How to Get Rid of Dust Mites

Believe it or not, but a typical mattress may has anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside. Mites like to live in our beds because it is warm and they can eat our dander. They are so small we can't see them but their feces can cause allergic reactions to some people. Read these steps to learn how you can get rid of dust mites.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wash Machine
• Vacuum
• Spray Allergen

1. Just washing your bedding every week, can make a difference. Although you can't wash all your bedding in hot water, at least wash your sheets in hot water at 130 degrees. I wash blankets in cold water. Don't forget your mattress pads and pillows. One way to cut down on the washing of your pillows is to put them in a plastic bag and then cover them with a zippered pillow cases.

2. 

   Also you can leave the plastic covering on your bed when you buy a new mattress and put your mattress pad on top of that. There are also covers that you can buy that keep dust mites out. You can search the internet for special sheets and other bedding. While you are doing all this, make sure you vacuum back of your headboard and any other place around your bed where dust mights could thrive.

3. Get rid of your feather and down pillows. They are hard to wash and a haven for dust mites and allergies. Use pillows that have synthetic filling or are foam. Wool blankets are impossible to wash and nylon or cotton are better and easier to wash.

4. 

   If you are doing your child's bedding, make sure you wash their stuffed animals, too. If there are some you can't wash then put them in a plastic bag and freeze them over night. That will be enough to kill the mites.

5. 

   Because mites like it moist and warm, leaving your bed unmade helps to dry it out. If you plan to do that, flip your pillows, too, when you get up so the warm side is exposed to the air.

6. Watch your thermostat, especially if you live in a humid state. Keeping the temperature below degrees helps keep mites away.

7. Vacuum around the bed at least once a week, or if you have wood floors use a damp mop to dust, so that nothing goes flying into the air and landing on your bed. Wash your curtains or better yet, just get rid of them and use a vinyl shade.

8. 

   The allergen sprays really work. Spray around your home and keep a bottle in your bedroom so that you can spray your mattress in between washign the bedding.

Tips & Warnings

• Wiping down the plastic bed covering once a week.
• Although freezing mites kills them it doesn't get rid of their feces.