Dust Mite Control

Dust mites are tiny little creatures with the ability to cause big problems. Unable to be seen by the naked eye, they burrow down in your carpeting, furniture and mattress. Here they live for about four months, chowing down on human skin cells, mold, pet dander and other components of household dust. The problem comes when these little guys excrete waste and when they die. The residue left behind is what can make someone who has an allergy to dust mites miserable. However, if you have a dust mite allergy there are steps you can and should take to control your exposure.

The most effective treatment for an allergic reaction to dust mites is avoidance. Minimizing your exposure to dust mites will minimize your symptoms. Rigorous cleaning, especially in your bedroom can help reduce the dust mite residue. Use the following suggestions to help reduce the dust mites in your home.

• Build a barrier. Cover your mattress and pillows in dust proof or allergen impermeable covers.
• Choose bedding wisely. Use synthetic fabrics instead of wool or down bed covers.
• Wash your bedding weekly. Dust mites cannot live in extreme temperatures. Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bed covers in hot water. Freeze non washable bedding overnight in a chest freezer.
• Cut the clutter. If it collects dust, it also collects dust mites. Remove knick knacks, tabletop ornaments, books, magazines and newspapers from your bedroom.
• Remove dust regularly. Don't use a dry cloth because that will just spread the dust into the air. Use a damp mop or a damp rag instead.
• Vacuum regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a double-layered micro-filter bag or a HEPA filter. Vacuum carpet, furniture and curtains if possible. If you have severe allergies, leave the area while someone else vacuums for you. If this is not possible, wear a dust mask while cleaning. You can buy these at most stores or pharmacies. Stay out of the room for 20 minutes after vacuuming.
• Rethink your flooring. If your dust mite allergy is severe, replace your carpeting with tile, wood or linoleum flooring. Consider replacing upholstered furniture and removing fabric curtains.
• Buy washable stuffed toys. Wash them often in hot water and dry thoroughly. Keep the stuffed toys off of the beds.
• Buy a dehumidifier. Dust mites thrive in humid conditions so purchase a dehumidifier to keep the levels of humidity low in your home. You can buy a hygrometer at a hardware store to measure humidity levels.

You may be tempted to buy an air purifier, but you should know that an air purifier alone is not effective for reducing dust mites. Dust mites are not airborne for very long because they are too heavy. However, adding an air purifier in addition to the above cleaning practices can help reduce the amount of airborne dust.

Dust mites are bothersome little creatures. But with vigorous cleaning methods you can greatly reduce the amount of dust mites in your home. Look at the bright side, your house will be a lot cleaner because of it.