Dust mites: these two little words strike fear into the
hearts of homeowners all over the world. These microscopic bugs cannot be seen,
but they are certainly there, lurking throughout your home in places like your
bed, your carpeting and rugs, and your upholstered furniture. Related to the
spider, these tiny creatures prefer warm environments, as well as humidity. And
they feast upon the flakes of skin that are shed daily by everyone living in
your home, including your pets.
When dust mites take over, they can cause allergies and
respiratory problems, particularly in individuals who are sensitive as a result
of conditions like asthma. But even if dust mites really gross you out, you
need to first come to the understanding that you cannot
eliminate them 100% from your environment. Instead, you can take steps to
effectively reduce their numbers to a much healthier level. Continue reading to
learn how.
Get the Right Vacuum Cleaner
With so many different types of vacuum cleaners on the
market, it can be difficult to determine which one is really the best option.
But when it comes to getting rid of dust mites, a unit with a built-in HEPA
filter is the one you should invest in. Another option is a unit that contains
a double-layer micro-filter bag. These will effectively catch all of the
allergens in your environment, including dust mites, and prevent them from
being re-released into the rooms throughout your home. The end result,
especially with regular use, is a home with fewer dust mites.
Remember, though, that vacuuming will not eliminate 100% of
dust mites. If you are really concerned about this or you have family members
who are very sensitive to their presence, remove carpeting and opt for tiled or
hardwood flooring instead.
Clean Up the Bed
Your bed can play host to more dust mites than you would
probably feel comfortable sharing it with. But, thankfully, there are steps you
can take to reduce the population and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep knowing
you are not exposed to these tiny bugs.
First, get yourself on a schedule that forces you to wash
your bedding at least once a week. To kill dust mites, you should use hot
water. Any bedding materials that cannot be washed traditionally can instead be
frozen overnight. Both of these methods will eliminate the dust mites
effectively.
Secondly, your pillows and mattress should be covered in
materials that are allergen-proof and dust-proof. You may have to shop from
specialty stores to find these products, but it will be worth it to eliminate
as many dust mites as possible.
Use a Dehumidifier
In addition to a home air
filter that will effectively clean the air you breathe inside your house,
you should also invest in a dehumidifier that will maintain the appropriate
humidity level in every room. Remember, dust mites prefer humid and warm
environments, so keeping the humidity
level at 40-50% is one way to make your home an inhospitable place for
these creatures. Use the dehumidifier all year long if you need to in order to
maintain this ideal level of humidity. A hygrometer, which can be found at
building supply shops, is one of the best ways to monitor moisture levels.
Clean Plush Toys
Although your children may love to play with plush toys and
stuffed animals, these can also hold a high population of dust mites, just like
your bedding and pillows. To kill off the dust mites on these products, place
them in the freezer for a day every two months. You can then wash these toys in
the washing machine with cold water before tossing them in the dryer.
Dust Regularly
Dusting regularly is also key in eliminating as many dust
mites as possible. But instead of using a dry cloth or rag, use a damp one that
will effectively trap dust without simply moving it from one place to another.
Dust mites may be quite disgusting to think about, but they
are easily controlled. By simply maintaining a clean home and keeping the air
quality as high as possible through the use of air filters and dehumidifiers,
you can dramatically reduce the number of dust mites throughout your home. And
this will hopefully let you rest easier at night.
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