How Your Washing Machine Can Impact Indoor Air Quality and Allergen Control

When we think about controlling allergens in our home, our minds often go to vacuuming or using air purifiers. However, the humble washing machine plays a vital role in reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Washing machines aren’t just about keeping clothes clean; they can be an essential part of an allergen reduction plan. From bedding to stuffed toys, many household items can accumulate allergens, and the right washing machine can help to significantly reduce them.

In this article, we’ll explore how washing machines contribute to allergen control and how choosing a third-party validated washing machine, such as one CERTIFIED by the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program, can improve IAQ and create a healthier home.

How a Washing Machine Helps Reduce Allergens

Allergens and irritants like dust mite allergen, pet dander, and pollen can collect on various items around the house, including clothing, bedding, and stuffed toys. The most common allergen found in bedding and clothing comes from dust mites, which are tiny bugs that live in the dust in mattresses, pillows, carpets, beddings, soft toys, etc. Dust mites feed on skin cells that you shed while wearing clothes or using bedding, and it is their waste that we refer to as dust mite allergen. It is usually the waste that causes an allergic reaction, and not the dust mites themselves.

However, reducing the level of dust mites is an excellent way of reducing dust mite allergen. Dust mite allergen is soluble, and so it is possible to remove it by washing at relatively low temperatures. But a high temperature is needed to be able to kill dust mites, and not many washing machines can reach this temperature. Regular washing in hot water—at least 130°F (54.4°C)— can reduce dust mite build-up and remove the allergen they produce.

However, not all washing machines perform equally when it comes to allergen reduction. For example, to kill dust mites effectively, a washing machine must consistently reach at least 130°F throughout the drum for 15 minutes, rather than in isolated hotspots. This consistency in temperature ensures that dust mites are killed, which is critical for effective allergen control.

The Importance of CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® Washing Machines

There is ever-increasing awareness of the chemicals and allergens we come into contact with every day, particularly if you or a member of your family has asthma or allergies. CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® washing machines undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they effectively reduce allergens and irritants, without worsening indoor air quality. Here’s what sets these washing machines apart:

1. Allergen and Dust Mite Removal: CERTIFIED washing machines are tested to ensure they remove more than 95% of allergens, including dust mite allergen and cat allergen, from clothing and other washable fabrics.
2. Consistent High Temperature: The washing machine must maintain a consistent washing temperature of at least 130°F (54.4°C) for 15 minutes throughout the drum. This is particularly important because some machines may only reach this temperature in specific areas.
3. Indoor Air Quality Considerations: Some appliances can produce ozone as a side-effect of their operation. A CERTIFIED washing must demonstrate that if it does produce ozone, that it is at a suitably low level that it is unlikely to have an impact on the indoor environment.

Practical Tips for Allergen Control with Your Washing Machine

Here are some practical laundry tips to ensure you’re maximizing the allergen-reducing benefits of your washing machine:

Wash Bedding: Regularly wash pillowcases, sheets, and duvet covers on a warm cycle to help reduce dust mite allergen and pet allergens. Use a low tumble dry setting.

Wash Stuffed Toys: Dust mites can collect on children’s stuffed toys. Wash them before use and then regularly (preferably every 4 weeks) or, if they can’t be washed, place them in a sealed plastic bag and freeze them for 24 hours before tumble-drying.

Ventilate the Laundry Room: Keep humidity levels below 50% to prevent the growth of dust mites. Make sure your dryer is properly vented and clean the lint trap after every use.

Leave the Washing Machine Door Open: After use, leave the washing machine door open to allow it to dry out and prevent mold growth.

The Importance of Third-Party Certification

Not all washing machines are equally effective at reducing allergens, and vague marketing terms like “hypoallergenic” do not guarantee a product’s effectiveness. The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program offers third-party validation, ensuring that CERTIFIED machines have been scientifically tested to meet strict standards for allergen and dust mite reduction, temperature consistency, and ozone emissions. By choosing a CERTIFIED product, you can be confident that it contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

Conclusion

Washing machines play a crucial role in reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality. For those with asthma and allergies, choosing the right washing machine can make a significant difference in reducing exposure to allergens like dust mite allergen and pet dander. By selecting a machine that has been independently tested and CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly®, you can rest assured that you’re making a choice that supports better allergen control and a healthier home environment.

This Indoor Air Quality Month, take the opportunity to evaluate your home’s laundry routine and consider how a CERTIFIED washing machine can help you breathe easier.