Allergy Sufferers & Dust Mites

One of the main causes of allergies within the home is that of house dust mites.

The problem arises from the droppings (faeces) and shed skins of dust mites, and these droppings are powerful allergens for many sufferers. Asthma sufferers are especially vulnerable to dust mites. This being the case it`s very important to reduce the numbers of these tiny creatures in the home. Warmth and humidity are necessary for them to survive, and one of their favorite places to live is in the bedroom, especially in the mattress.

For those suffering from allergies, therefore, good cleaning methods are needed in order to cut down the amount of dust mites.

This means that bedding should be washed weekly if at all possible. Sheets should be washed in hot water, preferably at least 130 degrees. This will kill the mites, and their eggs. Allergy detergents can help neutralize the allergens. Leave the bed unmade during the day to allow air to circulate, and moisture to be released from the mattress. Use dust tight covers for mattresses, duvets, and pillows. Some feather duvets have proven to be an effective dust mite barrier.

Carpets make a good breeding ground for dust mites. Consider removing carpets from your bedroom, or buy specially treated carpets that prohibit the growth of dust mites. Low-pile carpet is better than shag. Tiled or wooden floors are the ideal surfaces though.

Putting your mattress outside for a few hours especially when the weather is cold can help as it will kill dust mites, which can`t survive in the cold for too long. In fact, even if the weather is hot and sunny, putting your bedding outside will help kill mites. They just hate the sunlight.

Good ventilation will also help, as it will keep the humidity down. This applies particularly in the bathroom so as to avoid mold, and dust mites, and tiny spores which are harmful to some with allergies such as asthma. When cooking try to get rid of any steam as quickly as possible through good ventilation, just opening a door or window can help.

Rather than using upholstered furniture which traps allergens, choose leather, vinyl, or wood. Furniture with removable slipcovers that can be laundered are an alternative. When buying anything for the home it`s a good idea to stop and consider whether the item will be attractive to dust or not, and whether mites can thrive once inside `soft` products.

Filters that are clogged are of little use. Replace filters on your air conditioner, furnace, and dehumidifiers if they are dirty. The dust mite is tiny and will escape some filters unless properly maintained.

Do your pets HAVE to come into your bedroom? They shouldn`t, especially if you suffer from allergies.

Don`t hoard stuff like soft toys, which can harbor dust mites. Remember too, the more items you have in your home, the more dust will collect. If they aren`t of any use, consider getting rid of them.

A damp cloth is better than a dry one for dusting. A dry duster will just propel some of the dust containing mites and their allergens into the air. On soft furnishings use of an anti-allergy spray can prove very effective. Damp dust everything in your home, remembering such things as venetian blinds and skirting boards.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a good filter (this removes the mite and prevents small particles coming out through the vacuum exhaust). And, don`t re-use cleaner bags. Also, steam cleaning carpets and soft furnishings from time to time is useful in the battle against dust mites.
Anti-Allergen carpet cleaning powder is also effective in keeping dust mites down.

If you have cockroaches in your home, get them out, if necessary hire a professional exterminator to get rid of them.

Although you might not now suffer from them, remember that allergies can creep up on us at ANY AGE. You are more susceptible to developing allergies the more allergens are in your home. Runny noses and itchy eyes are no fun. As with most things, prevention is way better than cure.

Allergy fact sheets and articles are available on the Allergy UK website.


                                                   



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