A steam cleaner could be the solution to your allergies, studies suggest – immunologists share their tips for conquering mites and dander

So many of us look forward to spring and summer for the longer days and warmer weather, but they also mark the start of peak allergy season.

From dust mites to pollen, every surface is a potential hazard when it comes to allergies. Luckily, a steam cleaner could help tackle them all.

Here, immunologists explain how a steam cleaner could help eliminate allergens from your home without the need for chemicals, with expert cleaning tips for allergy sufferers.

How to use a steam cleaner to improve allergies

Several allergens plague our homes, the most notable being dust, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. Luckily, when exploring how to combat common allergens, they can all be either removed or killed by cleaning with the best steam cleaners and steam mops, begins Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd.

He explains, 'Steam cleaning is an effective way to remove common household allergens, such as dust mite allergen and pet dander, due to the high-temperature profile that they can reach. The starting temperature for most steam cleaners is 212°F /100°C, and often reach higher temperatures.

'Live dust mites see reductions from temperatures starting at 131°F/55°C. While allergens and bacteria are more thermostable than live dust mites, denaturing at temperatures starting from 212°F /100°C, this temperature profile is within most steam cleaning device’s range, meaning that steam cleaning is an effective way to combat these irritants.'

It is one of the many reasons why I use the Black & Decker steam cleaner all over my home.

All prices correct at time of publication.

As a couple, my partner and I are particularly prone to allergens such as dust mites. While running the best air purifier certainly helps, and airing out bedding each morning and vacuuming regularly limits dust mites, nothing does as much as steam cleaning regularly.

For example, running the steamer over bedding every few days between washing helps to kill mites and bacteria that cause skin irritation and flare-ups so we sleep better.

What's more, steam cleaning also helps to remove dust properly, acting like a damp duster to collect dust and remove it from surfaces, rather than spread it around.

The efficiency of steam cleaning against allergens is far from anecdotal, either. One study in the Journal of Clinical & Experimental Allergy found that 'steam cleaning has considerable potential as a highly effective and efficient method of killing dust mites and reducing concentrations of Der p 1 [a dust mite-associated allergen] in domestic premises.'

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That being said, there are a few caveats to steam cleaning, and some home cleaning mistakes to avoid so you do not make allergies worse.

Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network, explains, 'Steam can kill off dust mites and other bacteria and viruses. However, you must make sure that surfaces are properly dried as humid environments can increase the risk of mold or dust mites.

'This is especially true of soft furnishings and when exploring how to clean upholstery, for example. All in all, however, this is a great way to clean things without using harsh chemicals.'

Running the best dehumidifier when steam cleaning large areas can help to maintain a safe indoor humidity to prevent mold and musty smells indoors.

Meet the experts

Dr. John McKeon

John qualified as a doctor from Trinity College Dublin, is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and also holds his United States Medical Licensing exams.He is now the principal at the iAIR Institute, a medical entrepreneur, and currently the CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd (ASL), an international standards and certification body, a company he founded while working as an Emergency Room Doctor. 

Dr. Purvi Parikh

Dr. Purvi Parikh is an adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist. She completed her fellowship training in allergy and immunology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Montefiore Medical Center Prior to that, she completed her residency at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, OH and she is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

FAQs

What is the most effective cleaning method for removing allergens?

One of the best cleaning methods for allergens is thorough sanitization, either through heat treatment such as hot laundry cycles and steam cleaning, or products such as soaps or chemical solutions.

Will steam cleaning get rid of pet dander?

Steam-cleaning upholstery can help you remove pet dander from fibers by killing bacteria. Pairing steam cleaning with vacuuming is even more effective, as you draw dander to the surface, and then use suction to remove the remaining traces.

While steam cleaning is one of the best ways to kill allergens without chemicals, there are some things to never steam clean in your home to avoid damaging surfaces.