They’re too tiny to be seen but highly problematic to those allergic to them: dust mites. Around 20 million Americans have dust mite allergies that make them feel they have colds which never go away or even asthma. You can find these little critters everywhere because they eat dead skin from people and pets, and skin flakes are highly abundant in clothing, beds, carpets, and furniture. At the same time, dust mites multiply quickly in warm and humid places.
Since these factors allow these pests to proliferate, the first step to avoiding dust mite allergies is eliminating them from your home. Though you cannot completely eradicate dust mites, you can significantly control them with these effective tips.
Wash Clothes, Bed Sheets, and Pillow Cases Regularly
Dust mites love dead skin which means clean fabric will deprive them of food. Clothes, bed covers, and pillow sheets must be washed frequently in hot water because heat can kill them. In addition, wrap clothes in plastic bags if you need to store them to prevent them from catching dust mites.
Use Hypoallergenic Bedding
Hypoallergenic covers for beds and pillows are designed to have small pore sizes that avoid mites and bug penetration. Using them can effectively protect you from dust mite infestation and reduce allergies.
Low-Humidity Rooms
Dust mites cannot easily multiply in dry rooms. Use a dehumidifier that keeps humidity levels low and controls the population of dust mites. Low humidity also discourages mold growth which may cause allergic reactions as well.
Remove Carpets
Carpets and rugs are breeding places of dust mites, so removing them from your home can greatly reduce mite populations. Furthermore, without carpets and rugs, cleaning out mites can be done faster and much more completely.
Damp Mops and Rags
Avoid dust mites getting airborne as they will have the chance to hide in the nooks and crannies of your home. Vacuuming scatters dust mites into the air, so it’s better to use damp mops and rags when cleaning your home.
Replace Old Mattresses
Mattresses have different lifespans and some can be as short as five years. Beyond this time, its materials would have broken down, making it easy for dust mites to penetrate and multiply. To prevent mites from infesting your bed where you spend a third of your life, consider replacing it with a new, discount mattress which can save you money and help you breathe better.
Dust mites should not be given the chance to reproduce and give you endless health problems. Control dust mite allergies with these housekeeping tips and you’ll soon find better sleep with less breathing and coughing problems.
Sources:
“Dust Allergies,” WebMD.com
“The Hidden Health Dangers of Dust Mites,” Learn.AllergyAndAir.Com
