Dust mites are a torment for many people with indoor allergies. These microscopic pests can cause severe allergy flare-ups when you are indoors. Fortunately, there are various methods to combat house dust mites.
Important tips to combat house dust mites
House dust mites are most prevalent in the areas of the home where we spend the most time. They spread on surfaces that tend to form dust, such as: E.g. mattresses, carpets and fabrics that cannot be washed regularly. The mites thrive in warm, moist environments and reproduce quickly and easily.
However, it is impossible to eliminate their entire population, but you can at least reduce their number. The allergic reactions depend on the dose: the fewer house dust mites you have in your home, the less likely you are to be bothered by respiratory or skin symptoms.
Care for the fabrics in the apartment
- Wash bedding:Our beds are just as warm and comfortable for the mites as they are for us, thanks to the large amount of skin flakes they feed on. Therefore, all washable bedding should be changed at least once a week and cleaned in hot water to kill the pests. Fabrics that cannot be washed should be tumble dried on high heat for at least 15 minutes weekly.
- Mite-proof coverscan protect your mattress and pillows from dust mite infestation. The covers, which have zippers to close them tightly around the bedding, trap the mites and prevent them from multiplying. The dust mites inside the covers eventually die, while others cannot penetrate. Even if you use such allergen-safe covers, you still need to clean your bedding frequently.
- Carpeted floorsprovide a comfortable habitat for dust mites, especially if they lie on concrete, which easily retains moisture. If possible, replace them with tile, wood, linoleum or vinyl flooring. Remove sheepskin or wool pads.
- Curtains:If you have heavy curtains or curtains that cannot be washed frequently, consider getting rid of them. Otherwise, they are likely to become dust collectors and therefore traps for dust mites. Instead, opt for curtains that can be machine washed or wooden blinds that can be dusted regularly.
- Stuffed toys:Remove all stuffed animals and replace them with wooden or plastic toys that can be washed. Stuffed animals should be cleaned weekly using the same method used for bedding.
- Clothing:Wash clothing that has been stored for a long time before use.
Frequent vacuuming and mopping
- Vacuum your floors as often as possible, ideally daily, but at least weekly. You should vacuum upholstered furniture once a week. Use a vacuum cleaner with a double-layer microfilter bag or a HEPA filter to reduce the device's household dust emissions. Then use a damp mop.
- Steam cleaning at 200 °C can also kill the mites. Therefore, try to steam clean your carpets and upholstered furniture once a season.
- Regular dusting reduces the amount of dust and improves overall air quality. Use a damp cloth to catch dust while cleaning. This prevents the dust from spreading into the air and settling again. Be sure to reach blinds, furniture gaps, and other small areas where dust collects.
- For many surfaces, simply using water to dampen the mop or cloth is sufficient, but you can also use a cleaning spray appropriate for the specific surface.
Reduce humidity
This is probably the most effective prevention measure you can take. Keep the humidity in the home, especially in the bedroom, below 50%. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Opening the windows for an hour every day can also helpReduce humidity in the apartment.
Use natural oils to kill dust mites
A 2014 study found that clove oil can help get rid of dust mites. The oil can be diffused into the air or mixed with water and sprayed onto fabric surfaces. Another option is to mix a few drops of oil with baking soda and sprinkle the mixture on surfaces. Leave it on for at least an hour and then dust it off. Always test on a small area to make sure the oil doesn't stain. However, the effectiveness depends on the concentration used and the duration of exposure to the affected area.
Improve air filters to combat dust mites
A home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems have a large impact on the amount of dust that circulates through the air and settles on surfaces. The filters in these systems should trap the dust as long as they are functioning properly, which in turn helps get rid of dust mites. Make sure you have a high-quality filter that is compatible with your device and clean and replace them often. Also don't forget the filters of humidifiers, dehumidifiers, tumble dryers andChange vacuum cleaner regularly.
