Green Remodel Forum

 Email This Post

I have often read or heard environmentalist or energy conscious individuals saying to dry their clothes naturally with the sun because it saves energy. This is indeed true.

In fact, the sun’s benefit goes much beyond saving energy. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun kills germs very effectively and removes odor. No wonder people talk about the “fresh” smell of sun dried clothes.

Researchers have found that clothes carry more germs today than before, in part due to the mobility of people. Small children’s clothes and undergarments may carry e-coli bacteria. Washing clothes in cold water, while being a commonly used energy saving measure, does not remove germs.

Philip Tierno, a professor of microbiology and pathology at the New York University School of Medicine, says that we need to wash our clothes with water temperature of 140 to 150 degrees in order to kill germs on our clothes. Charles Gerba, a microbiology professor at the University of Arizona, also suggests that using very hot water to wash clothes and drying clothes for 45 minutes can get rid of germs.

However, very hot water may not be practical. 140 degree water can be a scalding safety hazard. Energy-wise, it is generally inefficient to maintain hot water at this temperature just for laundry.

Chlorine bleach can kill germs. If you cannot use it for colored clothing, try using products containing peroxide.

The sun, with its combined heating and ultraviolet disinfecting power, offers the best hygiene and energy saving solution. Ultraviolet radiation is present even on cold or cloudy days as well.

Speaking of germs, Professor Tierno also says that only 1 to 2 percent of 60,000 germs are harmful to people. A few simple precautions can help prevent problems. Disinfecting germy areas, washing hands, and avoiding putting hands on the face, should be sufficient.

Share with us your preferred method to dry clothes.

 Email This Post