6 Dirty Items You Should Always Wash Hot for a Deep Clean

Last updated on October 25th, 2024

Hot Water = Deep Clean: 6 Dirty Items You Should Never Skip

When it comes to keeping your home truly clean, not all items can get away with a cold or lukewarm wash. For some dirty, bacteria-ridden things, hot water (130°F and above) is an absolute must. Wondering which items deserve that extra heat? Look no further! We’ve rounded up six must-wash items that should always take the hot cycle plunge for a deep, sanitizing clean.

So, let’s dive into this hot topic and ensure your laundry game is on point!

1. Bed Sheets & Towels: The Bacteria Traps You Sleep In

Your bed sheets and towels may look clean, but trust us, they’re hiding a world of bacteria, dust mites, and allergens that thrive on the warmth and moisture they trap. These items are in constant contact with your skin, absorbing oils, sweat, and dirt, making them ideal candidates for a hot wash. Want to get rid of all that grime? Crank up the temperature and wash them regularly, about every three uses, for a germ-free life.

Towels, in particular, can become breeding grounds for bacteria, especially when left damp. A hot water wash ensures that bacteria are thoroughly killed, leaving your towels fresh and safe to use again.

2. Kitchen Sponges: The Germ Magnets You Forgot About

Let’s be real—your kitchen sponges are low-key germ magnets. They’re used for everything from wiping down counters to cleaning up food spills, and when left damp, they become a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Washing your sponges with hot water and a little soap is essential to disinfecting them, but don’t stop there! Pop them in the microwave for a minute or two to kill even more germs.

Better yet, toss them on the top rack of your dishwasher during a hot cycle for a hands-off, thorough clean. Just make sure they’re wet before microwaving to avoid any accidental fires. Trust us, a clean sponge will make your kitchen feel fresh and bacteria-free.

3. Whites: Keep ‘Em Bright and Clean

White clothes and linens need some extra TLC to keep them looking fresh. Washing your whites in hot water helps to remove everyday stains, sweat marks, and any lingering bacteria. The heat works wonders in breaking down dirt and grime, making it the perfect solution for whites that have started to look a little dingy.

If you want to bring back that crisp, clean look to your whites, pair hot water with a whitening detergent or stain remover. Your white tees, sheets, and socks will thank you for the glow-up.

4. Baby Clothes & Cloth Diapers: Gentle Yet Germ-Free

Your little one’s immune system is still developing, which means keeping their clothes and diapers clean is extra important. Cloth diapers and baby clothes need to be washed hot to eliminate bacteria, stains, and bad smells. Hot water does the trick without being too harsh on delicate fabrics, especially if you’re using a baby-friendly detergent.

For cloth diapers, hot water helps remove lingering bacteria and keeps them from causing diaper rash or irritation. You can also toss in a little baking soda for added odor control and stain-fighting power.

5. Rags & Cleaning Cloths: Clean Your Cleaning Supplies!

Ever wonder if your cleaning rags are really clean after wiping down kitchen counters and grimy surfaces? Spoiler alert: they’re not, unless you wash them in hot water! Rags and cleaning cloths deal with the dirtiest tasks, so they need extra care when it comes to washing. A soak in hot water with a splash of vinegar will help cut through grease and kill bacteria, leaving them ready for their next cleaning mission.

To prevent any cross-contamination, be sure to wash these separately from your regular laundry. You definitely don’t want grease and grime getting on your clothes!

6. Heavily Soiled Clothes: Don’t Let Mud Win

Whether it’s mud-covered jeans or workout gear drenched in sweat, heavily soiled clothes need a hot wash to break down all the dirt and bacteria. Pre-treat stains before throwing them into the machine, and let the heat do the rest. Hot water is excellent at loosening dirt and grime while also killing off any germs lurking in the fabric.

While hot water works wonders for most soiled clothes, always check the care label first. Some delicate fabrics might not fare well under high heat, but for your toughest, dirtiest clothes, it’s a game-changer.

Our Take: Keep It Hot for a Deep Clean

While cold washes are great for certain fabrics, nothing beats hot water for thoroughly sanitizing items that harbor bacteria, allergens, and grime. From bed sheets to kitchen sponges, these six items need that extra heat to ensure your home stays fresh and germ-free. So, next time you’re sorting your laundry, crank up the temperature for the things that really matter.

Looking for more ways to make your home sparkle? Head over to our blog at Homebliss for expert cleaning tips, hacks, and trends that’ll help you create a dream home!