A Helpful Guide on How to Use Laundry Sanitiser Properly

Keeping your laundry really clean isn’t just about appearance or smell. In hot and humid Dubai, using a laundry sanitiser is crucial for protecting your health, removing stubborn germs, and ensuring every wash leaves your linen and clothes truly fresh. This in-depth guide explains why sanitising is different from regular washing and when and how to use a laundry sanitiser. Whether you’re tackling gym clothes, dealing with sickness at home, or handling delicate baby laundry. You’ll learn the best local products, proper techniques, dosages, compatibility tips, and how professionals like Laundry Lab deliver consistently germ-free, hygienic washes for complete peace of mind.

Why Is Laundry Sanitising So Important in Dubai’s Hot, Humid Climate?

Dubai’s climate and lifestyle make proper laundry care a must. With high temperatures and humidity for much of the year, sweat and bacteria can quickly build up in clothing and linens. Worn gym clothes, bed linen, and bath towels become ideal places for bacteria and other germs to multiply—especially if items aren’t washed at high temperatures.

High humidity slows air drying, creating lingering odours and raising the risk of mould and bacteria growth in wet textiles. Even clean-looking laundry can harbour bacteria that create bad smells, degrade fabrics, and potentially pass infections to family members.

With residents often living in apartment blocks and sharing laundry facilities, cross-infection risks climb. Shared washing machines and dryers can spread germs from one load to the next. Washing with regular detergent alone doesn’t always guarantee your laundry is truly germ-free.

Sanitising laundry is essential in Dubai to:

• Kill germs and bacteria not removed by detergent alone.
  
• Prevent the spread of illness in the home.
  
• Ensure a fresh-smelling, hygienic finish every time.
  
• Extend the life of your linen and garments by controlling bacterial breakdown.

What is a laundry sanitiser and how does it work?

A laundry sanitiser is a germ-killing liquid added to your normal washing routine to remove up to 99.9% of bacteria and some viruses from fabrics. Unlike standard detergent, which focuses on cleaning dirt and oils, a sanitiser targets microscopic pathogens—including those left behind after a cold wash or quick cycle.

Most modern sanitisers, like Dettol Laundry Sanitiser or Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, work using antibacterial or disinfectant ingredients such as quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) or benzalkonium chloride. These attack and break down the cell walls of bacteria, making the laundry hygienically clean and safe for wear.

Key features:

• Kills 99.9% of germs: Validated by lab testing, they fight the bacteria and viruses that survive normal detergents.
  
• Works in cold water: Most laundry sanitisers are effective even at low temperatures, so you don’t need to use hot washes, which can damage fabrics.
  
• Safe for most textiles: No bleach, and typically safe for colours, whites, lycra, synthetic fibres, and cottons.
  
• Leaves a fresh, hygienic scent: Many are available in fragrances like fresh cotton or crisp linen, neutralising odours.

When you use a laundry sanitiser, you add an extra layer of protection, turning a standard wash into a powerful, germ-busting process.

When should you use laundry sanitiser for your laundry?

Laundry sanitisers are great for killing germs that your regular detergent might miss. Knowing when to use them can make a big difference, especially during cold and flu season, after someone’s been sick, or when washing items like towels, underwear or baby clothes.

1. During Sickness in the Home: Whenever someone’s sick, contagious bacteria or viruses can quickly move from bedding and towels to the rest of the family. Using a laundry sanitiser for sheets, pillowcases, towels, and clothing can help prevent cross-infection and speed up recovery.

2. Gym and Sports Clothes: Sweaty gym clothes are a breeding ground for bacteria. Odour-causing germs cling to fabrics and may survive cold or quick washes. Regularly sanitising gym gear helps banish tough smells for good and prevents bacteria from spreading to other laundry.

3. Baby and Children’s Laundry: Baby clothes, bibs, muslins, and soft toys often get dirty and can carry more germs than adult clothing. Using sanitiser keeps baby laundry extra hygienic without harsh chemicals like bleach, ensuring peace of mind for parents.

4. Shared or Rented Linens: Short-term rental hosts, hotel managers, or anyone sharing towels or sheets should use laundry sanitisers to guarantee a high standard of cleanliness and keep reviews positive. Linen rental companies in Dubai also rely on sanitisers to prevent the spread of germs between guests.

