Wash bedding weekly in hot water

What to Do

Wash all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in hot water (at least 130°F/54°C) during allergy season. Use a hot dryer cycle.

Why It Works

Hot water kills dust mites and removes accumulated pollen from fabric. Bedding collects pollen from hair and skin throughout the week, and dust mites feed on dead skin cells in the sheets. Weekly hot washing eliminates both allergen sources from the surface you press your face against for hours every night.

Tips

• If fabrics cannot tolerate hot water, a hot dryer cycle for 15+ minutes also kills mites
• Dry bedding in the dryer, not on an outdoor clothesline
• Allergen-proof encasements under the sheets add an additional barrier
• Do not make the bed immediately after waking — let sheets air out for 30 minutes to reduce moisture