How to sterilize second hand textile items

When purchasing used bed linens, comforters, throw pillows, and clothing items, before using this home made detergent recipe read the label on the care instructions for the textiles purchased.  There may be some clothing or bed linens that could be damaged unless the care instructions are specific.



Make a solution of 3/4 cup bleach for white items, only a few drops of antibacterial dishwashing liquid and 1 gallon of warm water; soak these items for 5-10 minutes. Launder items in washing machine, rinse well then air dry in sunlight. 



For colored clothing or linens, use detergent with bleach for colored cloths, instead of regular bleach. This is a good way to really sterilize and clean these items when purchased from a second hand store.