Although the thought of dust mites living in your home is an unpleasant one, the fact is that they live in pretty much every home. Dust mites can be so abundant that in just one square yard of carpet there can be as many as 100,000 dust mites. Dust mites are not generally considered to be a big problem; however, they do cause allergies in many people. So, what are some ways you can reduce the number of dust mites in your home?
There are many detergents and other products available that are designed to protect you from dust mites, but these are very often not as effective as they claim to be. Instead, there are some general ways you can eliminate them. Here are some suggestions:
One place dust mites are abundant is in bedding. If you want to kill all dust mites from bedding then its best to wash it at a minimum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also place your bedding in the dryer at a high temperature for 10 minutes and this will also kill them.
Dust mites love warm, humid environments so look for ways to reduce humidity levels. Electric blankets and air conditioners have been found to be effective.
Vacuuming is a very good way to reduce a dust mite population, preferably use a vacuum with a HEPA filter which will prevent dust from going back into the air and regularly vacuum carpets, textiles, and other soft furnishings, etc. Before vacuuming, it is also best to dust the home with a damp cloth and try not to disperse the dust to other areas.
Air purifiers can also help in homes with allergy sufferers. Use a HEPA filter air purifier. It should be noted, though, that while this will help to reduce the number of dust mites in the air, it will not eliminate them as dust mites are not usually airborne.
