Sanitizing Reusable Fabric Products

Sanitizing goes one step further than regular washing — it reduces microbial load to safe levels, not just removes visible soil. For reusable products that contact skin repeatedly — menstrual pads, cloth diapers, face masks, incontinence products — sanitizing is part of routine care, not an occasional deep clean. The method you use depends on what's available and whether the product can be washed immediately or needs interim treatment between uses.

Machine Wash Sanitizing

Machine washing with the right temperature and detergent is the most reliable sanitizing method for reusable fabric products.

Temperature: Wash at 40°C (warm cycle). This is sufficient for routine sanitizing of skin-contact reusables. Higher temperatures risk damaging heat-sensitive fabrics — particularly PUL laminates and Lycra-content fabrics.
Detergent: Use a powder detergent that contains no fabric softeners. When in doubt, choose powder over liquid — powder formulations are less likely to contain softening agents that degrade absorbency over time.
Extra rinse: Always add an extra rinse cycle. Detergent residue left in fabric reduces absorbency and can degrade laminate films over time.
Wash frequency: For menstrual pads and similar products, wash every two to four days during use. Do not allow soiled products to sit longer than this — bacteria multiply rapidly on damp, soiled natural fiber fabrics.

For detergent selection rules, see General Care Principles.

Hand Wash Sanitizing

Hand washing is effective when machine washing isn't immediately available.

Use hot water with ordinary dish soap — not lotion or moisturizing formulations, which leave a residue that coats fibers. Heat the water as hot as the fabric can tolerate, pour into a basin with soap, and submerge the item. Agitate well, then rinse thoroughly in plenty of water.

Pre-soak for blood or heavy soiling: Before washing, soak the soiled item face-down in cold water for up to 30 minutes. This lifts the stain before washing. Do not exceed 30 minutes — longer soaking causes musty odor development in natural fiber fabrics. Always use cold water for the soak, not warm or hot, which sets protein-based stains.

Interim Sanitizing Between Washes

When washing isn't immediately possible — between uses during the day, while traveling, or in emergency situations — alcohol-based sprays provide effective interim sanitizing.

Spray the product on both sides until fully saturated with either:

60% ethanol / ethyl alcohol or higher, or
70% isopropanol / isopropyl alcohol or higher

Allow to air dry completely before reuse or storage. Partial saturation on one side only is not effective — both fabric surfaces must be fully wetted.

Interim spraying reduces microbial load between uses but is not a substitute for a full machine or hand wash. Products should still be laundered on a regular schedule.

What Not to Use

Sanitizing Agents to Avoid

Chlorine bleach on antimicrobial fabrics: Bleach destroys Silver Plus antimicrobial treatments permanently and weakens fiber structure uniformly. Do not use bleach on any fabric with antimicrobial treatment.
Fabric softeners in the wash: Softening agents coat fibers and reduce absorbency — counterproductive for any product designed to absorb. Softener also degrades antimicrobial treatments permanently.
Bleach on colored or treated fabrics: Causes irreversible fading and fiber degradation. If disinfection beyond standard washing is required, use an oxygen-based cleaner such as OxiClean according to package instructions.

PUL fabrics: Do not use vinegar, baking soda, or enzyme-based cleaners as sanitizing agents on PUL. These damage the laminate film. Machine wash at 40°C with PUL-safe detergent is the correct sanitizing method for PUL products.

For drying reusable products after sanitizing, see Drying Methods by Fabric Type. For universal detergent and care rules, see General Care Principles.