Can You Do Laundry During a Boil Water Advisory?

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Is a Boil Water Advisory and Why Does It Matter?

A boil water advisory is a public health notice issued when local water supplies might be contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. This can happen after events like water main breaks, floods, or disruptions to water treatment plants. The advisory instructs residents to boil tap water before drinking, cooking, or using it in ways that could cause ingestion or contact with mucous membranes.

The reason this matters is that untreated water may harbor microbes that cause illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections or skin irritations. While the primary focus is often on drinking and cooking water, all household uses involving water can present risks, including laundry. Clothes washed in contaminated water can carry pathogens, especially if washed in cold water or with minimal detergent.

For example, if a neighborhood experiences a water main break, the water pressure might drop, allowing bacteria from soil or sewage to enter the pipes. Authorities issue a boil water advisory until testing confirms water safety. During this time, using tap water without boiling poses a health risk.

Why Is Doing Laundry During a Boil Water Advisory Risky?

Laundry involves soaking clothes in water that touches skin directly and can retain microbes if not properly treated. Washing machines typically use cold or warm water, which may not kill bacteria or viruses present in contaminated water. Detergents mainly remove dirt and oils but don’t disinfect clothes thoroughly at low temperatures.

If you wash clothes in untreated tap water during a boil water advisory, the pathogens can remain on fabric surfaces. This is especially concerning if you or your family members have sensitive skin, cuts, or compromised immune systems. The microbes can cause skin rashes, infections, or spread illnesses when clothes are handled or worn.

For instance, imagine washing a set of clothes in cold tap water during an advisory. Although detergent cleans visible dirt, some bacteria survive. Wearing these clothes might lead to skin irritation or illness, putting you at risk unnecessarily.

How Can You Safely Do Laundry During a Boil Water Advisory?

If laundry is unavoidable during a boil water advisory, take these steps to minimize risks:

1. Use Boiled and Cooled Water: Boil tap water for at least one minute (three minutes at high altitudes) and allow it to cool before using it in your washing machine or for hand washing.
2. Use Bottled Water: For small loads or delicate items, bottled water is a convenient alternative.
3. Set Washing Machine to Hot Water: Use the hottest water setting available, as heat helps reduce germs.
4. Use a Disinfectant Laundry Additive: Some laundry sanitizers are designed to kill bacteria and viruses when added to the wash cycle.
5. Wash Hands Thoroughly: After handling laundry, wash your hands with safe water or hand sanitizer.

Example Scenario: Managing Laundry During an Advisory

Suppose you have a family of four and a week-long boil water advisory is in place. You prioritize drinking and cooking water, using bottled water for those needs. For laundry, you boil a large pot of water, cool it, and fill your washing machine’s water reservoir with the safe water for a small load of essential clothing. You add detergent and a laundry sanitizer, setting the machine to the hottest setting. After washing, you dry clothes fully in sunlight to help reduce any remaining germs.

What Are Common Misconceptions About Laundry Safety During Boil Water Advisories?

People often confuse boil water advisories with other water issues, such as hard water or discoloration, assuming laundry is safe. Others believe that detergents or washing machines automatically disinfect clothes regardless of water safety.

Here are some misconceptions:

• Misconception: Detergent kills all germs.

Truth: Detergents remove oils and dirt but do not reliably kill pathogens, especially in cold water.

• Misconception: Hot water cycles in washing machines always disinfect clothes.

Truth: Some machines do not reach temperatures high enough to kill all bacteria or viruses.

• Misconception: Boil water advisories only apply to drinking water.

Truth: The advisory covers all uses of water where ingestion or direct contact can occur, including laundry.

Understanding these helps you take appropriate precautions during advisories.

What Steps Should You Take After a Boil Water Advisory Ends?

Once local authorities lift the boil water advisory, your water supply is deemed safe, but it’s advisable to take a few precautions before resuming normal laundry routines:

• Run an Empty Hot Water Cycle: Run your washing machine on the hottest cycle with detergent to flush out any residual contaminated water.
• Rewash Clothes Washed During the Advisory: For peace of mind, rewash any clothes washed during the advisory in hot water with detergent.
• Clean Washing Machine Components: Wipe down detergent dispensers and door seals with a disinfectant to remove possible contaminants.

These steps help ensure your washing machine and clothes are safe after the advisory period.

What If You Don’t Have Access to Boiled or Bottled Water for Laundry?

If boiled or bottled water is not available, limit laundry to only the most essential items. Consider these strategies:

• Hand Wash Small Items: Use boiled and cooled water in a clean basin to hand wash underwear, masks, or cloth diapers carefully.
• Use Cold Water and Extra Detergent: While not ideal, washing in cold water with more detergent may help reduce some germs when no better option exists.
• Avoid Laundry If Possible: Delay washing non-essential clothes until safe water is available.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands often with safe water or sanitizer after handling laundry and avoid touching your face.

How Can You Tell If a Boil Water Advisory Is in Effect, and Where to Get Updates?

Stay informed by monitoring local resources such as your city or county water utility website, public health departments, or local news outlets. Many utilities send alerts via text, email, or social media when advisories begin or end.

Sample Table: Where to Check for Boil Water Advisory Updates

Using these resources ensures you act on up-to-date information and protect your household.

What Related Terms Should You Know About?

• Boil Water Advisory vs. Do Not Use Order: The latter is more severe, prohibiting any use of tap water until resolved.
• Water Main Break: A common cause of boil water advisories, occurring when underground pipes crack or burst.
• Water Contamination: The presence of pathogens, chemicals, or pollutants in water making it unsafe.
• Laundry Sanitizers: Additives used in washing to kill germs beyond what detergent can handle.

Being familiar with these terms helps you understand advisories and take appropriate action.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use water from a water softener during a boil water advisory?

No, water softeners only remove minerals and do not disinfect. Water from softeners must be boiled before use during an advisory.

Is it safe to use cold water for laundry during a boil water advisory?

No. Cold tap water may contain harmful microorganisms that detergents alone cannot eliminate. Use boiled or bottled water instead.

How long should I boil water for laundry during an advisory?

Boil water for at least one minute at sea level, and three minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet, to effectively kill pathogens.

Can I dry clothes outside during a boil water advisory?

Yes, drying clothes in sunlight is safe and can help reduce some microbes, but initial washing must be done with safe water.

What should I do if I washed clothes with unsafe water during the advisory?

Rewash those clothes with hot water and detergent after the advisory is lifted to eliminate any remaining pathogens.