How to Get Rid of Dust Mites
Dust mites are annoying little creatures that can cause allergic reactions. No matter how hard you try, it’s not possible to completely eradicate dust mites from your home. However, there are precautions you can take to reduce the number of dust mites indoors. We’ve prepared 5 ways on how to get rid of dust mites.
Clean and dust off surfaces in your home daily
Dust mites survive off of dust and dead skin cells. As dust collects on surfaces every day, you need to wipe and dust off your furniture and anywhere that accumulates dust every day. Use a damp or oiled mop or rag rather than dry materials to clean up dust. This prevents dust from becoming airborne and resettling onto the surface.
Vacuum regularly
Household items like carpets, fabric sofa, curtain, and mattresses accumulate a lot of dust over time. You need to vacuum them regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum that can suck up small particles like dust. Using a vacuum without a HEPA filter will only suck up larger-sized dust and leave the tiny ones in the air which may cause allergic reactions.
If your allergies are severe, stay out of the area being vacuumed while someone else does the work. Wait about two hours before going back in the vacuumed room. It is also recommended to employ Professional cleaners like MGC Maintenance Services Sdn Bhd to assist you in deep cleaning your carpet and upholstery as we have the proper machines and detergents to ensure your items are clean and dust-free for your comfort.
Change and wash your bed sheets weekly
Our body sheds skin cells and moisture when we sleep. These are the two main food source for dust mites, if you don’t wash your bed sheet often, you are basically constantly providing the dust mites with food and water. If that’s the case, do you think they’ll ever leave?
That’s why you need to wash your bed sheet, pillowcase, curtains, and other washable fabrics often at a minimum temperature of 54.4 C. At this temperature, dust mites and allergens will be killed off. If 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 wash and dry the bedding to remove allergens.
Use allergen proof covers
Another step in our how-to-remove dust mites guide is to use dust and allergen-proof covers for your mattress. These covers, made of tightly woven fabric, prevent dust mites from colonizing or digging into the mattress or pillows.
Moreover, a hypoallergenic mattress and pillow is also a great way to reduce dust mites, though at a higher price. A hypoallergenic mattress incorporates a tightly woven fabric which makes it difficult for dust mites to penetrate through. Since the material also prevents the moisture from building up and the accumulation of dead skin cells, dust mites won’t have anything to feed on, leaving them to starve or go elsewhere.
Lower your home temperature and humidity
Dust mites are unable to survive in a hot and dry environment, that’s why it would make sense for you to lower the temperature and humidity indoors. Here’s how you can do this:
- turning on the A/C or fan
- ventilate your room by opening your windows.
- let the sun in and if possible, place your bed at directly at where the sun shines.
- Use a dehumidifier