Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the feet. It is caused by dermatophytes, fungi that feed on keratin found in skin, hair, and nails. Since the fungus is easily shed onto socks, towels, and bedding, preventing reinfection through contaminated laundry is a major concern. A standard wash cycle is often insufficient to eliminate the organism, leading many to question if the clothes dryer provides the necessary sanitation. This article examines the role of the dryer’s heat in neutralizing this persistent contaminant.
Understanding the Fungal Target
The organisms responsible for Athlete’s Foot, primarily species like Trichophyton rubrum, are resilient. These fungi produce resistant structures known as arthrospores, which are the main source of infection and reinfection. Arthrospores are particularly durable, adhering strongly to keratin and allowing the fungus to survive for long periods in dry environments. While the fungus requires a warm, moist environment to actively grow, its spores can lie dormant on fabrics awaiting favorable conditions. Simply allowing contaminated items to dry at room temperature removes the moisture needed for growth but will not eliminate the infectious spores. Effective laundry sanitation must therefore destroy these hardy fungal spores.
Heat vs. Drying: How the Dryer Affects Fungal Survival
The dryer’s ability to sanitize contaminated laundry depends on two distinct mechanisms: moisture removal and high heat application. Simple drying removes the water dermatophytes need for growth, but this process does not inherently kill the spores. To achieve thermal death, the fungus must be exposed to specific temperatures for an adequate duration. Studies show that even 140°F (60°C) for a short duration may be insufficient to kill all dermatophyte spores. Temperatures above 140°F (60°C) are required for sustained elimination, though resistance varies by species. For instance, spores of Epidermophyton floccosum required exposure to 176°F (80°C) for several minutes to achieve a 90% reduction in viability. Many modern clothes dryers feature a “Sanitize” cycle, which is designed to reach and maintain the necessary temperature thresholds. These cycles typically exceed 140°F (60°C) and can reach up to 160°F (71°C) or higher. The Sanitize cycle ensures the sustained duration of high-temperature exposure required to destroy resilient fungal spores.
Actionable Steps for Sanitizing Laundry
A multi-step approach is most effective for sanitizing laundry contaminated with Athlete’s Foot fungus.
Washing
Begin by washing contaminated items, such as socks and towels, separately from other laundry to prevent the spread of spores. Set the washing machine to the highest water temperature the fabric can tolerate, ideally 140°F (60°C) or above. This temperature is effective for removing dermatophyte conidia from linens. For white cottons, chlorine bleach can be added, as it possesses fungicidal properties that complement the effects of hot water. For colored items or fabrics that cannot tolerate bleach, use a commercial liquid laundry sanitizer or an antifungal laundry detergent. Detergents with fungicidal agents are specifically formulated to eliminate the spores.
Drying
The drying process is the second, equally important step, where the dryer’s heat provides the final thermal kill. Select the highest heat setting your items can withstand, such as “Sanitize” or “Heavy Duty High Heat.” This setting guarantees prolonged exposure to temperatures above the fungal thermal death point. Ensure the items are dried completely, as any remaining moisture can encourage the survival of lingering organisms.
Non-Washable Items
For items that cannot be washed or exposed to high heat in a dryer, alternative sanitization methods are necessary. These non-washable items require dedicated anti-fungal sprays or specialized UV light devices to address the contamination. Focusing on the complete sanitization of all items that come into contact with the affected area is paramount to preventing a recurrence of the infection.