October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Bettesworth Construction
clothes dryers

Does a Clothes Dryer Kill Germs? What Drying Can—and Can’t—Do

Dryer heat can contribute to microbial reduction, but it is only one part of laundry hygiene. CDC guidance does not establish a household dryer setting that reliably kills every germ.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 2 min read

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A clothes dryer’s heat can reduce some microbes, but drying clothes alone is not a reliable way to disinfect or sterilize them. Laundry hygiene depends on the full process—washing action, heat, detergent and, in some protocols, additives—and the dryer’s temperature and cycle time vary with the fabric.

What a dryer does to germs

The CDC describes laundry’s antimicrobial action as a combination of mechanical, thermal and chemical factors. Heat during drying can contribute to microbial reduction, but a dryer is only one stage of that process. The CDC also notes that fabric materials determine dryer temperatures and cycle times, so a cycle label or the fact that clothes feel hot does not establish a universal germ-killing result. CDC: Laundry and Bedding

There is no established household dryer temperature and duration in this guidance that reliably kills every germ. It also does not give a percentage of household germs removed by a dryer or guarantee results against particular pathogens. That means “drying clothes sanitizes them” is too broad a claim.

Does drying clothes make them sterile?

No. Microbial reduction is not the same as sterilization. In its healthcare laundry guidance, the CDC says laundering generally renders textiles hygienically clean, not sterile. That distinction applies to the guidance’s description of healthcare laundry; it does not establish that a home dryer disinfects clothing.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
FILROUG Drying Rack Clothing, 3-Tier Clothes Drying Rack Foldable, Antirust Laundry Drying Rack Collapsible Use for Indoor & Outdoor, 11.8" D x 34.6" W x 35.4" H, White
  • 【Folding Design】This drying rack features a foldable and telescoping design that meets your drying needs while offering convenient storage.
  • 【Sturdy Construction】 The clothing drying rack features a stable X-shaped frame design. And four non-slip rubber pads at the base further enhance its stability. Holds up to 20 pounds of laundry.
  • 【Size Guide】When unfolded, the laundry drying rack measures 11.8" D x 34.6" W x 35.4" H, suitable for drying various small items such as clothing, towels, socks, scarves, bath towels, and more.
  • 【Rust Prevention】 This laundry rack is crafted from premium metal tubing with a rust-resistant coating, ensuring it remains rust-free whether used indoors or outdoors.
  • 【Easy Assembly】Follow the installation steps in the included manual to assemble the foldable drying rack in just 5 minutes.

How to handle ordinary household laundry

Follow the garment care label and the washer and dryer manufacturers’ instructions. Do not choose an unsupported high-heat setting in an attempt to guarantee disinfection: some fabrics require lower temperatures or shorter drying times, and the CDC says dryer settings depend on the materials being dried. CDC: Laundry and Bedding

For the CDC’s residential-care guidance, machine disinfection is unnecessary when bulk solids are removed before washing and proper temperature, detergent and laundry additives are used. That recommendation concerns residential-care settings and proper laundry procedures; it is not a claim that drying by itself kills germs. CDC: Recommendations for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities

Rank #2
Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer - White
  • 10 Drying Cycles, 2 Options: This versatile Kenmore electric dryer offers 10 drying cycles and 2 options to care for all your clothing and household fabrics
  • Wrinkles Be Gone: The Wrinkle Guard Option tumbles clothes intermittently after the cycle is complete to help prevent wrinkles from setting in to keep your clothes looking smooth and ready to wear
  • Dry It Right: Smart sensors detect moisture content in clothes to prevent over-drying, helping your clothes look and feel their best. Use additional cycles that are perfect for non-washable items like decorative pillows, sleeping bags and plush toys
  • Easy to Use: The display features easy to use, LED light-touch controls that match different types of fabric and also displays cycle status and time remaining. You can walk away, our dryer’s got everything under control
  • Large Capacity Dryer: This front load dryer has a large, 7.0 cubic foot capacity to give clothes, bedding, and other household fabric items space to move freely and dry thoroughly
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why healthcare laundry temperatures are not dryer settings

The CDC’s healthcare recommendations include a hot-water benchmark of at least 160°F (71°C) for at least 25 minutes when hot-water wash cycles are used. This is a washing recommendation for healthcare laundry—not a clothes-dryer setting or a general household prescription. The CDC’s recommendation summary does not establish a universal hot-water temperature and cycle duration for residence-style facilities, either. CDC: Summary of Recommendations

