How to Kill Candida Yeast on Clothes & Household Surfaces

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Candida is a yeast fungus commonly found in the mouth and genital areas. Candida microbes feed on sugars and thrive in warm, moist conditions, although they can survive on dry surfaces for a time. An overgrowth of these single-celled fungi can cause infections resulting in painful lesions in the mouth, genitals and on other areas of the body. Candida fungus is difficult to kill, so infections can be stubborn and recurring. Best practices for prevention include thorough and regular cleaning and disinfecting of laundry and nonporous surfaces.

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Step 1

Wash laundry in hot water. The water temperature should be at least 122 degrees Fahrenheit to be effective in killing yeast microbes. Dry clothing using the hottest setting of the dryer, or air-dry in bright sunlight.

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Step 2

Add 1 cup of vinegar to the final rinse when doing laundry. Vinegar has antifungal properties that may be effective in inhibiting candida fungi by altering the water's pH balance.

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Step 3

If there are infants or toddlers in the home, wash their bottles and toys regularly with soapy hot water followed by a clear-water rinse.

Step 4

Mix together a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts hot water. Wipe down hard, nonporous surfaces with the bleach solution. Allow to air-dry.

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