Dust mites are very small arachnids (types of spiders) that live all over the house, for example on pillows, linens, toys, furniture, blankets, and other places. Although very small, dust mites produce a lot of dirt that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma. You may not be able to get rid of dust mites from your home completely, but there are steps you can take to reduce their number. With this action, allergy symptoms and the possibility of asthma attacks will be reduced.
Step
Part 1 of 3: House Cleaning
Step 1. Perform cleaning using a damp cloth
Dust mites get their food from dead skin, dandruff, and other objects in the dust. Therefore, if there is dust, there may be dust mites living there. The key to getting rid of dust mites is to eliminate their food source. This means that you have to clean the house using a damp cloth. Rinse the cloth regularly to prevent dust from spreading.
- Try to use a wet cloth, because a dry cloth will actually bring up allergens (allergies) and make dust spread around the house.
- Items that need to be wiped include furniture, books, shelves, decorative items, small jewelry, photos, fixtures, and other items that are stuck with dust.
Step 2. Vacuum the entire house
Vacuuming is another great way to remove dust, skin, mite droppings, and other allergens in your home. To prevent dust and allergens from spreading, use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter so that allergens will be trapped inside and cannot spread around the house.
- When vacuuming, pay special attention to floors, baseboards, furniture, carpets, rugs, and under and behind furniture.
- Use the attachment attached to the upholstery attachment to vacuum up crevices, seams, and corners of furniture.
Step 3. Wash the bedding using hot water
Dust mites can be found all over the bedding. Remove sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and covers from the bed. Put everything in the washing machine, then wash using hot water on a regular cycle. When you're done washing them, put them in the dryer and set them on a hot setting.
To kill dust mites, the washer or dryer must be set to 54 to 60 degrees Celsius
Step 4. Clean the blinds and curtains
In addition to pillows and bed covers, dust mites are also very fond of thick curtains. Remove the curtains and curtains from their hangers and read the instructions provided on how to wash them.
- For washable curtains, remove all hooks or hangers. Put the curtains in the washing machine and wash them in hot water. Next, transfer to the dryer or hang the curtains according to the instructions given.
- Some curtains may only be dry clean. Take the curtains to the dry cleaners to kill dust mites.
Step 5. Wash all the toys
Stuffed animals, toys, and other objects made of fabric can be used as hiding places for dust mites. Collect and place all washable items in the washing machine, then wash in hot water. Dry them on high heat.
Step 6. Freeze items that cannot be washed
Some items shouldn't be cleaned in a washing machine so you can't kill dust mites this way. If you have one, freeze it to get rid of dust mites. Put each item in a separate plastic bag, and seal it tightly. Put everything in the freezer and let it sit for 24 hours. Some items that can be put in the freezer include:
- Pillow
- Certain toys
- Soft cloth
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Dust-proof Environment
Step 1. Reduce the humidity level in the house
Dust mites like high humidity. The easiest way to reduce humidity in the house is to use a dehumidifier. You can also open windows when the weather is dry to reduce humidity. Always use a fan and keep the room ventilated when cooking, bathing, and other activities that generate steam.
- Low humidity levels create an environment that dust mites don't like. This will also slow down the reproduction speed of the mites.
- Install a hygrometer to check humidity, and keep the level below 50 percent.
Step 2. Lower the room temperature
Dust mites also love high temperatures. The ideal temperature for these insects is between 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. Set the air conditioner to 21 degrees Celsius, or cooler if you can stand it. When the weather is hot, use a fan or air conditioner and open the windows to keep the house cool.
Step 3. Spray your home with disinfectant
Disinfectants like Lysol are great for getting rid of dust mites, and can make your home an inhospitable place for these animals. After regular dusting, spray disinfectant in areas where dust tends to settle, for example:
- Corner of the room
- Baseboard
- Floor
- Rack
- Curtain
- Places near furniture
Step 4. Use eucalyptus
Certain essential oils, especially eucalyptus, are effective in killing dust mites. There are several ways to use eucalyptus around your home to make your home an uncomfortable place for dust mites. The method:
- Put 20 drops of eucalyptus oil in the washing machine, especially when you use it on a cold or warm water setting.
- Add about 30 drops of eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the mixture around the house, such as bedding, pillows, furniture, carpets, toys, and other areas where dust mites live.
Part 3 of 3: Controlling Dust Mites
Step 1. Tidy up the scattered objects
Items that are scattered and unnecessary around the house will easily settle for dust, and this will make an ideal food source for dust mites. One of the best ways to get rid of dust mites is to get rid of their food source. While you may not get rid of dust mites completely, you can reduce their population by properly discarding, selling, or storing items such as:
- Book
- Decoration and ornament
- Photo frame
- Knick knacks
- home accessories
- Decorative pillow
Step 2. Clean dust regularly
A great way to reduce dust in your home and eliminate food sources for dust mites is to dust with a damp cloth. Remove dust by wiping the surface of the object with a damp cloth so that dust and other allergens do not spread around the house.
For best results, dust the entire house weekly
Step 3. Wash sheets and bedding regularly
Since linens and bedding are warm places that dust mites like, keep these items clean. Wash once a week using hot water with a temperature between 54 to 60 degrees Celsius to control dust mites in the bedroom. Make sure to wash:
- Sheets
- Pillow case
- duvet cover
- Blanket
Step 4. Remove the carpet
Rugs and rugs are very good places for dust mites. While regular vacuuming and washing (for small rugs) can reduce the mite population, you can increase their effectiveness by removing the carpet. If possible, replace the carpet with:
- Tile
- Hardwood
- Floor coating
- Cork (a type of cork made from oak bark)
- Concrete
Step 5. Replace the dust-resistant cloth with one that is easy to clean
Some types of fabric, such as heavy curtains and curtains, can be a hiding place for dust mites. So replace those curtains to help get rid of dust mites. For example, replace cloth curtains with plastic or wooden blinds, and replace pillowcases and cushions with leather or faux leather.
As well as being easier to clean, these items don't attract dust mites as much as fabric
Step 6. Take care of pets regularly
Dandruff produced by pets is another food source that dust mites also love. To reduce dandruff in the house, brush the fur of cats and dogs thoroughly every day outdoors. For dogs, bathe these animals once a month to reduce dandruff and dander around the house.
Pets can also suffer from allergies to dust mites. So, always keep it clean so that it is beneficial for you and the pet
Step 7. Use mattress covers and pillows
Mattress and pillow covers are usually plastic or hypoallergenic (non-allergenic) fabrics that protect the bed from dust mites, bed bugs, and allergens. This cover covers the mattress or pillow and prevents dust mites from entering it, as well as protecting you from pre-existing allergens.
To keep it clean, wipe the plastic cover with a damp cloth, and wash the cloth cover weekly
Step 8. Increase ventilation in the house
Good ventilation means it has less humidity, more airflow, and less dust. All of these conditions are great for controlling dust mites. Increase ventilation by opening windows, using portable and ceiling fans, and taking advantage of existing vents in your home, such as in the kitchen and bathroom.
