Detergent in the washer, the heat of the wash water, the heat of the dryer, and the resulting dryess of the fabric are enough to satify me.

And enough to satisfy general recommendations. a dish towel washed in hot water with detergent and dried in the dryer is clean enough to use to wrap a wound.
Your towels don't have to be like a sterile hospital drape.
Linda C

Thanks for the info. I didn't know that the hot water and dryer was enough to kill e.coli, but am happy to hear it!