Faced with everyday hygiene challenges, one question often arises: does ironing really eliminate germs from clothing? Between bacteria, viruses, and dust mites, our textiles can easily accumulate invisible pathogens. Fortunately, the heat and steam from ironing or steaming are powerful allies for sanitizing laundry.
Why worry about germs on clothes?
When clothes come into contact with our skin, the air, or external surfaces, they accumulate different types of microorganisms. While some are harmless, others, such as Staphylococcus aureus , E. coli, or even certain viruses, can cause infections or be vectors of disease. During periods of high viral circulation, or after a stay in public places, disinfecting your laundry can be a real preventative measure .
The Disinfecting Power of Heat: Iron vs. Steam
Conventional ironing uses a high temperature, often between 130 and 200°C depending on the settings. This heat is more than enough to destroy the majority of bacteria and viruses present on fabrics, especially in high-exposure areas such as cuffs, collars, or armpits.
Steam, on the other hand, works differently. It penetrates deep into fibers and can disinfect without direct contact, making it particularly useful for delicate fabrics or hanging garments. This principle makes the steamer an ideal complement to the iron, particularly for professionals in the hospitality, textile, and personal care industries.
At what temperature are bacteria killed?
From 60°C, a large proportion of bacteria begin to be eliminated. The temperatures reached by a professional iron or steamer often exceed this value, making these tools effective for disinfecting laundry.
A study conducted in April 2021 in a laboratory for SteamOne demonstrated this in concrete terms. Carried out in a 30 m³ room, with a temperature of 20°C and humidity of 65%, this experiment evaluated the effectiveness of two steamer models on pests such as dust mites, bedbugs, and clothes moths.
The results are clear:
- The Minilys vertical steamer resulted in 100% mortality of dust mites in 20 seconds, and 100% mortality of bedbugs and moths in just 5 seconds.
- The Victor handheld model achieved similar performance, with 100% mortality of moths in 3 seconds, bed bugs in 5 seconds, and dust mites in 20 seconds.
These data confirm the real impact of steam on microorganisms.
Can steamer replace ironing for disinfection?
The steamer does not flatten the fabric like an iron would , but its thermal efficiency is very real. It can disinfect without damaging the fibers, which is ideal for delicate clothing (silk, wool, suits, etc.), but also for textile objects that are difficult to wash: curtains, cushions, coats.
Thanks to its practicality and speed, the disinfectant steamer has become a preferred tool in many homes, but also in the professional world, where textile hygiene is a priority.
Tips for optimal textile hygiene
To take full advantage of the disinfecting power of heat:
- Wash at a minimum of 60°C when the fabrics allow it.
- Ironing critical areas of clothing immediately after washing is a good hygiene habit.
- For fragile or delicate items, use a quality steam iron, capable of reaching a temperature sufficient to neutralize microbes and parasites.
- Finally, always air your clothes after ironing or steaming, to avoid any residual humidity.
Conclusion
Yes, ironing kills germs, and so does steam. Irons and steamers are proving to be effective and affordable solutions for improving laundry hygiene on a daily basis, without compromising the quality of your fabrics. Modern appliances, like those tested by SteamOne, can even effectively eliminate pests in seconds, proving that steam is a simple yet powerful health tool.