How to Prevent Dust Mites

Tiny dust mites are common to most homes. While they are so small that you need a microscope to see them, hundreds of thousands may be living in your carpet, mattress and favorite recliner. They would not be a problem, except that many people develop allergies to their droppings. In that case, prevention is important.

Dust mites enjoy the home because they feed on dust, which is mainly composed of your dead skin cells and those of your pets. Preventing dust mites centers on controlling dust in the home--especially in its coziest areas, which dust mites enjoy the most.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
• HEPA Air purifier
• Plastic mattress covers

How to Prevent Dust Mites

1. Vacuum all carpeting and upholstery. Use a strong vacuum with a HEPA (for high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which captures smaller particles like dust and pollen than the average filter. Carpeting is a haven for dust mites.

2. Buy at least one air purifier with a HEPA filter for the bedroom and one for each carpeted room. They will help to remove small particles of dust, and their dead skin cells, from the air.

3. Encase mattresses in plastic or rubber. Mattresses are palaces for dust mites, which enjoy the endless supply of shed skin cells and the warm, dark environment. Putting an impermeable barrier between the mattress and your body will eliminate the dust mite's food supply in one of its most common refuges.

4. Launder pillows, pillowcases and all bedding in hot water and detergent once a week. When you strip the bed to do this, take a moment also to wipe down the rubber or plastic mattress cover with a damp cloth.

5. Sweep and damp-mop floors and counters frequently. Dust mites can live wherever dust is allowed to collect.

6. Launder (in hot water) curtains, draperies, and other fabric items monthly, or more often if possible. Dust sticks to these fabrics just as it does to carpeting and bedding. Materials that are dry-clean-only can be taken to a dry cleaner.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider removing carpeting from the home. It's much easier to keep hard surfaces free of mites than it is to keep carpeting free of dust and dust mites.
• It is difficult to completely prevent dust mitesbut following these methods will keep their numbers down.

References

• Information About Dust Mites
• More About Controlling Dust Mites