DUST & DUST MITES
A major site of exposure to house dust & dust mites is the bed, however it is important to remember that dust is everywhere in the home; in the carpets, soft furnishings, clothing ....
House dust mites are impossible to completely remove from the environment.
Signs of dust mite allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. Many people with dust mite allergy also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Dos:
- Use treated & fitted mattress and pillow protectors
- Hot wash or regularly freeze stuffed toys to kill mites then put in the tumble dryer on hot
- Take care to regularly vacuum mattresses
- Hot wash duvets and pillows - airing them in the sunshine will only air/dry them and won’t do the job as well as the dust mites won’t be nuked
- Same with PJs and clothing – hot wash and tumble dry
- Change sheets daily if necessary – take care to remove sheets by gently folding inwards so as not to disperse the dust into room
- Vacuum daily using an Allergy rated, HEPA filtered, bag-less vacuum with windows open
- Dust using a damp microfiber cloth to pick up the dust rather than push it around
- Store toys in boxes with lids or ornaments in glass doored cabinets so they’re not gathering dust on open shelves
- As well as living off our skin cells, dust mites love moisture so a warm & dry home is best and so ventilation is key
Don’ts, or try to avoid…
- Avoid dusty places; sheds, under-the-stairs cupboards, bookshelves and Op Shops!
- Avoid rooms that have not been used for some time
- Avoid cleaning, dusting, vacuuming or shaking out rugs – need someone non allergic to help out!
- Avoid sitting on upholstered furniture & cushions
- Don’t sit or lie down on carpets
- Avoid close contact with pets