damaged area if it’s still sweaty/wet!
How to get rid of toenail fungus with bleach
To bleach the toenail fungus, a simple method exists. Take half a gallon of water and pour it into a used plastic tub. Dissolve one spoonful (1 tsp) of bleach and stir well. Now soak your feet in that bath for at least ten minutes (if the infection is severe, keep them underwater longer).
Afterward, wash your feet with fresh water and dry with a clean towel. Repeat this procedure twice a day until the symptoms are gone.
Remember that the water must be drained right after the procedure is done, and the tub must not be used for any other purposes to avoid transmitting the fungus!
How to kill candida?
To kill candida that appeared on the skin, it is better to opt for the special antifungal powders or creams like clotrimazole or tioconazole. However, if the infection is severe, ask your doctor for the stronger means.
Also, a proper diet with reduced sugar and proper hygiene will help you fight the fungus.
Dealing with Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can cause serious skin damage. To avoid that, antifungal ointment, spray, or powder can be prescribed. However, if the fungus doesn’t respond, you might need stronger treatment by pills.
You can also try bleach to soak for Athlete’s foot: dissolve 1 tsp of bleach in ½ gallon of warm water and keep your feet immersed for 10 minutes every night before going to bed.
And of course, make sure you follow the major rules of hygiene e.g. washing and drying socks daily in hot water, spraying footwear with the antifungal spray after each wear, and wear well-ventilated shoes.
Regarding hygiene, people often wonder: can the Athlete’s foot live in a carpet? Yes, it can. And such a carpet must be cleaned by professional cleaners immediately since regular vacuuming and mopping won’t destroy the spores!
What Kills Fungus In the Body
Since fungus dwells in the human body, to destroy the external symptoms, we need to kill the cause of the disaster. Simply applying fungal soap or any skin remedy will remove the result of the infection, but how do we fight what made it develop?
In most cases, you will be prescribed one of the antifungal medications like clotrimazole, tioconazole, miconazole, or terbinafine. However, if the infection is severe, the doctor may prescribe you stronger medications.
In addition to the commercial methods, try out homemade remedies like essential oils (lavender or tea tree) or a bleach bath for your feet.
In such cases, people also ask: does vinegar kill fungus? Well, acetum can indeed be applied onto the nails to treat fungal infection, but its major feature is the antimicrobial and anti-yeast effect.
How to Kill Yeast

Yeast infection is the same unpleasant as the fungal one. However, unlike fungus, yeast can be treated with homemade remedies if it was noticed in the early stage of development.
To know what kills yeast, just look around your home:
- apple cider vinegar
- boric acid
- coconut oil
- cranberry juice/pills as a preventive method
- garlic oil
- hydrogen peroxide
- oregano oil
- yeast washing (also known as yeast douche)
And of course, note that hygiene also matters. By regularly washing your clothing (with anti-yeast remedies if possible), you can significantly speed up the process of curing. To figure out what temperature kills yeast best of all, simply ensure it’s above 122 F.
Now that you are aware of the basic antifungal and anti-yeast remedies and curing means, we hope none of these infections will ever bother you.
[wp-faq-schema title=”Frequently Asked Questions”]
Does vinegar sanitize laundry? My husband recently recovered from a fungal infection so now I’m concerned about the safety of the house.
Yes, white vinegar can help to both disinfect and deodorize. I add it to the barrel directly but I heard people mix it with the detergent, too.
I found a dress that’s several years old, it was stored in the attic. And, well, I guess it’s moldy…What removes mold from clothing? Is it even possible?
I’d say you can use bleach dissolved with water (1:3 ratio) to treat the moldy areas and then launder the dress as usual, but does it worth that? Perhaps you’d better buy a new one?
Can hand sanitizer kill fungus? Does anyone know whether it’s effective? Thanks.
If it has 60% of alcohol or more, it can be used to kill fungus for sure.
Hey guys! I need advice from someone who’s knowledgeable about the topic. How do you stop a fungal infection from spreading? What actions must be taken?
