Can I use bleach in a washing machine?

[Saidthesharktotheflyingfish]

A family member is terminally ill in hospital so we have soiled pyjamas coming home on a daily basis now. I cant get to the shops today, but I'd like to get the machine really clean before putting in some of our stuff; would an empty wash with some bleach in the drawer do any damage?

I wouldnt normally bother with washing a washing machine iykwim, but any tips would be gratefully received. We havent got dettol or soda crystals in which I know some people suggest.

Don't think bleach is good for the rubber seal. What about zoflora or other disinfectant?

Thanks, nothing other than bleach or spray kitchen/bathroom stuff here unfortunately. Could always do a 90 degree wash I guess.

do they not wear hospital gowns or pads?

yes to doing a 90 degree wash.

What about a hot wash?

Kim and Aggie's book recommends a monthly clean of the machine by running it empty with bleach.

I use bleach in the machine to get rid of mildew on my shower curtain. It doesn't seem to have harmed the machine.

Yes to hot wash.

Buy some napisan and soda crystals when you're at the shops next.

I remember doing these washings too after my gran had a stroke op

I run an empty hot wash (or a few white towels) with bleach on a monthly basis, hasn’t caused any damage to my machine which is still going 6+ years later.
for you and your family x

I use a bit of bleach in the drawer when I do a white wash, been doing it for years and it hasn't done any damage

I put bleach in the machine to wash it through occasionally. Froths up a bit but my machine is nearly a decade old & it’s never caused any problems. I stick the bleach directly in the drum.

Vinegar is used for cleaning washing machines....

Just found this guideline on handling contaminated washing for patients in hospital
www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/resourcedocument.aspx?id=2756
Hope this helps

Thank you everyone, especially for the but also for the advice and the link.

Re gowns and pads, no he isnt wearing gowns, he is in his pyjamas and I think would prefer to keep that last bit of normality tbh. He does have some padded pants but the pads are a bit like the very old version of STs if anyone remembers them, so not very reliable (sorry tmi).

Bless you op 🌸

I use bleach on a very hot wash. My advice tho, don't pour loads of bleach into the machine as it foams up.
Leave door open to fully dry afterwards