Doing laundry isn’t just about removing stains, it’s also about protecting your home from germs, allergens, and bacteria.
If you’re caring for a newborn, cleaning gym gear, or helping a sick family member recover, simply running a standard cycle might not be enough. That’s where the sanitize setting on dryer appliances comes in.
This powerful feature uses high heat to kill common household bacteria and allergens, helping you maintain a cleaner, healthier home. As health and hygiene have become a bigger priority in recent years, more households are turning to dryers with sanitize cycles for added peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the sanitize setting does, how it works, when to use it, and what items are safe to sanitize, plus how to find the best dryer with sanitize options for your laundry needs.
What Is the Sanitize Setting on a Dryer?
The sanitize setting on dryer models is designed to eliminate harmful microorganisms using high levels of heat. Most dryers with this function reach temperatures in excess of 140°F, which is hot enough to kill most common bacteria, dust mites, and allergens.
Unlike standard drying cycles, which are focused primarily on removing moisture, the dryer sanitize cycle is engineered for hygienic cleaning. It typically involves prolonged exposure to elevated heat, ensuring deeper germ elimination.
Not every dryer includes this feature. If you’re shopping for a dryer with a sanitize feature, make sure it’s explicitly listed, as standard high-heat settings may not reach or sustain the temperatures required for sanitation.
What the Sanitize Setting Does
✔️ Designed for hygiene, not just drying—targets germs, bacteria, and allergens
✔️ Uses higher heat and longer cycles than standard drying settings
✔️ Ideal for baby items, towels, bedding, and clothes worn by allergy-sensitive individuals
How the Dryer Sanitize Cycle Actually Works
Now, let’s break down the dryer sanitize cycle and how it works. When you select this cycle, your dryer initiates a carefully controlled program of high heat that often lasts longer than typical drying cycles. The dryer’s sensors monitor internal temperatures, ensuring the drum reaches and maintains germ-killing levels (typically over 150°F) for an extended period of time.
While it may look similar to a traditional high-heat setting, this cycle comes down to timing and temperature precision. The cycle ensures that heat exposure is sustained long enough to eliminate microorganisms, including bacteria, dust mites, and some viruses.
This is different from a washing machine sanitize cycle, which uses hot water (a minimum of 140°F) and sometimes additional agents like Oxi to sanitize fabrics. In the dryer, heat alone does the heavy lifting.
The sanitize setting on dryer models is ideal for post-wash sanitation. Use it after a regular or hot water wash for an added layer of protection, especially when illness is in the house.
➜ Learn More: 5 Best Electric Dryers [+3 Worst]
When (and When Not) to Use the Sanitize Setting
The sanitize setting on dryer units is powerful, but it’s not for every load. Here’s when it makes the most sense:
Ideal for Sanitizing
- Towels and bath linens
- Bedsheets and pillowcases
- Baby clothes and cloth diapers
- Undergarments
- Gym clothes
These items can tolerate high heat and often need an extra level of hygiene.
However, some fabrics are not suitable for this setting. Knowing the sanitize cycle dryer safe fabrics is essential to avoid damage.
Avoid Using on
- Delicates (lace, silk)
- Synthetics that can melt (some polyesters, spandex)
- Items with plastic or rubber components (shoes, mats)
Repeated exposure to intense heat can wear down fabrics, fade colors, and reduce elasticity. Always check the care labels before using this setting.
Dryer Sanitize Cycle vs. Washing Machine Sanitize Cycle
Just like you can find a dryer model with a sanitize setting, modern washers often offer the same. While both sanitize cycles serve similar purposes—eliminating bacteria and allergens— they operate differently.
The washing machine sanitize cycle uses hot water and sometimes steam or sanitizing agents. For example, a GE washer sanitize with Oxi option combines very hot water with oxygen-based additives to kill bacteria more effectively.
In contrast, the dryer relies on dry heat. When used together, the washer and dryer sanitize features offer a two-step process: hot water cleaning followed by high-heat drying. This is particularly useful for households concerned with hygiene or dealing with allergies.
➜ Learn More: Speed Queen Dryers: Benefits, Lifespans, & Top Models
Pros and Cons of Using the Dryer Sanitize Feature
The dryer sanitize cycle bacteria removal or dryer sanitize cycle for allergies can be life-changing for your household, especially for those with young children, pets, and allergy sufferers. Still, it’s important to weigh the benefits and limitations.
Pros
Germ and Allergen Elimination
Uses high heat to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and dust mites
Great for Sensitive Loads
Ideal for sanitizing towels, baby clothes, workout gear, and bedding
Extra Protection When You Need It
Provides added peace of mind during cold and flu season or after illness
Allergy Relief
Helps reduce allergens for households with asthma or sensitivities
Cons
Not Safe for All Fabrics
Delicate items may shrink or become damaged
Increased Wear Over Time
Frequent high-heat cycles can shorten fabric lifespan
Higher Energy Use
Extended drying times consume more electricity
Limited Availability
Not all dryers include a sanitize setting, especially older or budget models
Best Dryers with Sanitize Features
Now that you have a handle on “What does the sanitize cycle on a dryer do?”, check out these four top-rated dryers with sanitize features from Slager Appliances.
GE 7.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Gas Dryer
Shop GE 7.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Gas Dryer
Available in White or Sapphire Blue, this GE smart front-load gas dryer is perfect for the modern household.
It is ENERGY STAR-certified with plenty of cycles to choose from, including Sanitize and Quick Dry. Sensor drying prevents over-drying, while Wrinkle Care tumbles your load until you’re ready to retrieve it to prevent wrinkles.
