Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2006 Dec;26(4):289-296.

Effect of Steam-drum Laundry Machine for Removal of Allergens

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Mechanical laundry has a key role for environmental control of allergens. However, the optimal conditions for removing allergens such as house dust mite (HDM), dog dander, and pollens are not yet clear. METHOD: Four cleaning modes such as 30degrees C, 40degrees C, 60degrees C, and steam (adapt steam and water cleaning) were evaluated. Viability of HDM was assayed with heat escape method and levels of group 1 major allergens of D. farinae (Der f 1) and dog dander (Can f 1) were assayed with 2-site ELISA. Levels of pollen protein were assayed with Bradford method. RESULT: At 60degrees C and steam cleaning modes, all HDM were dead but at 30~40degrees C modes, only 6.4~9.3% of HDM were dead. The levels of Der f 1 in extraction buffers immediately after 30degrees C, 40degrees C, 60degrees C, and steam cleaning were 26.8%, 2.4%, 1.3%, and 0.6%, respectively. The levels of Can f 1 were 41.5%, 42.7%, 12.6%, 9.8% and the pollen protein levels were 31.8%, 4.9%, 3.9%, and 2.8%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Steam and 60degrees C cleaning is better than 30~40degrees C cleaning for removing indoor and pollen allergens.

MeSH Terms

Allergens*
Animals
Buffers
Dander
Dogs
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Hot Temperature
Pollen
Pyroglyphidae
Steam
United Nations
Water
Allergens
Buffers
Steam
Water