Freezing soft toys before washing combats dust mites

Washing soft toys after putting them in the freezer overnight is a good way of reducing the asthma hazard to children posed by dust mites in the toys, University of Otago researchers say.

Recently published research by Associate Professor Rob Siebers, of the university's Wellington asthma, allergy and respiratory research group, and colleagues highlights the risks posed to children with asthma, arising from the mites in soft toys.

Researchers have known for some years that cold water washing removes allergens in the form of dust mite excreta but does not kill the mites.   More Read