Dust mites are tiny parasites that cause allergies in many people, particularly children. It is therefore very important to know how to get rid of them.
Here are our tips to remove dust mites from your bedroom, the easy way.
Supplies | Clean | Protect
You’ll need:
- Dust mask
- Vacuum cleaner
- Damp cloth
- HEPA filter
- Covers (against dust mites)
Clean the area
To get rid as many mites as possible, you first have to clean the areas affected. Make sure to avoid as much contact as possible with them during the cleaning process.
Dusting
- Wear a mask when you’re dusting.
- Clean 1-2 times a week, with a damp cloth. Avoid feather dusters or dry cloths, they’ll actually spread the mites across the room.
- If you have a carpet, shake it out the window.
Vacuuming
- Open your windows and close all the doors.
- With your vacuum cleaner and its HEPA filter, clean the area twice a week to capture the finest particles. Avoid bag-less cleaners if you don’t have one with HEPA filters.
- Make sure to vacuum under your furniture, and in the corners.
Laundry
- If the mites are in your linens, wash them at the highest temperature (at least 140°F/60°C). Wash your sheets every week, and wash your pillows, duvets, quilts and blankets once a month.
- If you have kids that sleep with plush toys (or maybe you still have your own teddy bear), wash them regularly as well. You can also place them in the freezer overnight, protected in a plastic bag.
- In all cases, dry thoroughly everything before use.
Protect against future mites
Once the mites have been removed, it’s time to protect yourself from them coming back.
Temperature
Maintain a temperature below 68°F/20°C in your house/apartment, and under 64°F/18°C in the actual room.
Humidity
- Try to have less than 50% humidity in your home.
- Make sure to avoid plants in the bedroom. Mold may develop.
- Similarly, humidifiers should be avoided since they promote the proliferation of mites.
Ventilation
Ventilate your home regularly. 30 to 60 minutes a day is ideal, especially after having vacuumed.
Linens
- Use synthetic covers for mattresses and pillows.
- Ideally, make sure you have dedicated linens that are mite-proof.
- Avoid wool for your clothes.
Furniture
- Prefer closed cabinets and furniture with doors. Shelves will allow mites to accumulate.
- Similarly, avoid fabric chairs and prefer those made with leather.
Hopefully, you’ve gotten rid of all your dust mites by now. The ultimate solution is to move to somewhere more than 1,000 meters high. Mites are virtually absent there.