Detoxifying the Washer
Step 1
Wash towels, sheets, and undergarments in warm or hot water. Use laundry detergent with color-safe bleach alternative to decontaminate these loads of laundry.
Step 2
Fill a plastic spray bottle with a solution of 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Spray the inside of the washer drum well, especially under the rim. Spray the underside of the lid, the agitator, fabric softener cups and lint filter well–rinse any lint from the filter before spraying. Allow to dry for half an hour.
Step 3
Fill a bucket with hot, clean water. Soak a rag in the clean water and use it to rinse the washer drum, agitator and lid, rinsing the rag often.
Step 4
Run the washer on a short cycle with hot water, adding one to two cups of chlorine bleach to the wash water after the machine has filled.
Detoxifying the Dryer
Step 1
Unplug the dryer to prevent electric shock.
Step 2
Fill a plastic spray bottle with a solution of 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Spray the inside of the dryer drum well, especially around the rim–use several light sprays, rather than a heavy spray, to minimize dripping. Spray the inside of the door or lid and the lint filter well–remove any lint from the filter before spraying. Allow to dry for half an hour.
Step 3
Fill a bucket with hot, clean water. Soak a rag in the clean water and use it to rinse the dryer drum, door or lid and filter rinsing the rag often. Leave the dryer door or lid open and allow it to dry overnight before plugging in the dryer.
