What is the ideal temperature to kill germs?

Water needs to be above 110 degrees Fahrenheit to kill germs, according to About.com. This is above what humans can tolerate while hand-washing dishes and clothing. To effectively kill bacteria in laundry, it helps to wash with bleach and hot water, suggests Medical Daily.

Lifehacker reveals that cold water and soap kill germs as well as hot water, especially considering that hot water irritates the outside protective layer of the skin. Good Housekeeping suggests using bleach and rubbing alcohol to clean surfaces in the house, such as doorknobs and common touch points. EPA-registered products can help disinfect these household surfaces.