How to Remove Dust Mites

Where there is dust there will most certainly always be dust mites. These tiny arachnids love to feed off dead skin flakes that we shed every day. They are invisible to the naked eye, don’t bite unlike head lice or bed bugs and do not spread disease, but they do leave droppings that can aggravate asthma and allergies.

Dust mites can be found on surfaces that trap dust, like mattresses, fabrics, and carpets that do not get washed regularly. These little critters thrive in warm, humid environments and multiply quickly and easily. Cleaning frequently can reduce dust levels in your home.

Clean Bedding

Just like we enjoy our warm and cosy beds so do bed bugs. Changing and cleaning your linen properly is important to control dust mites. Change and wash your linen weakly to remove allergens and kill dust mites. All non-washable items should be placed in the tumble drier on high heat for 15 minutes, or else place the items in a plastic bag and freeze for 24 hours.

Mattress Protector

The best way to control dust mites is to place mattress and pillow protectors onto your bed. Mattress protectors create a barrier preventing dust mites from getting to their food supply of dead skin cells and eventually dying off. Remember even with a protective cover you still need to steam clean your mattress at least twice a year.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

The perfect playground for dust mites is wall-to-wall carpeting as the fibres attract and hold onto dead skin cells that settle on it. Carpets are much more difficult to clean thoroughly than hard surface floors. If you or any family members have a severe dust mite allergy, it is best to remove all wall-to-wall carpeting as soon as possible.

Room Temperatures

Dust mites thrive in temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. Keeping the temperature, no higher than 20 degrees Celsius will not prevent dust mites, but will keep them from breeding and multiplying quickly.

Window Coverings

Fabrics are big dust collectors and will attract dust mites. Non-washable heavy drapes or other window coverings should be replaced with washable curtains or wooden blinds that can be dusted and washed regularly.

The same applies to upholstered furniture, choose hard surface furniture or washable covers to reduce the level of dust mites. Vacuum your furniture upholstery weekly and steam cleaner seasonally to kill dust mites.

Clutter

It is nice to display our loved collectables, but the more you have on display the more surfaces there are to collect dust. Try and keep your collectables in glass-enclosed cabinets or in covered boxes keeping them dust-free.

Dust mite allergens are what cause most allergies, therefore, with regular cleaning and decluttering you will be able to control the allergens present in your home.