In terms of easy installation, this dryer also offers four-way venting.
Top Features
- Sanitize Cycle – Eliminates common bacteria and allergens using high heat
- Sensor Dry – Automatically adjusts drying time for optimal results and energy savings
- Wrinkle Care – Gently tumbles clothes after the cycle ends to prevent wrinkles
⭐Featured GE Smart Dryer Review:
"I love my new dryer. Although it can be stacked, mine is not. The capacity is awesome. It dries quickly and laundry does not get balled up as other dryers I have had, it is very quiet and I really like the app so I can tell when the cycle is complete or change the cycle without going to the laundry room. It doesn’t take as long as previous dryer so it is using less gas. It was exactly what I wanted."
Speed Queen DC5 7.0 Cu. Ft. Matte Black Electric Dryer
Shop Speed Queen DC5 7.0 Cu. Ft. Matte Black Electric Dryer
This durable, commercial-grade dryer from Speed Queen is ideal for achieving a powerful clean.
There are seven cycles to choose from, and the Sanitize option ensures high-heat drying to kill germs and bacteria. The up-front filter lint filter is easy to access, while the interior light makes it easy to retrieve all of your clothes.
We especially appreciate the industry-best five-year warranty so you can invest with confidence.
Top Features
- Sanitize Option – High-heat setting designed to kill germs, bacteria, and allergens
- Commercial-Grade Quality – Built for durability and long-lasting performance
- Five-Year Warranty – Backed by extended coverage for added peace of mind
Bosch 500 Series 4.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Ventless Electric Dryer
Shop Bosch 4.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Ventless Electric Dryer
This recommendation is perfect for those looking for a compact dryer. This 24” Bosch 500 Series dryer can be installed almost anywhere, thanks to its ventless design.
It features a stainless steel drum for superior fabric care, a user-friendly LED touch display, and, of course, a sanitizing cycle.
Home Connect with Smart Dry automatically selects the right drying program based on the most recent cycle in your Bosch washer, and the self-cleaning condenser makes this Bosch heat pump dryer impressively energy-efficient.
Top Features
Home Connect with Smart Dry – Syncs with your washer to select the optimal drying cycle automatically via smart technology
Ventless Installation – Flexible setup with no external venting required, perfect for compact spaces
Self-Cleaning Condenser – Automatically removes lint and debris for consistent efficiency and low maintenance
GE Profile 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Natural Gas Dryer
Shop GE Profile 7.4 Cu. Ft. Natural Gas Dryer
Another smart dryer, this GE Profile gas model offers built-in Wi-Fi through the SmartHQ app and Washer Link, which connects your washer to your dryer and automatically selects optimal dryer settings based on your last washer load.
We love the Sanitize Cycle, which removes 99.8% of bacteria found in laundry, and Sensor Dry, which monitors temperature and moisture levels to deliver gentle fabric care.
You can save your favorite dryer settings for future use with My Cycle and even download additional cycles on the app.
Top Features
- Sanitize Cycle – Uses high heat to eliminate bacteria and allergens for a deeper clean
- Washer Link – Communicates with the washer to auto-select the ideal drying settings
- Sensor Dry – Detects moisture levels and adjusts time for efficient, precise drying
⭐Featured GE Profile Dryer Review:
"My mom loves her new dryer! Our old one was almost 20 years old, so it was time to get rid of it when it just stopped working on us. I love how our new dryer is simple for my mom to use, yet has nice features that others could use with easy as well. It's fast and not loud, but also powerful while saving energy. We love the large capacity of the dryer and how there's plenty of room for items for its size. And I personally love that I'm able to use the app to check on the dryer!"
Keep It Clean: Final Thoughts on Using Your Dryer’s Sanitize Setting
The sanitize setting on dryer machines is a modern solution to a timeless concern: keeping your clothes (and your family) clean and safe. By leveraging high, sustained heat, this feature can significantly reduce germs, allergens, and bacteria in your laundry.
It’s best used on sturdy items that can tolerate elevated temperatures—think towels, bedding, and undergarments. While it’s not a cure-all, it’s a valuable tool in a clean-home arsenal.
Not sure if your dryer has this feature? Explore our selection at Slager Appliances. We carry a wide variety of laundry appliances, including models with advanced sanitation options to suit your household’s needs.
➜ Learn More: The Best Front Load Washer and Dryer for Every Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used properly, the sanitize setting on dryer appliances can kill up to 99.9% of common bacteria by maintaining high temperatures for extended periods.
No, you should avoid using this cycle on delicate fabrics, rubber-containing items, or anything labeled as heat-sensitive. Always check the garment care label.
Washers use hot water and sometimes additives like Oxi, while dryers rely solely on dry heat to kill germs.
It can if it’s used on the wrong fabrics or too frequently. Fabrics like cotton towels generally do well, but delicates may shrink or degrade over time.
If hygiene is important to your household, especially with kids, allergies, or illness, then a dryer with sanitize feature is a worthwhile investment. At Slager Appliances, you can find a high-quality dryer with this feature and other must-have features, like smart connectivity, innovative cycles, and energy-efficient operation.
Why Trust Slager Appliances?
Founded over 70 years ago, Slager Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Iowa City, IA. Slager has competitive prices and industry knowledge in delivering and installing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
Whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you’re remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products we are with you all the way. We will work with you to find a product that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Shop Quality Dryers at Slager Appliances
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop laundry appliances online at Slager Appliances. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best dryer in Iowa— whether you call us at 319-337-3833, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Slager Appliances in Iowa City, IA. Visit us today!