Dust mites are tiny organisms that are found in every home. While they are harmless to most people, for some, they can cause an allergic reaction that leads to misery. But, is it possible to completely eradicate dust mites from your home?
What are dust mites? As gross as it may sound, dust mites are microscopic arthropods that feed on dead skin cells. They are typically found in warm and humid environments, such as bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
Can you eliminate dust mites? While it would be practically impossible to eliminate all dust mites from your home, there are methods you can use to reduce their numbers. Here are some of them:
Washing bedding. One of the places where dust mites thrive is bed linens. Washing your bedding at a temperature of no less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit can help to eliminate them. If you do not want to wash your bedding in hot water, you can instead place your linens in the dryer on high for about 10 minutes, which will also do the trick.
Frequent dusting and vacuuming are also essential ways to control a dust mite population. To avoid redistribution of dust onto another surface, use a slightly damp cloth. If you are in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, make sure you buy one with a HEPA filter as this will prevent dust from re-entering the air. Make sure to include all textiles as you vacuum.
Humidity control. Finally, one thing that encourages many unpleasant things in the home, including dust mites, is a humid environment. Try to keep humidity low with good ventilation. Air conditioners and electric blankets can also help.
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