7 Ways to Get Rid of Dust Mites Allergy

Dust mites are tiny microscopic relatives of the spider and live on mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets and curtains.

These tiny creatures feed on the flakes of skin that people and pets shed daily and they thrive in warm and humid environments. 

7 Ways to Get Rid of DUST MITES Allergy Quickly

1. Sunlight

Direct sunlight kills dust mites, so hang bedding in the sun whenever possible. (Be mindful, though, that outdoor allergens can collect on bedding hung outside.)

2. Humidity

Dust mites die when the humidity falls below 40 to 50 percent; use a dehumidifier if the weather is humid.

3. Hot water

Wash bed linens once a week in hot water — the water temperature should be 130°F or higher — to kill mites.

4. Replace Carpets with Hard Flooring

Like beds and soft furnishings, carpets are a paradise for dust mites. Carpets trap dead skin and pet dander which the mites feed on.

Rip up the carpets in your bedroom (or ideally, the whole house) and replace them with hard flooring such as linoleum, laminate or tile. This is one of the most effective ways of instantly getting rid of dust mites. Hard flooring eliminates their most fertile breeding ground.

5. Keep Pets Out of the Bedroom

Dust mites love pet dander. Make pets sleep outside or in the garage if possible and limit their indoor freedom to one or two rooms. Make an extra effort to keep pets out of the bedroom.

6. Reduce the Number of Houseplants

Although houseplants are a wonderful addition to any home, they can quickly build up a layer of dust and provide a haven for mites.

If you can’t live without some greenery around you, remember to regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.

7. Vacuum Smart

While vacuuming may seem like a great way to reduce dust mites and other home allergens, research has found that, although dry vacuuming removes the dust upon which mites feed, it is largely ineffective at removing the mites themselves from carpeting.

More Tips for Everyday Mite Control

Keeping a bedroom clean is important for mite control. Use a HEPA vacuum in the room, and run a HEPA air filter near the bed when the room isn't occupied. Make sure the bedroom curtains or window coverings are washable. Horizontal venetian blinds can be wiped clean with a damp cloth (but they do collect a lot of dust), and if you have shades that can't easily be washed, they should be of a type that's easily vacuumed. Be sure to avoid fuzzy fabrics and bed linens and fluffy pillows; they'll attract and capture dust.