Today, I read an article on MedPage Today, called “Laundry Methods Matter for Busting Allergens“ . In this article they discuss the best methods to remove allergens. I always thought that I was in the clear, by using sensitive skin detergent and by rinsing more than once. However, it turns out I was mistaken (I realize all of your jaws are hanging on the floor, right now). The best way to remove allergens, is to wash your laundry at the highest temperature possible, always.

It also turns out, that what I thought I was allergic to (being the detergent residue) is not exactly right either. Apparently, when you wash your clothes they don`t exactly come out as clean as we think. Our clean laundry still has dust mites, and pollen residue, and dog dander.

The article states the following findings:

Regarding dust mites

• Cold water killed only 4.7% to 8.0%.

• Warm water killed only 7% to 10.7%.

• Both the hot water wash and the steam drum killed 100% every time.

Regarding dog dander

• Hot water and steam removed significantly more allergens than either cold or warm water when laundry was rinsed once or not at all (P<0.05).

• Nearly all allergens were removed by all wash temperatures when rinsing twice or more (0.0% to 0.01%, P=NS for all).

Regarding oak pollen

• Hot water was significantly more effective than cold or warm water when laundry was not rinsed (P<0.05).

• Rinsing at least once eliminated differences in pollen removal between wash temperatures.

So it seems that hot water works best for people who are “blessed“ with allergies.  I always thought that washing your laundry at higher temperatures was really bad for your clothes.  Now, I understand that washing my clothes and linens at cooler temperatures is not good for me – even if it might the material last a little longer.

**Picture Source  www.laundrylocker.com

Post from: Blisstree

Could you be allergic to your laundry