Difference in Mite Survival in Blankets Washed in Top-Loading Vs. Front-Loading Washing Machines.

Blankets are reservoirs of dust mites and mite allergens. Previous studies of the effect of hot- and cold-water washing on the removal of dust mites from blankets have used top-loading washing machines, in which the machine’s tub is filled with water, which remains while being agitated. Particularly with cold or warm-water washing, many mites die by drowning or are simply washed out of the substrate while still alive. In contrast, many newer washing machines are water-conserving front-loaders, in which the item is repeatedly wetted and spun, without it staying submerged in water.