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If you’re allergic to dust mites you’ve probably wondered what the best laundry detergent is to kill dust mites and pet allergies.
When I was first diagnosed with dust mite allergy, I searched for as much information as possible on anti-allergen detergents. I found some useful articles, however, it was challenging to find information on killing dust mites in the laundry.
Below is an overview explaining why washing is essential to get rid of dust mites and the best laundry detergents to kill dust mites and get rid of pet allergies. More than just dust mites, the following detergents are considered anti-allergen laundry detergents (pollen, mold, and pet dander too)!
Best Laundry Detergent To Kill Dust Mites
| Rank | Brand | Detergent or Additive | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Allersearch | Detergent | $$ |
| #2 | Ecology Works | Detergent | $$ |
| #3 | Allertech | Detergent | $$ |
| #4 | Allertech | Additive | $ |
| #5 | DeMite | Additive | $$ |
| #6 | EasyAir | Additive | $ |
Washing For Dust Mites and Pet Allergies
Dust mites and other allergens (pets, animals) thrive in our homes. Dust mites exist by eating our waste, dead skin.
Places where humans spend the most time, such as beds and couches, are favorite places for dust mite because there is a constant supply of shed skin, warmth, and moisture.
Fabric and cushions make great places for dust mite to hide in. As a result, you can bet that pillows and mattresses are full of dust mites, their larvae, and feces.
Regular bedroom cleaning should be an essential chore for everyone, but it’s even more important for people suffering from dust mite allergy and pet allergies. In addition to covering mattresses and pillows with dust mite-proof covers, allergists recommend washing bedding at least 1x per week.
And regular washing won’t suffice. Water temperature should be extremely hot 130 degrees or more. If hot water isn’t possible, adding essential oil to the laundry detergent will help kill dust mites and larvae.
If using hot water or essential oils isn’t what you had in mind, we have a list (below) with some dust mite laundry detergents.
The Best Laundry Detergent That Kills Dust Mites and Removes Pet Allergies (Anti-allergen)
#1 Allergen Wash Laundry Detergent 24 oz. by Allersearch
“I’ve been using this product for a month and it works great. I definitely feel my towels and sheets smell cleaner and are reducing any allergic reaction to dust and dust mites. It is better than using Tide or the others I’ve used my whole life. Doctor recommended and it works!” – Customer
Allergen wash laundry detergent kills dust mites and helps remove, pet dander, pollen, and mold from all fabrics. It uses a substance they call ACARIL that helps removes allergens.
One of the great things about this product is it’s unnecessary to use high temperatures to get rid of the allergens and works well with bedding, clothing, delicates, stuffed animals, and rugs. For people with a sensitive nose, Allergen wash doesn’t have a strong scent
>> click here for reviews and price on amazon
Most of the reviews on this product are positive with comments that attest to reducing dust mites, dog and cat dander, and pollens. This is a solid product with verified results!
#2 The Ecology Works Anti Allergen Solution Laundry Detergent, 40 oz.
“I have used this product for a few years and I would highly recommend using it. I have a severe allergy to dust mites so my doctor recommended using an anti-allergen laundry product. Unlike other products I have tried, the Ecology Works brand does not have a chemical smell. I wash all bedding, blankets, comforters, robes and nightgowns with it.” – Customer
Ecology Works is a company out of West Palm Beach, Florida. Their mission states “we seek out sustainable solutions to the challenges of modern life”.
I’m not sure about you, but that level of responsibility is something I’d like to support.
The Ecology Works Anti-Allergen Solution is free of perfumes, dyes, and enzymes, but remains effective against bad smells.
It’s environmentally safe and 100% biodegradable – which is great news – and provides up to 40 wash loads. It also removes bad allergens such as mold, pollen, dust mites, and dander
>> check price and reviews on amazon
Reviews for this product are also positive. Customers seem to enjoy the environmentally friendly aspect and for delicate materials that can’t take the heat but need a thorough washing.
A few negative comments noted that the price was high, however they still applauded the detergent’s effectiveness.
#3 Allertech Laundry Detergent, 64 oz.
“Am on my second bottle of this now and have no problems with my dust mite allergies. And it’s
good to be able to use cold water to wash some delicate bed linens that might shrink in hot water. I also have very delicate skin that has reacted to even some fragrance-free detergents, but I’ve had no problem with this.” – Customer
Allertech has a few quality products that allergic individuals can use with laundry. They make the detergent without irritating ingredients like chemicals or perfumes by using a plant-based hypoallergenic formula.
This detergent will get rid of dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold and mildew at any temperature (using regular detergent you must use hot water to get rid of dust mites).
>> view reviews and price on amazon
This product equates to 64 normal sized loads (1 oz each) and almost double with high-efficiency washers. Allertech laundry detergent is slightly more expensive than other 64 oz detergents, however, natural ingredients will put your mind at ease.
Most reviews are solid, with many returning customers stating “no more itchy eyes”, “I’ve noticed an improvement in my dust mite allergy”, and “less coughing”.
A few negative comments have said “there are too many suds” and “may or may not be good for soft water”. Overall we like and recommend this laundry detergent to kill dust mites.
