I use white vinegar to remove germs, bacteria and odor from clothes in the washing machine. About a cup per load. I buy it in a gallon jug at the grocery store.
You can also use borax, it's sold as 20 mule team borax where I live, in the detergent aisle.
When they say bleach alternative they usually mean some bleach product that does not contain chlorine. Washing soda,peroxide as mentioned and color bleaches usually don't contain chlorine.
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