Can trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets be used for laundry?

Trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets can be used for laundry, but strict adherence to usage guidelines is required. As a typical representative of chlorine containing disinfectants, its strong oxidizing ability can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, if directly used for clothing cleaning, it may cause fabric damage (such as fading, fiber brittleness) or residual chemical substances that irritate the skin due to high concentration or improper operation. Therefore, whether it is applicable needs to be comprehensively judged based on the material of the clothing, disinfection requirements, and usage methods. This article will provide a detailed analysis of its applicable scenarios, risks, and correct operating procedures.

1. Disinfection principle, why should it be used with caution?

Trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets are a chlorine containing disinfectant with extremely strong oxidizing properties. It can kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, and is a broad-spectrum and highly effective disinfectant.
When trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets are dissolved in water, effective chlorine is released to form hypochlorous acid, which can destroy the protein structure of microorganisms and achieve the purpose of sterilization and disinfection.
It is precisely this strong oxidizing property that allows trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets to cause damage to clothing and washing machines while disinfecting.
Trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets have excellent bactericidal effects, can kill intestinal pathogenic bacteria, pyogenic cocci, and bacterial spores, and can also inactivate viruses.

That's also why many people want to use it to clean clothes - in pursuit of thorough disinfection effects.

2. Potential risks, hidden killers of clothing and washing machines

There are multiple risks associated with using trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets to clean clothing, including the following:
1. Bleach effect
Trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets have bleaching function, which can cause colored clothes to fade.
Even for white clothing, if the concentration is too high or the soaking time is too long, it may cause damage to the fabric fibers and shorten the service life of the clothing.
2. Corrosive metals
Trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets are corrosive to metals and may cause damage to the washing machine drum wall when used in a washing machine for a long time.
This type of damage is usually cumulative and may not immediately manifest, but it can shorten the lifespan of the washing machine.
3. Skin irritation
Trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets pose certain hazards to the human body and can cause significant irritation to respiratory mucosa and skin.
If left on clothing, it may cause skin itching, redness, swelling, or allergic reactions.
4. Residual risk
If the disinfectant tablets are not completely dissolved, powder or fragments may remain in the clothing fibers.

These residues not only come into direct contact with the skin, but may also release chlorine gas during use, causing irritation to the respiratory tract.

3. Proper use, if necessary, using the correct method

If it is necessary to use trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets for clothing disinfection, the following correct methods must be followed:
1. Dissolve before use
Do not put disinfectant tablets directly into the washing machine. Disinfectant tablets should be completely dissolved in an appropriate amount of water before being added to laundry detergent.
2. Strictly control the concentration
For relatively clean white clothes and sheets, they can be soaked in a 2000-3000 fold dilution of water for 10 minutes; Items with heavy pollution can be diluted with 500 times water and soaked for 20 minutes.
3. Pay attention to the scope of application
Trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets are only suitable for white cotton and linen fabrics, and are not suitable for silk, wool, nylon, easily faded fabrics, and leather products. Never use colored clothing.
4. Subsequent cleaning
After disinfection and soaking, the clothes must be thoroughly rinsed with clean water to ensure that there are no disinfectant residues, and then air dried.
5. Safety protection

When preparing disinfectant, rubber gloves should be worn to avoid direct contact with the skin, and the operating environment should be well ventilated to avoid inhaling irritating gases.

There is no absolute answer to whether trichloroisocyanuric acid disinfection tablets can be used for laundry, the key lies in scientific use and risk control. If you pursue efficient sterilization and can accept potential risks, you can strictly soak for a short time according to the dilution ratio (such as 1:500), and prioritize corrosion-resistant materials such as pure cotton; If clothing protection is more important, it is recommended to use specialized laundry disinfectant. No matter what method is chosen, safety is always the first principle - wearing gloves, avoiding mixing cleaning agents, thoroughly rinsing residues, can make disinfection truly serve health, rather than becoming the source of hidden dangers.