More and more people are struggling with allergies and the typical symptoms associated with them. The reasons are varied, but the causes also include increased use of chemicals and additives, as well as environmental pollution. There are different types of allergies, which can manifest, for example, as an allergy to animal dander or a dust mite allergy. Many allergens become embedded in textiles, ensuring that those affected are exposed to constant contact if hygiene measures are inadequate. Therefore, it is important to clean textiles regularly to remove these allergens. This can be achieved with the right washing machine and additional measures, such as choosing the right detergent.
Making the right washing machine choice can make an important contribution to protecting against allergies. For this reason, manufacturers such as Schulthess have developed special washing machines that are able to clean textiles thoroughly without leaving residues. The washing machine features a targeted Antibac program. This program is designed to completely remove mites, pollen, and detergent residues while providing deep, pore-level cleaning.
One important factor is setting the correct temperature. At temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius and above, the residues mentioned are reliably removed. This program is particularly suitable for easy-care laundry such as towels, bed linen, or cleaning cloths. In addition to higher temperature performance, the program is combined with a longer wash duration. The aim is to maintain the specified temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius consistently for a minimum of 20 minutes. This distinguishes the program from conventional 60-degree washes, where the water is heated to the desired temperature only once and then cools down again inside the washing machine.
Another effect comes from the targeted use of steam. This is referred to as a washing machine with so-called steam wash technology. The hot steam supports heat retention, ensuring that all pathogens are effectively washed out of the fabrics. The use of steam also has an additional benefit: after the wash cycle, the laundry shows fewer wrinkles than after a conventional hot wash cycle.
Finally, some manufacturers also use a disinfection effect in the washing machine. This is achieved with the help of silver. Silver contains ions that are able to draw allergens out of the laundry like a magnet. At the same time, both bacteria and odors are effectively eliminated in the washing machine. The ions enter the water, which previously flows over specially prepared silver plates. The disinfecting effect also unfolds at lower temperatures, allowing even more delicate textiles to undergo a thorough disinfecting clean in the washing machine.
Allergy sufferers who experience persistent symptoms or have been diagnosed with a severe allergy should consider purchasing such a special washing machine in order to effectively remove allergens from textiles. However, these washing machines also have some disadvantages. On the one hand, the purchase costs are comparatively high. In addition, energy costs increase due to the higher water heating. Compared to an economy program, energy consumption can be roughly twice as high. It is therefore important in this case to choose a washing machine with a good energy efficiency class. Here, one should opt for energy efficiency class A+++.
One of the most common allergies is house dust allergy, which is triggered by house dust mites. These mites are extremely resilient. Even spin cycles with speeds of 1,200 revolutions per minute do not affect them. To remove them completely, the water must reach a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius. The same applies to other allergens such as pet hair or pollen. These are also only reliably removed in the washing machine at higher temperatures.
Textiles contaminated with allergens should be washed once a week for at least 40 minutes at 60 degrees Celsius or higher. The problem, however, is that many textiles cannot withstand such high temperatures and may either deform or lose their color. In such cases, a wash program at 30 to 40 degrees Celsius should be selected, followed by two cold rinse cycles. Mites are also attacked in this way, as they cannot tolerate temperature fluctuations. The cold rinse can be carried out using the washing machine’s rinse program after the main wash cycle.
Special encasing protective covers have been developed specifically for allergy sufferers. These are placed around the mattress as well as pillows or duvets to prevent mites and their droppings from penetrating the textiles. As a result, the covers need to be cleaned at regular intervals. Another effect of these covers is that mites are deprived of their food source. This is because skin flakes and sweat can no longer penetrate the mattress or pillow. Mites primarily feed on these human residues.
To ensure the covers remain fresh, they should be cleaned quarterly. Here too, a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius should be selected. Washing the covers more frequently should be avoided, as this could cause them to lose their protective effect. In addition, the old cover should be disposed of and replaced with a new one every three to four years.
