Keeping the Laundry Room Allergen-Free
June 12, 2006 by Maricar
Filed under Cleaning, Laundry, Safety at Home
When you think about it, there are a lot of allergens that may be present in the laundry area. Dust mites from sheets, dyes and perfumes from detergents. For the truly sensitive, the laundry area may not the cleanest place in the house. But it’s a place that must be visited once in a while, if one were to have clean clothes and linen.
There are ways to reduce allergens in this room. Suggestions from Bed, Bath & Beyond:
Allergen-Free for You and Me
If you or anyone in the family has skin allergies or chemical sensitivities that trigger allergy or asthma symptoms, follow these suggestions from the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America:Use liquid laundry detergent that is perfume-free, dye-free and mild, usually labeled “hypoallergenic”.
Avoid fabric softeners, both liquid and dryer sheets.
Rinse clothing and bedding thoroughly after washing to remove detergent residue.Laundry Room Allergen Control Tips
Vent your dryer to the outside so the moisture and lint it pulls out of your clothes don’t go into the house to become mold magnets.
Wash linens in very hot water. A temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit is needed to kill dust mites, but there’s a danger of scalding at 120 degrees. You may prefer to use a commercial laundry for linens or dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Don’t leave damp or wet clothes sitting around waiting to be washed.
Tags: allergy, allergens, laundry
