Making Sure Clothes Are Really Clean

I am no expert, but I would think perhaps adding vinegar would kill off any germs? I'm guessing for this one, but we use vinegar as a natural cleaner, so I would think it would also work in the laundry.

never use hotwater on whites it cooks in the dirt------

You are being needlessly overcautious here. I have been an RN for over 30 years and dealt with all sorts! The pathogenic, (harmful), bacteria you are worrying about live on the skin or within the body - not on dry clothes. Higly infectious people will be barrier nursed so you will not come into contact with them unless you are a nurse and then you will wear protective clothing over your uniform so you don't transfer them to other patients with depressed immune systems. Many other infectious bacteria/viruses could be carried on the skin or nose and throat of anyone, our bodies are teeming with microorganisms - the person you pass in the supermarket, your family, your children, etc.

Regards

Jo

Add some lysol disinfectant (sp) to your load, I do it all the time. I don't think you are being too cautious.

One teaspoon of tea tree oil cleans an entire laundry load. I use it for everything. check out the wonderful things it does online.

Use a capful of dettol in your wash cycle and a cap full of vinegar in the rinse. The dettol will help in the wash and the vinegar helps leave your clothes with a light fresh smell.