Dust mites are tiny bugs that are invisible to the naked eye. Although dust mites don’t bite like bed bugs, they don’t sting or burrow into our bodies and are not disease carriers; they are, however, responsible for aggravating allergies and asthma, causing so many problems for millions of people. Fortunately, there are ways that you can reduce the number of dust mites in your home.
Here are the 3 Best Ways to Remove Dust Mites in Your Home
Use Allergen-Proof Covers
Protect your mattress, box spring, and pillows in zippered dust mite-proof covers. These covers, made of tightly woven fabric, will create a barrier between you and the mattress or pillow, preventing mites from getting in and out. Although a mattress cannot be completely dust free, you can reduce the number of dust mites by using an allergen-proof cover. These will prevent dust mites from escaping from the mattress or pillows, limiting their food supply, and causing them to die eventually.
Wash Bedding Every Week
Our beds are our haven, it’s where we can relax and rest after a long day of work. Unfortunately, dust mites also thrive in these environments by feeding on the flakes of our dead skin, making it a perfect breeding spot for them. This is why it’s important to frequently change and wash our bedding every week.
Washing all the bedding, pillowcases, blankets, and sheets in hot water that’s at least 130 F (54.4 C) is one of the best ways to kill dust mites in your home. Make sure to use an allergen-reducing laundry detergent that contains ingredients that remove dust mite allergens. If the bedding can’t be washed hot, put the items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 F (54.4 C) to kill the mites. Then proceed to wash and dry the bedding to eliminate allergens. For non-washable items, secure them in a plastic bag and freeze them for 24 hours. This method can kill dust mites, but it won’t eliminate the allergens.
Remove Carpeting
Carpets provide warmth and comfort, it makes our home cozy, especially in the cold winter. Unfortunately, dust mites are incredibly attracted to carpets. It’s inviting to them since carpet fibers attract and hold onto dead skin cells, making it a perfect breeding ground for them.
If you are allergic to dust mites, you must remove your carpeting, consider replacing the carpet with wood, linoleum, or vinyl flooring that can be mopped daily and is easy to clean. If you must keep the carpet, clean it daily by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.