Sometimes, tossing clothes in the wash isn’t enough—or just isn’t practical. Maybe you went to a crowded store. You touched things—who knows what. Now you’re thinking: Is my jacket covered in germs? Whether it’s women’s clothing or men’s clothing, outerwear picks up a lot out there. Don’t worry. You can disinfect your jacket or coat without doing a full laundry load. Here’s how to do it quickly, safely, and effectively with just a few basic items.
Why Disinfect Clothes?
Jackets, scarves, and bags touch everything first. Door handles. Counters. Even other people. While jeans and shirts can go straight in the washer, bulkier items don’t get cleaned as often. That’s why it’s smart to disinfect them. It helps stop germs from spreading at home.
Case in point: One study from the University of Arizona found that viruses can survive on clothes for up to 48 hours. That’s two days of invisible hitchhikers.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy equipment. Just grab these:
- 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- A clean cloth or towel
- Gloves (optional but recommended)
- A well-ventilated space
Tip: Use 70% alcohol, not 90%. The CDC and WHO recommend 70%. It stays on surfaces longer and kills more germs.
Step-by-Step Jacket Disinfection
Here’s a quick guide using a jacket as an example:
- Take it off carefully – Avoid touching your face or furniture before disinfecting.
- Lay it flat – Use a clean surface like a table or countertop.
- Wash your hands – Always clean your hands before and after.
- Mist with alcohol – Lightly spray all external surfaces, especially sleeves and front panels.
- Don’t forget pockets – Spray inside pockets too, especially if your hands or wallet have been in them.
- Wipe it down – Use a cloth to spread the alcohol evenly.
- Let it air dry – Wait for the alcohol to evaporate fully before wearing.
Pro tip: Areas that dry quickly may need a second spray. Dry spots mean the alcohol didn’t saturate well.
Staying Safe While Sanitizing
Remember, rubbing alcohol is a solvent—it evaporates fast and is flammable.
FAQs:
- Can I do this indoors? Yes, but open a window or turn on a fan. Good airflow is a must.
- Is it safe on all fabrics? Most synthetic and cotton blends are fine, but always test a small spot first.
- Can I reuse the cloth? Yes, just wash it after use.
Warning: Do not do this near open flames, stoves, or if you’re smoking. Yes, it sounds obvious, but accidents happen.
When to Use This Method
You don’t need to sanitize every item every day. But this method is perfect:
- After shopping or running errands
- After using public transport
- Before entering your home if you’ve been in a high-risk area
- When you don’t have time to do laundry but still want peace of mind
Real-life example: A nurse in New York used this method on her jacket daily during the early days of COVID. It helped her feel safer—and it worked. She never brought home an infection.
Extra Help for Tough Stains: Sometimes, it’s not just about germs or surface dirt. Ever found weird musty spots on your clothes after storage? That’s mildew—and it’s a real pain, especially on colored fabrics. Don’t panic. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you tackle that too. Check out How to Get Mildew Stains Out of Colored Clothes. It provides safe and effective ways to save your favorites.
A Clean Goodbye
Let’s be honest—sanitizing your clothes isn’t glamorous. But it is a simple act of care. For yourself, for your home, for the ones you love. Plus, it only takes five minutes. So next time you toss your jacket on a chair after going out, stop. Take a breath. Give it a quick spray and wipe.
Your future self (and your immune system) will thank you.
Stay clean, stay smart, and hey—now you’ve got one more life skill under your belt.