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Mite and mite allergen removal during machine washing of laundry
Larry G Arlian1, DiAnn L Vyszenski-Moher, Marjorie S Morgan
1Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435-0001, USA.
Background:
Few studies have investigated live house dust mite and mite allergen removal from clothing and bedding by washing machines. No studies have investigated the transfer of mites from infested to uninfested clothing and bedding during washing.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to wash different types of clothing and bedding in residential washing machines to determine the live Dermatophagoides farinae mite and allergen removal and the mite transfer from mite-infested items to mite-free items.
Methods:
Clothing and bedding items were machine washed in 6- and 8-lb loads in warm (36 degrees C-38 degrees C) or cold (22 degrees C-27 degrees C) water with and without recommended concentrations of laundry detergent and sodium hypochlorite bleach. Live mites and allergen present in washed versus unwashed and washed mite-infested versus washed mite-free items were compared.
Results:
Washing clothing and bedding in water alone, detergent, or detergent plus bleach removed 60% to 83% of the live mites. Washing removed more mites from some items than from others. When mite-infested items were washed with identical sets of mite-free items, many live mites were transferred to the previously mite-free items. Overall, 84% of Der f 1 was removed from items washed in water alone or in detergent and 98% from items washed in detergent plus bleach.
Conclusions:
Washing clothing and bedding in cold or warm water with detergent or detergent plus bleach removed most allergen and a significant (P <.05) portion of live mites. Repeated washing is required to further reduce mite levels. Live mites were transferred from mite-infested to mite-free items during washing.
Insights
Washing clothes and bedding removes most live house dust mites and allergens, but repeated washing is needed. Live mites can transfer to clean items during the wash cycle.
Area of Science:
- Allergen research
- Environmental health
- Textile science
Background:
- Limited research exists on removing live house dust mites and their allergens from textiles via washing machines.
- No prior studies examined mite transfer between infested and uninfested laundry items during washing cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of washing machines in removing live Dermatophagoides farinae mites and allergens from various clothing and bedding types.
- To investigate the potential for mite transfer from infested to mite-free laundry items during the washing process.
Main Methods:
- Laundry items were washed in residential machines using 6- and 8-lb loads.
- Washing conditions included warm (36–38°C) or cold (22–27°C) water, with or without detergent and/or bleach.
- Live mites and allergen levels were quantified in washed items and compared to unwashed controls and between mite-infested and mite-free items.
Main Results:
- Washing removed 60%–83% of live mites and 84%–98% of Der f 1 allergen, depending on the washing agent (water, detergent, detergent plus bleach).
- Mite removal efficiency varied across different fabric types.
- Significant transfer of live mites from infested to previously mite-free items was observed during washing.
Conclusions:
- Machine washing effectively removes a substantial portion of live mites and allergens from clothing and bedding.
- Repeated washing cycles are recommended for further reduction of mite populations.
- Laundry washing processes can facilitate the transfer of live mites between infested and uninfested textiles.
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