Can I Wash Clothes During a Boil Water Advisory?
When a boil water advisory is issued in your area, it may be difficult to know if you can continue to safely wash your clothes.
What Is a Boil Water Advisory?
A boil water advisory is a public health advisory concerned with ensuring everyone who uses the water supply is drinking and using safe, clean water. Sometimes due to a contamination in the water supply, the local government or health department may issue a boil water advisory. The advisory requires all users to boil their water before use.
Can I Wash Clothes During a Boil Water Advisory?
The simple answer is yes, you can wash clothes during a boil water advisory. But, you must use caution and follow all safety protocols when handling and using the water.
Washing Clothes Safety Tips:
- Do not use the water for ingesting or drinking without boiling it first – Ensure you boil the water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, preparing baby formula, or any other purpose in which consumption may occur.
- Use a water filter – Use a high quality water filter on all water used for ingesting or drinking.
- Use only cold water for washing clothes – To reduce any potential health risks, use only cold water when washing clothes during a boil water advisory.
- Be mindful of washing your hands – Whenever doing laundry, be sure to wash your hands properly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water prior to and after handling the clothing.
- Sanitize clothes with a bleach solution – After laundering, sanitize all clothes and fabrics with a 10% bleach solution, which is safe and effective in killing any bacteria or viruses in the water.
Following these safety tips will help ensure that you are safely washing and disinfecting your clothes during a boil water advisory. Be sure to stay informed of any advisories and follow all safety protocols outlined by the local government to protect yourself and your family.