Prevention of dust mites

Dust mites, which as relatives to spiders and are so small they cannot be seen with the naked eye, are a common nuisance present in the homes of many families. If it was not for the allergy they cause in some people, no one would really pay any attention to dust mites. However, since the allergic reaction can be quite intense and definitely very unpleasant, resembling hay fever or even asthma, it is clear that they should be eliminated.

Where can you find dust mites

Dust mites love dark, moist and warm areas, such as carpets, bedding, linen, upholstery and such. They feed on the dead skin that sheds from the human body.

The allergic reaction to dust mites can be temporarily alleviated with antihistamines and similar drugs designed for allergies. However, the only definitive way to prevent allergic reactions is to eliminate dust mites from the home.

Prevention of dust mites

It may not be possible to completely remove dust mites from the house, as they are very small, there are steps that can be taken to significantly reduce their number.

Because dust mites mainly thrive in bedding, sheets, blankets, comforters and covers, it is very important to wash these items frequently, at least once a week. They should be washed at high temperatures and bleached, if the fabric and the color permit it. Using a dryer is also recommended, as well as ironing.

Some items are not washable, and the best solution for them is freezing for 24 hours. This will kill the mites but unfortunately it will not destroy the allergens.

Bedding, pillows and linen that are currently not in use should be stored in sealed plastic bags.

Humidity and dust mites

Humidity is a major factor when it comes to dust mites. It is recommended to keep the relative humidity low, at 30 to 50 percent. This can be achieved with dehumidifiers and the level of relative humidity can be measured with hygrometers, which can be obtained in hardware stores.

Dust mites often thrive in stuffed toys, which is why it is recommended to buy washable ones. The amount of clutter in the home should be cut and the dust should be removed on daily basis, using a wet washcloth.

Vacuuming

As for the carpets and upholstery, those should be vacuumed, but not with a normal vacuum, which only removes surface dust. The vacuum cleaner ideal for removing dust mites should have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or a double-layered microfilter bag. It is also recommended to leave the room for 20 minutes after vacuuming to avoid dust re-emission.