Related: The Best Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot) for Allergies
The Best Anti-Allergen Laundry Additives for Dust Mites and Pet Allergies
#4 Allertech 16oz Laundry Additive by Allertech
“This was one of my most recent steps in regulating my breathing and sinus problems. I had done many of
the usual recommendations to control my sleep environment and still had symptoms. This has been an important addition to my arsenal of changes that have cleaned up my environment. Very simple to use and remember when I do my wash.” – Customer
Allertech is a laundry additive specifically designed for killing dust mites. It is owned by allergy giant National Allergy who supply other reputable dust mite protection products.
This product comes in a smaller bottle (as an additive would), and small amounts (3/4 tablespoons) are added to existing detergents. The ingredients are fairly simple, benzyl alcohol, tea tree oil, and methyl salicylate.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is very effective in killing dust mites and their larvae. This product can be used for 20-24 loads in a regular washer.
>> check reviews and price on amazon
This is a newer product so reviews are limited, but overall they have good feedback. Most comments are specifically about dust mites and believe it is an effective product with numerous people saying it has helped their breathing while sleeping.
#5 DeMite Laundry Additive, 8 oz by DeMite
“I’ve been buying de-mite for about 4 years. Both my daughter and I have allergies. Hers are more severe. This was recommended by her asthma doctor. I’ve been washing all of our blankets and pillows in this religiously and we noticed a major difference immediately. It’s really gross to think about the fact that even though it was not visible, there was obviously something in our bedding that affected us at night.” – Customer
DeMite Laundry Additive began in 1995 after studies showed that allergic patients should wash their clothes and bedding in extremely hot temperatures.
For some people, not to mention delicate clothes, using 140-degree water was simply not possible. As a result, this company was born and it continues to fight dust mites in the laundry, no matter the water temperature.
DeMite Laundry Additive is a simple solution to dust mites. It is non-toxic and free of fragrances and dyes. Although a small bottle, it can be added to 11-12 regular wash loads and is safe for all colorfast items, with hot or cold water.
>> check reviews and price on amazon
Like the AllerTech product, DeMite Laundry Additive uses tea tree oil which is 100% natural and recommended by allergists. Many customers have commented that they were skeptical at first but have experienced health improvements since using.
This product is a great alternative to replacing your detergent…just add a few drops and you’re in business!
#6 Easy Air Organic 16-oz. Anti-Allergy for Indoor Allergies, 100% Organic Pet Allergen Laundry Additive
Amazing Solutions offers this Easy Air laundry additive from its company headquarters in Los Angeles, California. The company considers itself a boutique operation as it prefers to see a limited number of high-quality products.
All of the herbal-based products are developed by a physician, chemist, or naturopath.
We’ve also reviewed another Easy Air product (spray) and find that this is a quality brand that can be trusted. Their products come with a 100% money back guarantee.
>> check reviews and price on amazon
A few of the highlights:
- Destroys pet allergens produced by even the cleanest dogs and cats.
- Eliminates allergy-causing contaminants in clothing, bed linen, towels, even hand-washable.
- Kills dust mites!
- Gets rid of microscopic animal allergens that stick to pet cushions, towels and fabric toys.
- Also deconstructs microscopic allergy-causing dust mite allergens.
The reviews are extremely limited as I think this is a new product, however, all 3 reviews state that they liked the product. One commenter said it’s a great product and gives me peace of mind by providing protection against dust mite allergens, but doesn’t irritate my skin or asthma.
Other Ways To Protect From Dust Mites
Dust mite protection should not be 1 dimensional. In other words, allergic people should take multiple steps to ensure dust mites are minimized in their homes. These steps include:
- Covers for mattress, pillows, and blankets
- Regular use of HEPA Vacuums
- Use high-quality HVAC Allergen Filters (filter reviews)
- Minimize animals inside the home
- Good ventilation and use of dehumidifiers if in humid area
- Purchase leather couches instead of fabrics
- Hardwood, tile, linoleum, rather than carpets
From this bulleted list bed covers, HEPA vacuums, and HVAC filters could be the most important ways to protect from dust mite allergy… not only dust mites but pollens and mold too.
Not all vacuums are created equal. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance, meaning they capture the finest particulates from the floor and air.
Ordinary vacuums will only capture larger particulates and end up blowing around dust mites, pollen, and other allergens. HEPA vacuums are guaranteed to get the smallest particulates that you can’t see! Check out our blog post on the best HEPA vacuums!
HVAC filters are commonly overlooked by homeowners across the U.S. In fact, most people buy a cheap filter and rarely replace it.
Given that indoor air quality can be 5x worse indoors compared to outdoors, choosing a quality filter (and changing it regularly is important.
Filtrete is the most common HVAC filter on the market (link above). Look for their “allergy filters” which capture dust mites, pollen, mold, smoke, and odors. They actually purify your indoor air!
Related: The 5 Best Mission Allergy Products for Your Bed
Conclusion
For people allergic to dust mites or pets, it’s important to wash with an effective anti-allergen laundry detergent that gets rid of them. While there are many methods to get rid of dust mites and pet allergies, special detergents are on the market and proven to work.
In addition, laundry additives are a good option if you’d like to keep your existing detergent.
As with any allergy, it’s important to take additional protective steps inside your home. Using bed covers, vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum, using HVAC allergen filters can significantly improve your families health!
Thanks for reading the best dust mite laundry detergent. For additional products and reviews, visit us at Dust Mite Solutions!