cold wash cycles
My very PC newsradio station in DC, WTOP, gave some advice the other morning on combating allergies. They said to wash your clothes and bedding with the hottest possible water to kill dust mites. I almost drove into the ditch. I'm sure that reporter was fired five minutes later.
The announcer was absolutely correct. For families with allergies, pets and run of the mill viruses that come home from the office and school, the only way to kill them effectively is to wash them in the hottest water possible. I also use bleach in a small amount to kill germs. I have done some rethinking on the bleach and I think that hydrogen peroxide might be just as effective without putting your linens under the duress of bleach which weakens the fabrics over time. I haven't tried it yet, but it does a fine job disinfecting counter tops and bathrooms without the odor many object to.
I just love the smell of Clorox in the summer. Guess it reminds me of days at the swimming pool as a kid. Pair it with Sea n' Ski and I'm in Heaven. It works miracles on mildew in the bathtub and on the scummy shower curtains. They come out sparkling.