Your washer has a secret hygiene cycle
How to use the hygiene cycle on a washing machine
Many washing machines have a Hygiene, Allergy or Sanitise program that washes hotter (60°C or more) for longer, with an extra rinse to flush out germs, dust mites and detergent residue. Use it for bedding, towels and sickness laundry that can take the heat: check the care labels, select the program, add your normal detergent only, and dry the load straight away.
Follow your washing machine manual and the care labels: the hot cycle can shrink wool and delicates and fade colours. Use your normal detergent only, one product per wash, and never add bleach with vinegar, ammonia or another cleaner: together they can release toxic gas. Don't force the door; wait until it unlocks and the laundry has cooled.
Never mix cleaning products. Bleach plus ammonia, vinegar or other acids releases toxic gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between them, ventilate, and unplug appliances before you clean them.
Part of: Hidden appliance cleaning buttons you've never pressed
Step by step
- Check the care labels: use it only for cottons that can be washed at 60°C or hotter, like bedding, towels and tea towels
- Empty pockets and load the drum no more than about two-thirds full so the hot water can move through
- Turn the dial or press Options to find Hygiene, Allergy, Anti-Allergy or Sanitise (your manual has the exact name)
- Add your normal laundry detergent to the drawer, nothing else, and start the program
- When the door unlocks, take the load out straight away to dry and leave the door ajar so the drum airs out
Watch it in 33 seconds
FAQ
How to use the hygiene cycle on a washing machine?
Many washing machines have a Hygiene, Allergy or Sanitise program that washes hotter (60°C or more) for longer, with an extra rinse to flush out germs, dust mites and detergent residue. Use it for bedding, towels and sickness laundry that can take the heat: check the care labels, select the program, add your normal detergent only, and dry the load straight away.
What are the steps to use the hygiene cycle on a washing machine?
1. Check the care labels: use it only for cottons that can be washed at 60°C or hotter, like bedding, towels and tea towels. 2. Empty pockets and load the drum no more than about two-thirds full so the hot water can move through. 3. Turn the dial or press Options to find Hygiene, Allergy, Anti-Allergy or Sanitise (your manual has the exact name). 4. Add your normal laundry detergent to the drawer, nothing else, and start the program. 5. When the door unlocks, take the load out straight away to dry and leave the door ajar so the drum airs out.
Is it safe to use the hygiene cycle on a washing machine at home?
Yes, with care. Follow your washing machine manual and the care labels: the hot cycle can shrink wool and delicates and fade colours. Use your normal detergent only, one product per wash, and never add bleach with vinegar, ammonia or another cleaner: together they can release toxic gas. Don't force the door; wait until it unlocks and the laundry has cooled. Never mix cleaning products. Bleach plus ammonia, vinegar or other acids releases toxic gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between them, ventilate, and unplug appliances before you clean them.