Hi! Well, you need to wash your clothes daily and spray the footwear with antifungal treatment after each use. Also, change socks every day, don’t use the same nail-care accessories e.g. scissors for the damaged and healthy nails. What else? I’d say you should take some medications as well. And sanitize the house regularly with bleach or vinegar.
Still need advice, one mistake people use hydrocortisone cream for itching. This can actually make the situation worse and prolong the healing process. Wash and dry feet good daily. Use a foot spray or cream on feet and and a fungal polish on your toes and cuticles twice a day. If you scratch or touch below your knees wash your hands really good, paying special attention to under nail , dry with paper towels because remember this can be highly transferable to others, especially if your case is pretty severe.
Hi! Thank you very much for these tips! It is always useful to know more on such topics!
Does the dryer kill fungus? Can I kill the spores if I dry the item in a hot barrel?
Heat can indeed kill the fungus but not any item can undergo such a hot treatment.
So I’d recommend you thinking of another option.
Hello! With this virus spreading now, do you think laundering can help prevent the illness? Does washing clothes kill germs?
Hi! Yes, laundering will kill germs if you wash clothes in hot water and tumble them dry with hot air, too.
Will the above methods work for wool socks in HE washer? Will lysol or pine product work to sanitize an HE washer? Water temps are not very good in HE washer. Not really hot. Plus can’t use hot on merino socks. I can soak them and them wash them. Will be able to sun dry soon. Until then, they hang to dry. I have to sanitize bras, socks, and probably all my clothes. I have an HE washer and am unsure if these methods above work in HE washers. Yikes, what do I do.
Seeing dermatologist in 4 days. I don’t expect him to be much help with the laundry part.
Yes, Lysol is considered to be the best anti-fungal spray.
Try to add all-fabric bleach to the washer to destroy fungus spores more successfully
Does vinegar kill fungus in laundry? And if it does, then how to use it correctly for this purpose? Thank you.
Yes, white vinegar kills not only fungus, but also germs, bacteria, and viruses in clothes through acetic acid. Acetic acid disinfects and deodorizes textile products and leaves them free of germs. To kill fungus, soak the items in a container with one cup of vinegar and enough water (it should fully cover the garments) and leave in soak for at least an hour. Then, wash it as normal in your washing machine.
Hi! I have read the article but I didn’t find the answer to one question. How long can fungus live on clothes?
Hello! Well, fungal spores are long-lasting! They can live for 12 to 20 months, so it is important to disinfect anything that has come into contact with an infected person or animal.
Does anyone know whether Dettol kill fungus on clothes?
As far as I know, the Dettol cleaner is antibacterial but not anti-fungal. I’d recommend you use a product called Halo instead. This is a laundry liquid which is both anti bacterial and anti fungal.
It appeared that one of my son’s classmates has fungus, but since they change in the same dressing room after their sports class, I’m worried my son could get infected. How to disinfect socks from toenail fungus? Does anyone know?
I know that fungus can’t survive extremely high temperatures. Try boiling your son’s socks for 10 minutes at 55-60 degrees! It must kill any fungus that might be in his socks.
I was reorganizing my wardrobe recently, and I found that several items have fungus on them! Perhaps, it’s because the air is pretty humid in our home. Does anyone know how to remove fungus from cotton clothes?
Try either bleach or white vinegar. If you use bleach, apply a solution of one part bleach to three parts water to the fungus-affected area and allow the solution to sit for a few minutes, then launder the clothing as usual. If you use vinegar, work diluted vinegar right into the affected area or pre-soak your clothing in a bucket of water mixed with one cup of vinegar.
Hi! Do you guys know how to avoid fungus in wardrobe? It’s pretty humid in the area where we live so I’m afraid that clothes may develop fungus in my wardrobe.
Well, I know that it’s recommended to move your wardrobe out a few centimetres from the wall. It helps to prevent condensation from seeping into the cupboards. Aslo, you should never hang damp clothing in your wardrobe! This is the direct way to mold and fungus! Always ensure that it is completely dry before putting it away. And don’t overfill your wardrobe either! Clothes must breathe inside of it.
Hey folks! I have a question. Does Lysol laundry sanitizer kill fungus? Does anyone know?