When someone in your household lives with allergies, there are certain things you need to do differently — and that includes choosing the right allergy-friendly home appliances. So which ones matter most?
Setting Up a Home for Allergy Sufferers
If you have allergies, your home environment deserves extra attention. That means opting for natural materials that are resistant to dust mites, and ditching carpets, wallpaper, and heavy curtains wherever possible.
More frequent cleaning is a must, too. Stick to natural cleaning products rather than conventional chemicals, which can actually make allergy symptoms worse. Bicarbonate of soda, vinegar, and plain hot water are all excellent choices.
Ideally, allergy sufferers should avoid having pets — but it depends on how severe your symptoms are. If giving up your furry friend isn’t an option, focus on regular grooming and, once again, thorough hygiene throughout the home.
Which appliances can help?
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Tumble dryers
- Vacuum cleaners
- Air purifiers
Can a Dishwasher Trigger Allergies?
Opinions are divided on whether allergy sufferers should use a dishwasher at home. Some sources suggest the appliance itself isn’t the problem — it’s the detergents used inside it. You should avoid products containing dyes, fragrances, perfumes, and even bleach. Eco-friendly alternatives are a much better bet, and thorough rinsing of your dishes is essential.
On the other hand, a study by a research team at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found a link between the rising number of allergy cases and dishwasher use. Dishwashers use very high water temperatures, killing off a wide range of microorganisms and creating an almost sterile environment. As a result, the immune system doesn’t get the chance to build up adequate resistance to these stimuli.
Clean Laundry Is Key
A good washing machine can tackle not just everyday dirt, but also pollen and dust mites — provided it has special anti-allergy programmes. Different manufacturers call them different things, such as AllergyPlus or AllergyCare. These programmes can remove up to 99.9% of allergens.
Steam washing machines are particularly popular because the steam penetrates deep into fabric fibres, leaving clothes refreshed, softer, and thoroughly disinfected. Some models also use active oxygen technology, or wash on an extended cycle at 60 °C.
A Tumble Dryer Benefits Allergy Sufferers Too
A tumble dryer is a genuinely effective tool for easing allergy symptoms. It prevents pollen particles from settling on your clothes and other textiles — something that’s unavoidable when you dry laundry outdoors. Dust and other impurities can’t cling to the fabric either.
Some brands now equip their dryers with dedicated allergy programmes that typically use higher temperatures. A dryer can also disinfect your laundry — generally speaking, temperatures above 60 °C are enough to kill viruses and bacteria.
A Vacuum Cleaner Is Essential for Allergy Sufferers
One specification allergy sufferers should pay close attention to when choosing a vacuum cleaner is the dust re-emission rate — in other words, how much dust and debris escapes back into the air. The best models, rated class A, release less than 0.02%. This depends largely on the vacuum’s construction and, crucially, on how airtight the airflow path is.
Filtration is equally important. Look for output filters rated EPA or HEPA. These filters also carry a number — the higher the number, the better the filtration. For even more thorough cleaning, you might also consider picking up a stick vacuum alongside your standard model — it’s a handy replacement for sweeping.
Air Purifiers for Allergy Sufferers
An air purifier can be a real game-changer for people with allergies — especially those who react to dust and pollen. There’s a wide range of brands and models on the market, coming in all sorts of shapes and sizes. But the single most important feature of any air purifier is the filter it uses.
Make sure the model you choose is fitted with a HEPA filter, as mentioned above. Its high efficiency makes it the gold standard — it effectively captures dust particles, solid particulates, as well as bacteria, viruses, mould spores, and allergens.