Effective cleaning also depends on choosing the right detergent. For allergy sufferers, there are therefore special detergents designed for people with allergies. Unlike conventional detergents, these contain far fewer allergy‑triggering ingredients. This is because the detergent itself can also be responsible for allergies. Typical allergens include surfactants, fragrances, enzymes, or optical brighteners. Detergents for allergy sufferers should be free of these substances, as they can remain in textiles even after washing. When the skin comes into contact with them, an allergic reaction may occur. This usually manifests as itching of the skin or visible redness. Other possible reactions include dry skin, runny nose, coughing, or a scratchy throat.
When choosing the right detergent, consumers can choose from various manufacturers. One option is to use a basic detergent. These are available in both liquid and powder form. They can be purchased in health food stores, drugstores, and many supermarkets. Their use does not differ from that of conventional detergents. Such products are labeled “detergent for allergy sufferers” or “allergy‑friendly.”
In addition, it is important to pay attention to the correct dosage of detergent when doing laundry. If too much detergent is used, a large proportion remains in the textiles. If clothing is heavily soiled, the dosage should not be increased; instead, the laundry should be pretreated. Some modern washing machines already feature automatic detergent dosing (commercial washing machines). In this case, the laundry load and detergent dosage are matched to each other. The same applies to the required water supply. Detergent that is not needed usually remains in the compartment and therefore does not fully enter the wash.
Allergy sufferers should also be cautious when using fabric softeners. These contain additional fragrances that can promote allergic reactions. However, there are now allergy‑friendly alternatives available that use special, harmless fragrances.
As a general rule when choosing a detergent, the greater the number of different ingredients it contains, the higher the risk of an allergic reaction.
Gall soap is a product that has been on the market for decades and is based on natural ingredients. Its main components are curd soap and beef bile. It is available as a solid bar of soap as well as in liquid form. It is mainly used when textiles are heavily soiled or have stubborn stains.
To avoid using an excessive amount of detergent in the main wash, heavily soiled garments should be pretreated before washing. Gall soap is a good choice for this purpose. This household remedy is, on the one hand, very inexpensive and, on the other hand, free from fragrances, colorants, and preservatives that could trigger allergic reactions. Gall soap is also effective against a wide range of stains. For example, it helps remove gray haze. It is also effective on stubborn grease or protein stains, lipstick residues, as well as wine, blood, or ketchup stains.
The pretreatment process is simple. First, the dirty areas should be thoroughly soaked in warm water. Then the gall soap can be applied directly to the stain, where it should be left to act for about 10 minutes. This is followed by thorough rinsing with lukewarm water. After this pretreatment, the garment can be placed directly into the washing machine and washed as usual. If a stain proves particularly stubborn, the treatment can also be repeated several times.
Proper textile care does not end with washing. Afterward, there are still several things to consider during drying until the laundry is free of allergens.
For example, laundry should not be dried outdoors in the sun. Especially outside, allergens such as pollen can easily settle back into the textiles. Pollen adheres particularly well when the fabrics are still damp.
For allergy sufferers, laundry should not be dried outdoors. Drying indoors should only be done with adequate ventilation. Otherwise, there is a risk that harmful spores or germs may form and settle in the textiles.
If possible, laundry should be dried in a tumble dryer after the main wash. Drying in a tumble dryer smooths the fibers, giving textiles less surface area for allergens to cling to. An additional effect is that the tumble dryer uses heat again, which can eliminate and kill any allergens that may still remain in the laundry.
Finally, an iron can also help eliminate the last remaining allergens through heat. Ironing further smooths the fibers, effectively reducing the surface area available for allergens to adhere.
As an allergy sufferer, you do not have to live with the symptoms. Of course, proper laundry care is only one building block that can be used to minimize susceptibility. Especially when it comes to cleaning sleep textiles such as bed linen or protective covers, thorough removal of allergens is an important step, considering how much time we spend in bed and how much direct body contact occurs with these textiles. State-of-the-art technologies make it possible to clean textiles in an allergy-friendly way using special wash programs or low-allergen detergents. For this reason, allergy sufferers should consider purchasing an allergy-friendly washing machine. By making use of these options and following the care instructions mentioned above, it is possible to make a significant contribution to personal well-being and to support one’s health./p>
Diese Funktion befindet sich aktuell noch in Entwicklung.
Bitte schauen Sie bald wieder vorbei!
Februar 2, 2021 
5 Min. Lesezeit