What is the proper way to wash linen, taking into consideration allergies?!
Question: Will cold water wash and then hot dryer effectively rid dust mites? Or must it be hot water wash?
Answers: Will cold water wash and then hot dryer effectively rid dust mites? Or must it be hot water wash?
High heat in a dryer is probably your best bet. Water temperature won't make much difference; typical hot water isn't hot enough to kill the beasties, and can cause serious trouble if your water is hard. Calcium salts are less soluble in hot water, and will crystallize in the fabric and ruin it. (I found this out the hard way; a shirt literally fell apart after it was washed in hot hard water.)
Hot water is best but the heat from the dryer will work,too. Just be sure to keep the linen on the hottest setting for at least one hour.