How to Disinfect Clothes From Fungus

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:

1. Keep the infected items separate from the rest of the laundry to avoid contamination
2. Launder the infected clothing at 60 C with the ordinary detergent running a complete cycle
3. Try to add all-fabric bleach to the washer to destroy fungus spores more successfully
4. For wool items, opt for warm water laundry with a pine oil disinfectant, or go for Lysol adding it straight into the wash water
5. 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.