5. After Washing Heavily Soiled Items: Items contaminated with dirt, food stains, or bodily fluids deserve a deeper clean. Adding sanitiser to the rinse cycle helps to disinfect the load, even in cold water.

6. For Allergy or Sensitive Skin: Sanitising removes unseen bacteria and allergens from laundry, making it perfect for allergy sufferers or those with sensitive skin—especially when combined with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.

What’s the difference between laundry disinfectant and laundry sanitiser?

While the terms “disinfect” and “sanitise” are sometimes used interchangeably, they do have precise meanings, particularly regarding laundry care.

Sanitising: Reduces bacteria to safe levels as judged by public health standards. A laundry sanitiser will typically kill 99.9% of key bacteria associated with infections (like E. coli or Staphylococcus), making your linen and clothes safe for regular use.

Disinfecting: Refers to the complete destruction of both bacteria and a broader range of viruses and fungi. Disinfectants often use stronger chemicals or higher temperatures and may not always be fabric safe for everyday laundry.

• Laundry sanitiser = removes 99.9% of common bacteria, suitable for everyday use, fabrics, and clothing—even in cold water.
  
• Laundry disinfectant = aims to kill all microorganisms, often through soaking or pre-treatment, and may employ bleach or stronger chemicals.

For laundry at home, a laundry sanitiser is ideal for everyday loads, while full disinfectant methods are necessary only for medical environments or heavy contamination.

Which are the best types of laundry sanitisers available in Dubai?

Dubai’s supermarkets and pharmacies stock a range of internationally recognised and locally approved laundry sanitisers to suit every need. These include both liquid and powder forms.

1. Dettol Laundry Sanitiser

• Popular varieties: Fresh Cotton, Lavender, Natural Eucalyptus.
  
• Proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria in the wash, even in cold water.
  
• How to use: Add 2 capfuls to the fabric softener compartment or final rinse cycle for a hygienic clean.
  
• Suitable for: Bedding, towels, baby clothes, sportswear, and everyday laundry.

2. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

• Available as: Crisp Linen and Fresh Blossoms scents.
  
• How to use: Add either to the softener compartment or directly to the rinse cycle.
  
• Special benefit: Can be used as a soak for deep disinfecting—2 capfuls per gallon of cold water, soak for 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly.

3. Persil and Other Antibacterial Additives

• Some brands offer antibacterial liquids that double as fabric conditioners or detergents with added germ-killing action.
  
• Always read the label and care instructions before combining products.

Tip: Choose a product validated for both coloured and white laundry, and always match the sanitiser to the requirements on the garment’s care label for best results.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Laundry Sanitiser in a Washing Machine or by Hand

Proper use of a laundry sanitiser is key to getting laundry really clean and germ-free. Follow these steps for both machine and hand washing:

In a Washing Machine

1. Separate your laundry by colour and fabric as usual. Check the care label.
   
2. Load machine: Place clothes, towels, or bed linen in the washer.
   
3. Add laundry detergent to the main detergent drawer or drum as normal.
   
4. Add laundry sanitiser: Measure the recommended dose (typically 2 capfuls or 60ml) and pour into the fabric softener compartment of the washing machine. If there’s no compartment, add directly to the rinse cycle.
   
5. Start the wash: Choose your desired programme. Sanitiser is effective even on a cold wash. Sanitising occurs in the final rinse, not the wash cycle.
   
6. Optional fabric softener: You may use it as well, but ensure it is safe to use together by checking both product labels.
   
7. Dry as normal, either in a dryer or hung in an airy space to prevent odour and bacteria growth.

For Hand Washing

Fill a basin with water (cold or warm, as suited to fabric).

Add 60ml of laundry sanitiser per 8 litres of water, or as directed.

Soak clothes for 10–15 minutes to ensure all bacteria are killed.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water before drying to remove all traces of the sanitiser and ensure fresh-smelling results.

Dry clothes as usual.

How Much Laundry Sanitiser to Use and When to Add It During the Wash Cycle

Using laundry sanitiser the right way means adding the correct amount at the right stage of the wash. This ensures it works properly without damaging your fabrics or affecting your detergent’s performance. Using the correct dosage and timing is crucial for effectiveness and caring for your fabrics.

