Between the desire to wear a garment a second time without putting it in the washing machine and the need to ensure good textile hygiene, there are situations where you want to disinfect your laundry without washing it. Whether for practical reasons, to save water, or to maintain delicate orsecond-hand clothing, several effective and simple methods can help you. Here is a complete guide to keeping your textiles fresh and healthy, without putting them in the washing machine.
Why would you want to disinfect without a machine?
There may be many reasons to disinfect a garment without washing it. A delicate textile, a garment worn only once, a coat or jacket that doesn't easily go in the washing machine , or a recently acquired second-hand item... these are all cases where disinfection is desirable, but a thorough wash isn't ideal.
Additionally, with growing environmental awareness, limiting washing prevents premature wear and tear on clothing, while saving water and energy. Textile hygiene no longer involves just laundry, but also other equally effective complementary measures.
Natural methods (steam, spray, freezer)
Here are three accessible methods to disinfect your clothes without washing them:
1. The natural disinfectant spray
Made with essential oils (such as tea tree, lemon, or eucalyptus), the spray can be sprayed directly onto fabrics to neutralize bacteria and provide a feeling of freshness. It is recommended to air the garment thoroughly afterward and test the spray on an inconspicuous area to avoid any discoloration.
2. The freezer
Less well-known but incredibly effective against unpleasant odors and certain bacteria: the cold method. By placing your garment in an airtight bag and leaving it in the freezer for a few hours (ideally overnight), you eliminate many germs. This method is particularly useful for synthetic clothing or jeans.
3. Disinfectant steam
It's the most practical and effective solution for disinfecting quickly and without chemicals. Thanks to the heat released, the steam neutralizes up to 99.9% of bacteria, while eliminating odors and smoothing fibers.
Steam: the simplest solution
Using a garment steamer is one of the best ways to disinfect clothing without washing it. In just a few minutes, the device diffuses a constant heat that penetrates the fabric fibers. This disinfectant steam effectively destroys bacteria, viruses, dust mites, and fungi, while respecting even the most delicate materials.
Unlike washing, this method requires neither detergent nor drying, and can be repeated as often as necessary. It is particularly suitable for coats , suits, dresses, or even sportswear.
When to use this method?
Disinfecting your clothes without washing them can be useful in many situations:
- Between two uses of a low-soiling garment
- After visiting public places (transport, concerts, events)
- When returning from vacation or a hotel stay
- In case of a cold or flu in the entourage
- To refresh a garment taken out of a wardrobe or suitcase
It's also a routine to adopt to maintain good textile hygiene, without necessarily making your laundry chore more difficult.
Tips for second-hand clothes
Buying secondhand clothes is a great thing for the planet, but it requires some precautions. Even if they look clean, it's recommended to thoroughly disinfect them before adding them to your wardrobe.
A garment steamer is ideal here: it eliminates bacteria left over from previous use without damaging the fibers or risking shrinkage. You can also add a second blast of the freezer to garments that are difficult to heat treat, such as certain knits or vintage pieces.