The Best Way to Get Rid of Dust Mites

Dust mites live anywhere that dust exists.

Dust mites are microscopic members of the spider family that feed on dead human skin flakes. Dust mites live where skin flakes are prevalent, such as carpets, drapes, bedding and cloth furniture. The droppings and eggs of dust mites cause allergic reactions in susceptible people. Many people who suffer from seasonal allergies and allergies to pet dander are unaware that dust mites may also be contributing to their symptoms. While it is impossible to eliminate all dust mites, aggressive household cleaning can greatly lower the number of mites living in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Large freezer
• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Vacuum cleaner with high efficiency air filter
• Plastic or vinyl covers for beds and bedding
• Disposable dust cloths

Instructions

1. 

   Cloth furniture holds breeding dust mites.

   Freeze pillows, bedding, clothing and drapes to kill mites. Launder everything after freezing to wash away the dead mites. For furniture, place it outside when the temperature is 32 degrees or below.

2. 

   Line drying is OK when items are washed in hot water.

   Place items that are not washer safe into a hot dryer for 20 minutes. The heat will kill the dust mites. For bedding, pillows and clothes that you normally wash, set the water temperature to at least 130 degrees.

3. Change bedding at least weekly. According to Mayo Clinic, you should cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-blocking covers that are made of vinyl or tightly woven fabric. Encase box springs in vinyl or plastic covers.

4. 

   You don't need expensive cleaners.

   Dust daily and remove all items that collect dust, such as knick knacks, magazines and framed photos. Damp cloths will trap the dust and dust mites, while using dusters sends the dust into the air to settle elsewhere.

5. 

   People with severe dust mite allergies should consider removing carpet.

   Vacuum carpet with a cleaner that has a high efficiency air filter. Open-Site recommends removing carpet and replacing it with vinyl, wood, or tile flooring.

Tips & Warnings

• Because dust mites like humid places, using a dehumidifier can help keep humidity between 30 and 50 percent.

• A hygrometer (available at hardware stores) can measure humidity levels in the home.

References

• Mayo Clinic:Dust mites
• Open-Site: How to Get Rid of Dust Mites