How to Get Rid of Dust Mites on Hardwood Floors

You've finally gone to the allergist to get tested and find the root of your runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. When the results come back, you're surprised to find that you're allergic to dust mites! Dust mites thrive in moist humid areas with bedding and carpeting being the worst areas. One square yard of carpeting can hold up to 100,000 dust mites! Hardwood floors are the best choice for those with dust mite allergies, but how do you get rid of dust mites on hardwood floors?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electrostatic dust mop Allergen rated furnace filter HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner

1. Replace your furnace filter with a high-quality allergen-rated filter. These filters specify on the packaging that they will trap dust mites. To get rid of the mites on your floor will mean preventing them from being blown into the room.

2. Clean your hardwood floor with an electrostatic dust mop. This type of mop will collect the dust mites rather than pushing them around. Make sure the mop is machine washable. Hot water is needed to kill dust mites.

3. Vacuum drapes and upholstery once a week, using a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner. While dust mites cannot live on hardwood floors, they thrive in areas such as carpets and curtains where dead skin may accumulate. You may not think your drapes are accessible to mites. However your furnace will blow them throughout the house and they will collect on cloth-covered surfaces.

4. Air out your house as often as possible and try to keep your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower. Dust mites cannot survive in temperatures below 70 degrees.

5. Consider replacing your upholstered furniture with leather and your drapes with blinds. Likewise, protect your mattress and pillows with dust mite proof covers. This will eliminate the places where dust mites can survive, ridding your hardwood floor of the residue they leave.

Resources

• Dust Mites: Everything You Might Not Want To Know!