To Remove Allergens From Laundry, Turn Up the Heat!

It has long been known that hot water is required to adequately remove indoor allergens from laundry. However, it appears that only very hot water, at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, works to completely remove all dust mites in the laundry. The study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Thoracic Society this week, also showed that when cooler temperatures of water were used, such as 104 degrees Fahrenheit, only 6.5% of dust mites were removed.

The same was true for removing dog dander and pollens from the laundry - very hot water, of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, does the best job at removing the allergens. If such a high temperature is not available, or not recommended given the risk of scalding if young children are in the home, using cooler temperatures with a double-rinse cycle may do an equally good job at removing the allergens.

Want to learn more? Find out about:

• Dust Mite and Cockroach Allergy
• Indoor Allergy Avoidance
• Dog Allergy