If you frequently have a runny nose and your allergies are acting up, this could be due to dust mites in your home. Dust mites are tiny spider-like arthropods that cannot be seen by the naked eye and thrive in warm and humid conditions that are easy to find in homes.
These dust mites do not stay airborne for long and quickly settle into your bedding, upholstery, organic fibres, and more. You will mostly find these dust mites in your sheets, mattresses and pillows as these tiny creatures live off the dead skin cells that you shed every day.
In fact, according to a study, you shed 1.5 grams of skin cells every day, which is enough to feed about a million dust mites. But unlike bed bugs and lice, dust mites do not bite or harm your skin, but their faeces and body parts cause allergic reactions and heighten conditions like asthma.
Thus, to prevent these allergic reactions, it is important to kill dust mites and identify and clean or remove the source of these infestations regularly.
Here are 10 ways that can help you get rid of dust mites from your home:
Wash Your Bedding And Linen In Hot Water
Since your bedding is the most common space where dust mites breed and thrive, it is important that you clean and wash your bedding at least once a week. Launder them in hot water up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and then place them in the sunlight. If you cannot wash them on a hot cycle, place your bedding in the dryer at around 130 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
Since dust mites thrive in humid conditions, placing them under direct sunlight is the best way to kill them. Thus, many people put their carpets out in the sun to get rid of these tiny creatures that can wreak havoc with your health.
Use Allergen Proof Pillow Cases And Zip Mattress Covers
Professional end of lease cleaning in Melbourne also suggests using allergen-proof pillow cases and zip mattress covers to prevent dust mites from entering your bedding. If there are dust mites on the mattresses, they will be trapped by the covers and eventually die. You should also remember to clean these protective cases and coverings weekly on a hot cycle to keep them allergen-free.
Freeze Stuffed Toys And Ruffled Fabrics For 24 Hours
Next, if you have a lot of stuffed toys in your home or keep ruffled bed fabrics and upholstery, you should freeze these in an airtight plastic container for 24 hours. This will not remove the allergens like faeces and body parts, but it will kill the dust mites and prevent them from growing. It is best way to make them hygienic to use and place in the kid’s room since children are highly susceptible to allergies because of low immunity.
Use A HEPA Vacuum To Clean Your Carpets And Rugs
Along with your bedding, your carpets and rugs can also attract
household dust mites that settle in the inner fabrics. To reduce the dust mites, frequently vacuum these areas with a HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air) filter vacuum or use a double microfiber bag to capture and collect these allergens. It is vital to keep the floor coverings hygienic and maintain the indoor air quality.
Hire Professionals To Steam Clean Your Fabrics
Besides vacuuming your carpets and rugs, it is also a good idea to occasionally hire a professional end-of-lease cleaner in Melbourne to steam clean these fabrics. These experts will use an advanced steam cleaning machine to create steam up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit that will kill germs and allergens in your fabrics and prevent any moisture.
Tip:
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clean your upholstery fabric and improve the look of your home.
Reduce The Humidity And Temperature In Your Home
Dust mites thrive in temperatures between 68 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 to 80 % humidity levels. Thus, to prevent dust mites from breeding and multiplying, you should reduce your home’s temperature and humidity levels. Use a dehumidifier or an air conditioner to keep your home temperature below 68 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity to around 40%.
Get An Air Purifier To Absorb Odours And Reduce Humidity
You can also prevent dust mites from spreading and control the humidity in your home by using an air purifier. These air purifiers can help keep the indoor air quality clean and prevent asthma allergies as well as absorb foul odours. You can even use natural essential oils to create a fragrant atmosphere in the house and make it smell good.
Wipe Surfaces With A Damp Cloth To Remove Dust
Expert end-of-lease cleaners in Melbourne also suggest that you keep your home clean and free of dust mites by dusting it frequently. It is better to use a damp cloth to wipe surfaces and areas of your home to trap dust and prevent it from getting airborne. You should also damp-mop your wood and vinyl floors to keep them free of dust mites. A clean house ensures good health and mood.
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Get Rid Of Window Coverings And Wall To Wall Carpeting
Keeping dust mites in check is an ongoing battle, and you must ensure that you choose fabrics and coverings that are easy to clean and will not attract dust mites. You should avoid wall-to-wall carpeting as it traps and attracts dust mites, and use wood, vinyl and granite flooring that is easier to clean. You can also remove window coverings and drapes so they do not become a nest for these harmful allergens. It will also increase natural sunlight in the house that helps to kill germs.
Sprinkle Baking Soda And Clove Oil On Your Upholstery
Lastly, mix baking soda with a few drops of clove oil and sprinkle it all over your upholstery and bedding. Leave this for at least 20 minutes, then vacuum the solution. According to studies, clove oil will kill and remove dust mites from your surfaces, while baking soda will absorb any foul odours and keep your mattresses and bedding clean.
Tip:
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Conclusion
Although you cannot completely get rid of dust mites from your home, keeping your humidity and temperatures low, steam cleaning, and using allergen-proof covers will reduce their numbers and prevent them from spreading in your home.
You should also wash your linens in hot water and clean and vacuum all your surfaces to keep the number of dust mites to a minimum and avoid allergies.
