Living with allergies can feel like a constant battle, but the way you wash your clothes can help.
Certain washers are actually designed to remove more allergens, like dust mites and pollen, with specific settings and special features.
So, what is the best washing machine for allergies?
You don’t need to worry. We’ve tested them out and explored all of the options that you can find on the market right now.
Let’s take a look at our top washing machine choice for anyone that struggles with common allergies.
GE GFW650SPNSN Smart Front Load Washer – Our Top Choice
This machine is pretty high-tech, and it has a lot of interesting features, but it’s the antimicrobial and anti-allergy technology that stand out.
It’s a relatively large washer, which is good for families that are often doing heavier loads, and it is specifically designed with freshness in mind.
It also has a pretty stylish, modern look and feel to it – and that’s a nice added bonus.
Features
- Sanitize + Allergen Wash Cycle – One of the best cycles we’ve found for sanitizing your fabrics and removing common bacteria and allergens.
- UltraFresh Vent System – Gets rid of excess moisture to prevent mildew and mold build-up.
- Microban Technology – Microban Antimicrobial technology prevents the growth of common microbes.
- Easy Rinse Options – Adaptable cycles for removing additional allergens, in addition to the Sanitize + Allergen setting.
What We Like About The GE GFW650SPNSN
When looking at all of the different machines that boast anti-allergy options, we didn’t test out any that covered quite as many bases as this one.
The Sanitize + Allergen setting that it has is probably the most comprehensive and effective on the market, and we particularly liked the fact that the machine feels clean and fresh.
Besides the fact that the specialist wash cycles do a great job of getting pollen and dust mites out of your fabrics, the vent system and antimicrobial tech reduce the amount of mold and mildew that develops in the machine as well.
What We Don’t Like About The GE GFW650SPNSN
There is a lot to like about this washer, but it’s not exactly compact.
You need a good amount of room for it, which won’t be a problem for a lot of people but certainly makes it less appealing for small apartments.
Combine it with the matching dryer and you’re really talking about a lot of space.
The technological components are also very handy, but if you do have problems with them then they can be complicated to fix.
We did also find that it is not always the quietest, particularly with heavier loads.
Pros & Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Anti-Allergy wash cycle |
Large size |
|
Antimicrobial tech |
High tech can need troubleshooting |
|
Reduces excess moisture |
Can be a little noisy |
|
Self-cleaning |
|
|
Adaptable cycle options |
|
Alternative Option: Bosch WAT28400UC 300 Series Compact Front Load Washer
This Bosch washer also has some great features for reducing and removing allergens, and it’s much more compact too.
It only has a 2.2 cu. ft. capacity, but it is great if you’re struggling with allergies as well as being tight on space.
It has a high-heat anti-allergen cycle that deals with the vast majority of common allergens, and it automatically adjusts the amount of water and energy required to reduce excess moisture.
What To Look For When Buying a Washing Machine for Allergies
Anti-Allergy Settings
Although there are ways to reduce the allergens in your clothing by manually adjusting the options on your machine, having a dedicated anti-allergy setting makes things a whole lot easier.
Self-Cleaning
One of the main contributors to a build-up of allergens in your clothing is an unclean washer or dryer, so machines that offer efficient and effective self-cleaning can make a big difference.
Rinsing
Most machines will be able to give you high-heat wash options, which helps to remove common allergens, but an efficient and powerful rinse cycle is perhaps even more important.
This is particularly true when you’re washing more delicate items that need to be kept at lower temperatures.
FAQ
Can the GE GFW650SPNSN wash bedding?
Yes. It has a 4.8 cu. ft. drum capacity and has additional settings for bulky loads/bedding. You can also wash your bedding with the Sanitize + Allergen setting to help with allergies during the night.
What is the anti-allergy setting on a washing machine?
The anti-allergy setting on a washing machine typically combines high temperatures and additional rinsing to remove common allergens, like dust mites and pollen.
How do you get rid of allergens in laundry?
If you don’t have a specific anti-allergy setting, then you can wash at a higher temperature (140 F) where possible, rinse your clothing multiple times, and regularly clean out your washer to remove mold and mildew.