How to Deal with Dust Allergies

Are you constantly sneezing or coughing? These are usually signs that something in the air is aggravating you, more than likely it is an allergic reaction to dust mites. Under the microscope, dust mites appear as sightless, spider-like arachnids, and they can make it difficult for you to function. They can come from your pet, your plants and even your own skin. You can deal with dust by taking medication or wearing a mask, but do you really want to do this on a regular basis? The best way to deal with this is to make your house less dusty. This takes a two-pronged approach: reducing the amount of dust that comes in and getting rid of the existing dust in your environment.

Instructions

1. Develop an understanding about dust mites and the conditions they live in. Dust mites thrive in warm, dark, moist places. They thrive on sloughed-off human and animal skin. The more you know about them, the better equipped you are to deal with them.

2. Use a dehumidifier whenever the weather is humid. This makes it hard for the dust mites to grow inside your home.

3. Dust frequently. Old socks or mittens are great for this because they pick up the dust without getting it all in the air, and you can just toss them in the wash when done.

4. Vacuum regularly because this helps to keep dust to a minimum. Most vacuums today come with high-efficiency filtering systems that keep the dust from escaping into the air. Steam-cleaning carpets would also deter and lessen the dust mite population.

5. Another more expensive option is to get rid of the carpeting all together, since it's a good breeding ground for dust mites. Carpet also produces dust of its own in the form of carpet fibers.

6. Wash bed linens and pillowcases at least once a week in hot water to kill mites. You might also want to think about purchasing dust mite barriers and covers for mattresses and pillows.