How to Remove Dust Mites From Laundry With a Home Remedy
Dust mites are tiny, microscopic bugs. They live primarily on skin cells that have been shed, so they may be found in or on any fabric that comes in contact with people, such as bedding, carpeting, and clothes. While these bugs are not harmful by themselves, the excrement they produce creates an allergic reaction in predisposed individuals. This can wreak havoc on a person's respiratory system, particularly in the winter. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce the number of dust mites in laundry and other items. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Wash your infested laundry in water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is lethal to dust mites. Add some borax or other borate-based laundry product to increase the odds of killing all the bugs, as borate is poisonous to the mites.
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Wash your laundry a second time, this time to make sure that all dust mite carcasses and droppings are gone.
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Air dry your laundry outside on a clothesline in full sun when humidity is low. This will naturally help shake any remaining traces of the mites from the laundry and create a hot, dry environment any stragglers won't be able to tolerate. It also gives a clean, fresh scent to the laundry.
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Clean your house thoroughly. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter if possible, and avoid using dusters--these just spread dust around. Instead, wipe everything down with a damp (not wet) cleaning cloth, making sure everything is dry when you are done. Get rid of anything you don't need that is a dust magnet, such as old books tossed on the closet floor and any deteriorating or badly worn carpeting. Don't forget to change the air filters in your HVAC. Wear a mask as you work.
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Dehumidify your home. Dust mites have trouble tolerating low humidity environments. Aim for a humidity level between 40 to 45 percent.
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Sprinkle some tannic acid around problem areas, such as the closet. You can either buy straight tannic acid or you can use a fragrant source of the acid--tea.
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Tips & Warnings
Make your bed later in the morning. Making it right away traps moisture, creating a better environment for the mites. If you plan to wear an article of clothing again, hang it up right away to let any moisture evaporate, and don't put damp or wet clothes in the laundry basket.
If you have items that you can't launder, consider using a steam cleaner. The high temperatures produced by these devices are effective at killing dust mites if the item is not very thick. Ironing your clothes also may help kill the bugs, although it won't remove them or their droppings.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit clothes-pegs image by Gudellaphoto from Fotolia.com
