Drying

135°F (58°C) temperature on a 30-minute run time is the minimum at which a dryer can significantly reduce the number of pathogens on your linen. However, much depends on the length of the drying cycle and the fabrics.

To find the working temperature of your dryer, you should review the user manual first. Sometimes the manufacturer makes claims but there is no supporting data in the manual. If this is the case, you can attempt to take a temperature reading of the linen after a cycle is complete using a thermometer.

One of the best ways to kill pathogens is through exposure to ultraviolet light. Drying your laundry by exposing the linen to direct sunlight is an effective way of reducing pathogens.

In conclusion, significant numbers of enteric viruses were found to survive washing and drying under conditions commonly practiced in households. The addition of bleach with detergent significantly reduced the numbers of viruses.