Soiled bedding and clothing come up every day for many carers and families. The basics are simple: wear gloves, remove solids into the toilet, rinse cool, keep soiled items apart in a lidded or sealed bag, then wash as hot as the care label allows and dry thoroughly. This guide covers each step, plus what to do when the volume becomes too much to manage at home.
This is general laundry guidance, not medical or infection-control advice. Follow any guidance from the person's GP, nurse or care provider.
1. Handle with care
- Wear disposable gloves and, ideally, an apron.
- Roll bedding inwards so the soiled area stays in the middle; don't shake it.
- Tip any solids into the toilet before laundering.
- Wash your hands well afterwards, even if you wore gloves.
2. Rinse cool first
A cold or cool rinse before the main wash helps lift urine and other proteins. Hot water at this stage can set stains and odours into fabric. Many machines have a separate rinse or pre-wash programme for this.
3. Store soiled items separately
Keep soiled laundry apart from the household wash, in a lidded laundry bin or a sealed bag, and wash it as soon as practical. Leaving damp, soiled items for days makes odour harder to remove.
4. Wash as hot as the label allows
- Cotton sheets, pillowcases and towels: often washable at 60°C. Check the label.
- Nightwear and clothing: follow the label; many synthetics and wool can't take high heat.
- Mattress protectors: check the label carefully, as waterproof backings can be damaged by heat or harsh tumble drying.
- Don't overload the drum, so water and detergent can move through the load.
5. Dry completely
Dry items fully before putting them away or back on the bed. Bedding stored slightly damp can develop a musty smell, and a damp mattress protector won't feel comfortable.
When a specialist laundry helps
If you're washing several loads a week, don't have a suitable machine, or simply need a break, a specialist service can take the volume. MyLaundress washes incontinence loads separately from everyday laundry, at 60°C where fabric permits, with specialist detergents and an oxygen additive, then inspects and dries items with heat adjusted to the fabric. Items come back clean and folded. In London this is processed at our dedicated North Tottenham facility; elsewhere in the UK, MyLaundress National arranges collection by postcode, confirmed at booking.
What we don't accept
We launder textiles. We don't accept clinical waste, sharps, used disposable pads or unknown chemical contamination, and laundering isn't a medical decontamination process.
FAQs
How much does incontinence laundry cost?
£5.29 per kg with a 10 kg minimum charge of £52.90. Collection and delivery are free. Your final price is confirmed in booking.
Is it discreet?
Yes. Bag items sealed and book the incontinence laundry service; you don't need to explain anything further at the door.
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Published 2026-10-28 by MyLaundress team. Book a collection online