If you do not have a detergent with a bleach component for contaminated laundry, what should you do?

Using up to a 1/2 cup of bleach in the wash cycle is the correct approach for contaminated laundry when a detergent containing bleach is not available. Bleach is effective at disinfecting and sanitizing laundry, particularly if it has been contaminated, such as with bodily fluids or other pathogens. When added to the wash cycle, bleach can help eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses present on the fabric, ensuring that the laundry is safe to handle afterward.

It's important to follow proper dilution guidelines for bleach to avoid damaging the fabrics or creating an unsafe concentration. In this context, using bleach not only cleans the clothes but also improves hygiene, which is essential in care settings where the health of individuals may be at risk.

When considering the other options, soaking the laundry in bleach for ten minutes may not be safe as it could lead to fabric damage or uneven cleaning. Rinsing in cold water alone does not sanitize the laundry effectively, as washing with soap or detergent is crucial for removing contaminants. Using soap only would not provide the same level of disinfection and sanitation that bleach offers when dealing with contaminated items.