Alex Rodriguez 'can't live without' this laundry sanitizer, but homecare experts are divided – what do you think?

The baseball star swears by a laundry sanitizer for his athletic gear, but homecare experts say that there are plenty of natural, alternative options, too

Alex Rodriguez
(Image credit: Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic via GettyImages)

Athletes perhaps know better than anyone the importance of a strong laundry routine. And while most of us don't count jerseys among the clothing we wash weekly, we are always on the hunt for ways to make our clothes as clean and fresh-smelling as possible.

Baseball legend Alex Rodriguez has put forward his go-to laundry hack: Lysol's Laundry Sanitizer with 0% Bleach.

'This stuff kills bacteria on your laundry, which is awesome because I remember that polyester Yankee uniform would just stink,' A-Rod told the Strategist about the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer with 0% Bleach. 'Sometimes in the summer, I would wear three different jerseys in one game — first three innings, second three innings, and third — because it would get so soaking wet and smelly. Whether you’re playing sports or just working out, it will help keep your clothes clean and smelling good.'

Laundry sanitizers are certainly a helpful accessory alongside detergents; however, experts encourage discernment in product choice, along with opting for more natural solutions.

Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved, explains, 'Using a laundry sanitizer can be helpful when there has been an unhygienic spill on clothing or bedding. However, pre-soaking any garments in a mix of non-toxic cleaning essentials such as white vinegar and baking soda, both available at Walmart, in cold water for at least 30 minutes will help sanitize and deodorize garments without the need for harsh chemicals. Then you pop it in the washer on your usual washer cycles.'

She continues, 'You can also use Molly's Suds, available on Amazon, which is a gentle and EWG-approved, effective but gentle laundry detergent suitable for use on even babies' clothing, and carries the Environmental Working Group's highest grading, category A, for consumer and planet safety.'

Punteha also recommends paying close attention to the temperature you are running your washing machine at, as this can have a large impact on how clean your clothes will be.

'As for sanitizing laundry without chemicals, there are many dirty items you can run in a hot wash (above 130° Fahrenheit) for appropriate bacteria busting suing good old-fashioned heat,' she explains. 'However, be mindful that not all fabrics can tolerate high temperatures, such as silk and wool. It's always best to check the item's laundry symbol first and switch to an alternative sanitizing method if needed. Personally, I'm a big advocate for making my home less toxic and stick to nature's grime busters.'

Shop the natural laundry sanitizer essentials


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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