Best Washing Machines for Allergies

A good washing machine for allergies does much more than just remove visible dirt. It targets the microscopic triggers that cause reactions. By using specific combinations of heat, water, steam, and specialised drum movements, these machines can effectively wash away or kill dust mites, denature pollen and pet dander, and thoroughly rinse out any leftover detergent residue that could irritate sensitive skin.

Many modern washing machines come with specially designed cycles that wash clothes at a consistent, high temperature (usually 60°C or more) and finish with extra rinses. This one-two punch is brilliant for killing off dust mites and ensuring that allergens like pollen, along with any detergent residue, are completely washed away. Brands like Bosch are well-known for their effective ‘AllergyPlus’ cycle, and you’ll find similar ‘Hygiene’ programs in many Westinghouse and Haier models.

Steam is a powerful tool for deep cleaning and sanitisation. It penetrates deep into fabric fibres at a high temperature, helping to kill germs and neutralise allergens without harsh chemicals. This is especially useful for refreshing items that can’t handle a very hot wash. As a bonus, it also helps to reduce wrinkles, meaning less time spent ironing. Beko’s ‘SteamCure Hygiene+’ and Electrolux’s ‘Sanitise’ cycles are fantastic examples of this technology in action.

Some of the newest machines on the market use ultraviolet (UV-C) light to sanitise your laundry. This is an incredible feature because it can kill more than 99.9% of bacteria at lower wash temperatures. This means you can get a truly hygienic clean on delicate items that wouldn't survive a hot wash. Look for this technology in selected top-load washers from Fisher & Paykel and advanced front-load models from Haier.

Leftover detergent is a common cause of skin irritation. Machines with extra rinse options are a must-have for sensitive skin. Even better are washers with automatic dosing systems, like Bosch’s i-DOS or Beko’s AutoDose. These clever machines weigh your laundry and dispense the perfect amount of detergent every time, preventing overuse and ensuring everything is rinsed clean.

Several of our most trusted brands have put a lot of research into developing laundry solutions that help create a healthier home environment. Here are a few that really stand out:

Bosch washing machines are famous for their reliability and precision. Their ‘AllergyPlus’ program is specifically designed for people with sensitive skin, as it maintains a constant high temperature and uses extra-thorough rinsing stages to minimise irritants. It’s no surprise that models like the Bosch Series 8 9kg Front Loader are so popular, carrying a fantastic 4.8-star average rating from nearly 500 verified Appliances Online customers.

Westinghouse washers are a favourite in many Aussie homes, and their ‘Plus Hygiene’ function is a huge reason why. This cycle uses water vapour to gently but effectively neutralise common household allergens and bacteria. It’s an ideal feature for families, helping to keep bedding, towels, and school uniforms hygienically clean. Many of their models, like the Westinghouse EasyCare 700 10kg Front Loader, boast impressive 4.9-star ratings from hundreds of happy customers.

Both Fisher & Paykel and Haier have pioneered the use of UV light in their machines to offer a low-temperature, chemical-free way to sanitise clothes. Fisher & Paykel’s ‘UV Sanitise’ in their top loaders and Haier’s ‘UV Protect’ feature in their front loaders are designed to kill bacteria effectively, making them a superb choice for everything from baby clothes to delicate sportswear. This innovative approach has earned them consistently high ratings, with the Fisher & Paykel 8kg Top Loader earning a 4.6-star rating from over 1,000 reviews.

Beko has focused heavily on health and hygiene, and their ‘SteamCure Hygiene+’ technology is seriously impressive. It’s designed to reduce common household allergens by up to 99.9%, giving you real confidence in the cleanliness of your laundry. This makes Beko washers, like the highly-rated Beko 9kg Front Load Machine, a powerful ally in the fight against sniffles and skin irritation.

To make things easier, here are some of our top-rated washing machines that customers have loved for their allergy-friendly features. This list is a great starting point for finding the perfect machine for your home.

At Appliances Online, our job is to make the entire process completely stress-free. With our Legendary Service, you get Free Next-Day Delivery to most metro areas, so you won’t be waiting long. Our friendly delivery team will even connect your new washing machine for free, making sure it’s ready to use straight away. Plus, we’ll take away your old, disconnected machine at no extra cost, so you don’t have to worry about trips to the tip. It’s all part of our promise to make your life easier.

A hot wash at 60°C or higher is what you need to effectively kill dust mites and their eggs. Many of the dedicated ‘Allergy’ or ‘Hygiene’ cycles on modern machines are designed to maintain this temperature consistently throughout the main wash phase.

Yes, some people can have skin reactions to the fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals found in laundry detergents. If you have sensitive skin, look for a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergent and always choose a machine with an ‘Extra Rinse’ option to ensure all residue is washed away. An auto-dosing machine can also help by preventing you from using too much soap.

It's a great habit to run a machine clean cycle once a month. This helps to wash away any built-up mould, mildew, or detergent residue inside the drum and pipes, which can contribute to odours and potential irritants. Some machines, like many from Bosch, even have a helpful reminder function that lets you know when it's time for a clean.

Absolutely. Steam works wonders by penetrating fabric fibres at a very high temperature. This process helps to kill bacteria, deactivate allergens like pollen, and sanitise your clothes thoroughly. It’s a great way to achieve a hygienic clean, especially on items you might not want to boil-wash.

Front loaders are often recommended for allergy sufferers because they typically wash at higher, more consistent temperatures and use a tumbling action that helps dislodge allergens. Their higher spin speeds also do a better job of removing water and leftover irritants. That said, new top loaders with features like UV sanitisation are also excellent choices.