Dosage

• Machine washing: For a regular load, add 2 capfuls (about 60ml) into the fabric softener compartment or directly to the fabric softener dispenser. For HE (high efficiency) machines, check the manufacturer’s guidelines—usually, the same amount applies.
  
• Hand washing: Add 60ml to 8 litres of water for soaking, or as directed by the product for smaller loads.

When to Add Sanitiser

• In the wash cycle: Always add the sanitiser to the final rinse or softener compartment, NOT to the detergent drawer or main wash. This ensures the product stays on the fabric longer for maximum germ removal.
  
• Never mix undiluted sanitiser with detergent or use it in place of bleach unless the product is labelled for such use.

Extra Tips

• For lightly soiled daily laundry, using the sanitiser once every few washes will keep laundry germ-free and fresh-smelling.
• Soak very dirty laundry for longer (up to 15 minutes) for better results, especially after illness or for gym clothes.
  
• Use in every load where sickness, odour, or heavy soil is a concern.
  

Can Laundry Sanitiser Be Used With Detergent and Fabric Softener? What About Different Fabrics?

Many people wonder if laundry sanitiser can be mixed with other products or used on all types of clothes. It’s important to know how it reacts with detergent, fabric softener and delicate materials so you can wash safely and get the best results.

Compatibility With Detergent

• Most laundry sanitisers are designed to work alongside regular laundry detergent. Wash as usual with detergent in the main compartment, and add sanitiser separately in the softener dispenser for a deeper clean.
  
• For extra dirty or odorous items, consider a pre-wash cycle before sanitising.

Fabric Softener and Sanitiser

• Check if your sanitiser can be mixed with fabric softener. Some products allow both in the same compartment, while others do not.
  
• If using both, always place sanitiser in the softener dispenser and add fabric softener if permitted by the instructions to ensure correct dispensing.

Fabric Type Safety

• Most sanitiser brands are bleach-free and safe for whites, colours, cottons, synthetic fibres, delicates, and baby clothing.
  
• Always read the care label and sanitiser instructions before use, especially for wool, silk, or items marked as “hand wash only”.
  
• If uncertain, test on a hidden part of the garment or use a hand wash method for delicate fabrics.
  
• Avoid using high heat on sensitive items after sanitising—air dry or tumble dry low for best results.

How does Laundry Lab ensure every wash is germ-free with professional-grade sanitisers?

Professional laundry services like Laundry Lab understand that detergent alone is not enough to guarantee laundry is really clean and germ-free—especially in Dubai’s challenging climate.

How Laundry Lab delivers hygienic results:

• Commercial-grade sanitisers: We use validated products that kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria, even in cold or quick wash cycles.
  
• Precise dosing and timing: Every batch is processed with the right amount of sanitiser, added at the optimal stage for maximum germ removal.
  
• Separation of laundry types: Gym clothes, baby laundry, towels, and bed linen are washed and sanitised separately to avoid cross-contamination.
  
• Fabric-safe methods: Delicate, coloured, and special care items get tailored wash programmes and sanitisers, backed by strict monitoring of every care label.
  
• Professional equipment: Our washing machines allow controlled rinse cycles, deep soaking, and final rinses to ensure every fibre is treated and no residue remains.
  
• Final quality check: After each hygienic wash, a careful inspection ensures laundry smells fresh, feels clean, and meets our germ-free standards.
  
• Peace of mind: Routine hygiene audits and used sanitiser logs ensure our process remains effective for every customer.

Choosing Laundry Lab means your laundry is not just washed but properly sanitised, giving you reliable, fresh cotton and confidence in every load.

Conclusion

In Dubai’s unique climate and busy lifestyle, using a laundry sanitiser has become a key step for keeping laundry really clean, germ-free, and fresh-smelling. Whether you are fighting humidity, tackling gym kit and children’s clothes, or caring for a sick loved one, adding a laundry sanitiser to your routine protects both your health and your wardrobe. With so many effective, easy-to-use products now available locally, there’s no reason to rely on detergent alone. 

For total assurance, especially for linen rental or busy turnarounds, trusting professionals like Laundry Lab brings you professional-level confidence in every wash. Prioritise hygiene, follow these clear steps, and enjoy the comfort of wearing and sleeping in truly clean clothes and linen.

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