We all live alongside dust mites. While it is true that for most of us dust mites are harmless, there are those whose lives are made miserable by their presence as they cause allergies for many. So, how can you keep the number of dust mites in your home under control? Here are a few simple ways:
Frequent dusting and vacuuming through the entire house will do a great deal to keep dust mites under control. When dusting, lightly dampen your cloth so that you do not redistribute the dust to another surface. Also, it is best to use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter which will stop dust from reentering the air. As well as the floors, make sure to include all textiles and soft furnishings when you are vacuuming.
A humid environment provides the best conditions for dust mites so try to maintain low humidity levels in your home. Air conditioners and even electric blankets are known to help with this.
Dust mites love bedding, and this is where they can be found in large numbers. In order to get rid of dust mites each time you wash your linens, they need to be washed at a high temperature, a minimum of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can place them in the dryer at a high temperature for 10 minutes which will also eliminate them.
Some may wonder whether air purifiers will help to eliminate dust mites. Air purifiers are a good idea in general for anyone suffering from allergies and they will help with dust mites that are found in the air. However, because dust mites are not usually airborne, this will not reduce their numbers that significantly.
