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Clothes dryers & dust mites

March 18, 2003

I'm asked that question a lot. Once again, I turned to my friend Sondra Cooley, with National Allergy Supply. Sondra regularly trains patient educators in environmental issues such as this.

Here is Sondra's reply:

Controlling mites in bedding is a two part process. Washing in hot water or using an additive such as de-Mite will control mites. The washing process rinses away the allergen and the hot water or additive will kill the mites.

The problem with hot water washing is that most allergy suffers are not willing to turn up the water temperature in the home for fear of putting children at risk. Most homes keep an average temperature of 120*. Because of the lower temperatures, experts will often recommend washing for at least 20 minutes in duration to kill mites. Drying bedding in a dryer for 20 minutes at 130* is also recommended.

De-mite laundry additive is popular because you use it along with your detergent and you do not need to use hot water.(130* to 140*) Washing at a lower temperature will certainly help maintain your bedding. Detergents alone will not control the mite problem in your laundry, but de-mite's active ingredients eliminate them with each wash.

For more information on de-mite, click here.

Lois' Note:
I've tried to find a common range of dryer temperatures to share with you, but it seems there is no standardization.

What I have been told is that the newer, more energy efficient dryers, do not heat as high or as long as older models. Some say the temperature of the dryer depends on the size of the dryer, and whether the dryer is gas of electric.

So while it would seem that a dryer would kill dust mites, in reality that may not be so. To be safe, always wash your clothes in water at least 120* or use an agent like de-mite.

AllergyNursing.com recommends: The Anatomy of an Allergy-Free Bedroom (National Allergy Newsletter, October, 2005.) I'm proud to recommend these quality products from National Allergy Supply. Read my comments about this advertiser here .