Do not use that healthcare wash benchmark to set a home dryer or assume that any particular home cycle has the same effect. The cited CDC guidance does not give a household dryer time-temperature kill rate.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Sale
ROVSUN 110V Portable Clothes Dryer, High End Laundry Front Load Tumble Dryer Machine with Stainless Steel Tub & Simple Control Knob for Apartment, Dorm-850W, White
  • 【Powerful Drying】This powerful electric dryer is featured with 850W power and the highest temperature can reach at 140°F for ensuring your clothes to be dried quickly. Even though it lasts rainy, you can still put on your beautiful dresses every day. Same day wash, same day wear (NOTE: for quick drying, no more than 5.5 pounds of clothes at a time)
  • 【Compact & Portable】The net weight of this clothes dryer is 37lbs, and the small size 19.5" x 16.5" x 24" (L x W x H) makes it portable. Its compact feature is perfect for small space like apartments, dormitories, RVs and more. It can be installed on a countertop, on a firm, level ground or mounted on the wall with mounting kit (kit included)
  • 【Stylish Appearance】Classic white color with see through door window, simple but modern style matches with your taste and also adds a touch of elegant charm to your laundry room. The design of stainless steel tub makes this clothes dryer more durable, and you can use it for a longer time. The multiple filtration system effectively filters out cotton wool to prevent it from flying out
  • 【Easy to Operate】Designed with a simple knob control, and all functions and operations are clearly listed on the control panel, once you set your desired temperature, you could just leave it alone to work and do your own things. Featured with various drying modes for making our life more convenient and healthier. If you open the door while the machine is running, it will automatically stop running to ensure your safety
  • 【Customer Care】Any questions about it, please don't hesitate to contact us at any time for getting a satisfied service. We offer free exchanges for any quality problems within the warranty period
Rank #4
Sale
MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer - 600w Compact Dryer for Apartment, Travel
  • Portable Clothes Dryer with Fast Drying Technology: The MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer features a powerful 600W heating system with 2 drying modes to suit different fabric types. Choose between a lower temperature for delicate garments or a higher temperature for faster drying. Using advanced heat and airflow technology, it can dry clothes in as little as 50 minutes, making laundry faster and more convenient.
  • Portable Dryer Machine for Convenient Drying: This ultimate portable and foldable dryer brings efficiency and eases your drying needs. It can hang up to 9 pieces of clothing and has a maximum load capacity of 22 lbs. It’s a great solution if you live in a small apartment, have limited laundry space, or are traveling, camping, or on vacation. In addition, it is lightweight and easy to move around. This is a lifesaver for those who are always on the go or have a busy schedule.
  • Deep Cleansing with Built-in LED UV & Automatic Overheat Protection: Keep your clothes fresh with the built-in LED UV sanitizing feature, designed to help maintain cleaner garments after every cycle. For added peace of mind, the dryer also features automatic overheat protection, which helps prevent overheating for safer, more reliable operation.
  • Quiet Functioning and Timer Functionality: No more noisy drying cycles that disrupt your peaceful environment. Mojoco mini dryer machine has a built-in timer and whisper-quiet functioning. With the timer feature, you can easily set the desired drying duration to suit your needs. You can enjoy a tranquil laundry experience without disturbing your surroundings.
  • Maximize Your Laundry Savings: This is a cost-effective solution for drying clothes. Mojoco portable dryers are smaller than traditional dryers, and they use less energy to operate. It saves you money on your electric bill in the long run. With Mojoco dryer, you don't have to use your regular drying machine when you just have a few clothes to dry. Instead, you can dry your clothes .
Rank #3
Sale
Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer - White
  • 10 Drying Cycles, 6 Options: This versatile Kenmore electric dryer offers 10 drying cycles and 6 options to care for all your clothing and household fabrics. Reduce energy use by up to 7.6% with Energy Saver (compared to the normal cycle)
  • Wrinkles Be Gone: The Wrinkle Guard Option tumbles clothes intermittently after the cycle is complete to help prevent wrinkles from setting in to keep your clothes looking smooth and ready to wear
  • Dry It Right: Smart sensors detect moisture content in clothes to prevent over-drying, helping your clothes look and feel their best. Use additional cycles that are perfect for non-washable items like decorative pillows, sleeping bags and plush toys
  • Easy to Use: The display features easy to use, LED light-touch controls that match different types of fabric and also displays cycle status and time remaining. You can walk away, our dryer’s got everything under control
  • Large Capacity Dryer: This front load dryer has a large, 7.0 cubic foot capacity to give clothes, bedding, and other household fabric items space to move freely and dry thoroughly

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Site Office

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.