Mites that can trigger an allergic reaction are lurking in nearly every crevice in your home. The secretions of a dust mite do not pose any serious health risk, unless you suffer from allergies or asthma. Identifying the environment that the mites thrive in and learning how to control them can ease the breathing and health of individuals that experience allergies or asthma from these pests.
Carpet Dust Removal
Dust mites can be removed, not redistributed, by selecting a vacuum cleaner that was manufactured with a HEPA filter. Cleaning units that do not implement these filters can often create more misery for allergy suffers than not vacuuming!
It is important to remember that your vehicle also contains carpet and will require the same attention as your home. The allergy suffer should attempt to have someone else assume the responsibility of chores, especially vacuum cleaning, that involve direct contact with dust. It also helps to have the allergic individual avoid re-entering the room for 20 minutes after cleaning has been completed. Asthma attacks are frequently triggered by exposure to allergens, including airborne dust.
Upholstery Cleaning
Dust mites thrive on surfaces that contain upholstery. These areas are typically overlooked during routine household cleaning and are breeding grounds for allergens. Weekly vacuum cleaning of these surfaces will greatly reduce the amount of dust that is present in the home environment. Slipcovers are an easy way to minimize exposure to mites that become trapped in upholstery. The slipcovers can be laundered on a regular basis and simplify the cleaning process.
Bedding Protection
Dust proof allergen barriers can be purchased to encase mattresses, box springs and pillows. These protective covers provide a non-permeable encasement that prevents dust mites from entering the area that is inhabited and most closely contacted by the allergy suffer for the greatest amount of most 24 hour periods.
Wool and down bedding are best if avoided, since these fabrics harbor more mites than synthetic or cotton linens. High heat is essential for removing dust mites, thus color fast fabrics that can tolerate temperature and repetitive washing are important factors to consider when purchasing bedding. Hot water that is 130-140 degrees is required to kill the mites. If possible, launder bedding on a weekly basis. Bedding or accent pillows that can not tolerate heat should be placed in chest deep freeze overnight.
Dusting
A damp cloth or mop is the most efficient method to remove dust from non-carpeted or non-upholstered areas of your residence. The moisture present in a damp cloth of mop traps the mites and prevents them from becoming airborne.
Storage & Clutter
Cluttered areas are a dust mite’s best friend. Investing in lidded plastic containers is a great investment. This provides an area to store excess items and the lid can easily be wiped clean. Storage in plastic containers also means fewer objects to clean, since the box is providing an excellent barrier so that dust mutes can not collect.
Carpet Vs. Hard Surface Flooring
Dust mites, animal dander and pollen thrive in the porous surface that is provided by carpeting. Hard surface flooring, like hardwood and tile, are ideal materials for those that are sensitive to allergens. The hard surface flooring is easy to clean and allows for easy and thorough removal of allergic substances. Unfortunately, these alternative flooring materials can be expensive and cost prohibitive. .
Humidity
Dust mites, pollen and mold thrive in hot humid air. Dehumidifiers and air cleaners are efficient tools to prevent and reduce these unwanted guests.
Stuffed animals and Knick Knacks
Knick Knacks and stuffed animals are magnets for dust. In general, fabric derived toys and knick knacks should be limited in any household of an allergy suffer.
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