Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that lurk in every corner of the home, including pillows, toys, linens, furniture, and blankets. Despite their small size, they leave a lot of excrement which can trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions. It is not possible to eliminate them completely, but there are measures that can be taken to reduce their presence and, consequently, relieve allergic symptoms and decrease the risk of asthma attacks.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the House
Step 1. Dust with a damp cloth
Mites feed on dead skin, hair and everything else found in the dust. Therefore, where there is dust, there are mites. One solution that allows you to get rid of them is to remove their food sources, that is, dust with a damp cloth. Rinse it regularly to avoid spreading dirt.
- It is important to use a damp cloth, otherwise if it is dry, it will only attract allergens and spread dust around the house.
- Among the objects to be cleaned, consider furniture, shelves, books, furnishings, trinkets, paintings, fixtures and everything that can be a receptacle of dust.
Step 2. Vacuum the whole house
It's another great way to get rid of dust, skin, mite droppings, and other allergens. To avoid spreading particles and contaminants, use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to trap all allergens and prevent them from spreading in the home.
- Focus mainly on floors, baseboards, furniture, carpets, rugs and rugs and under furniture.
- Use upholstery vents to reach seams, crevices and corners of furniture.
Step 3. Wash the sheets in hot water
Mites lurk throughout the bedding. Then, remove the pillowcases, sheets, blankets and bedspreads. Put everything in the washing machine and wash with hot water by selecting the laundry program. When the laundry is done, transfer the clothes to the dryer and dry them on a high heat.
To kill the mites, select the temperature of the washer and dryer between 50 and 60 ° C
Step 4. Wash the curtains and all draperies
Mites love heavy curtains as much as pillows and sheets. Therefore, take them off the sticks and read the label containing the washing instructions.
- If they are washable in water, remove the hooks or clips. Put them in the washing machine and select hot water. Transfer them to the dryer or hang them outdoors according to the instructions on the label.
- Some curtains can only be dry cleaned. In this case, to get rid of the mites, take them to the laundry.
Step 5. Wash the toys
Toys, stuffed animals, and other fabric items make great shelters for these arachnids. Collect the ones you can wash and put them in the washing machine by selecting hot water. Transfer the load to the dryer and dry them on a high heat.
Step 6. Freeze anything you can't wash
You will not be able to wash all the objects that decorate the house in order to get rid of the mites. However, cold-treat those that cannot come into contact with water. Place them in various plastic bags and close them tightly. Put them in the freezer for 24 hours. Consider using this method for:
- Cushions;
- Special toys;
- Delicate fabrics.
Part 2 of 3: Creating an Unfriendly Environment for Mites
Step 1. Reduce the humidity in the house
Dust mites thrive in humid environments. The simplest way to contain this problem indoors is to install a dehumidifier. You can also open the windows on days when the weather is drier. Always turn on fans and vents when cooking, showering, or steaming.
- By limiting indoor humidity, you will create an environment that is not very suitable for the proliferation of mites.
- Install a hygrometer to keep humidity under control and intervene when it exceeds 50%.
Step 2. Lower the temperature
Mites also love high temperatures. The ideal one fluctuates between 24 and 27 ° C. In winter, set your bedroom thermostat around 21 ° C, or even cooler if you find it pleasant. In the summer, use fans, open windows, and turn on the air conditioning when needed to keep your home cooler.
Step 3. Use a disinfectant spray
Some disinfectants are ideal for killing mites and making the home unwelcoming for these intruders. After dusting, spray a disinfectant spray where dust tends to collect, including:
- Corners;
- Baseboard;
- Floors;
- Shelves;
- Curtains;
- Near the furniture.
Step 4. Use eucalyptus
Some essential oils, especially those based on eucalyptus, effectively eliminate mites. There are some recipes that allow you to prepare a solution and make your home a hostile place for these arachnids. Here are some of them:
- Add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to the washing machine, especially when choosing programs with cold or hot water.
- Pour about 30 drops of eucalyptus oil into a spray bottle and fill it with water. Spray the mixture around the house, i.e. on the bed, furniture, pillows, toys, rugs and other areas where the mites tend to nest.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Mite Problem Under Control
Step 1. Get rid of the clutter
When so many objects are piled up in the house without being of any use, they attract and trap the dust, becoming a source of food for the mites. One of the best ways to get rid of these arachnids is to get rid of everything they eat, and while you can't completely remove the dust, you can reduce it by properly discarding, selling, or storing furnishings and personal effects, including:
- Books;
- Decorative objects and ornamental objects;
- Photo frames;
- Trinkets;
- Supplies;
- Decorative pillows.
Step 2. Remove dust regularly
It's a great way to reduce dirt particles in your home and eliminate food sources for the mites. Always dust surfaces with a damp cloth to avoid spreading debris and allergens in the home.
For best results, dust the entire house every week
Step 3. Wash your bedding regularly
Since linens and sheets are a favorite place for mites, it's important to keep them clean. By washing them every week in hot water between 50 and 60 ° C, you can keep their presence in the bedroom at bay. So, be sure to wash:
- Bed sheets;
- Pillowcases;
- Duvet covers;
- Covers.
Step 4. Remove the carpet
Rugs and carpets are the worst materials for mites to nest. While vacuuming and washing them regularly (even the smallest rugs) can reduce the presence of these intruders, getting rid of the carpet will do a thorough job. If you can, remove it and replace it with:
- Floor tiles;
- Parquet;
- Laminate;
- Cork;
- Indoor concrete.
Step 5. Replace fabrics that accumulate dust with easy-to-clean materials
Since heavy curtains can harbor a large number of mites, you can solve the problem by replacing them. For example, try using plastic blinds or wooden shutters instead of curtains and replace fabric cushions with leather or faux leather ones.
These materials are not only easier to clean, but they do not attract mites as much as fabrics and textiles
Step 6. Brush your pets regularly
Animal hair is another food source for mites. To prevent the house from becoming a hair receptacle, take your furry friend out every day and brush him thoroughly. If you have a dog, you should also bathe him once a month to reduce the accumulation of hair in the house.
Pets can also be allergic to dust mites, so keeping them clean is a plus for both of you
Step 7. Use mattress covers and pillow covers
These are plastic or hypoallergenic fabric covers that protect the bed from mites, bedbugs and allergens. They cover the mattress and pillows preventing access to these unpleasant intruders and protecting against allergens already present.
To keep these linings clean, wipe them with a damp cloth if they are made of plastic materials and wash them weekly if they are made of fabric
Step 8. Increase the ventilation in the house
Better ventilation means less humidity, more air circulation and less dust, and all of these aspects will help you keep the mite problem at bay. You can improve home ventilation by opening windows, using ceiling and portable fans, and installing ventilation grilles in the kitchen and bathroom.
