Dust mites and other allergens can be pesky and annoying household nuisances that cause allergic reactions. Although cleaning can help reduce the presence of dust mites, it can be tough to get rid of them completely.
Fortunately, there are several tips and strategies you can employ to combat dust mites and other allergens in your home, taking control of your home’s indoor air quality and allowing you and your loved ones to breathe easier
Where do dust mites come from?
Dust mites are microscopic insects that measure about 20 microns in size and are close relatives to ticks and spiders. They commonly live in house dust and cause symptoms similar to hay fever and other seasonal allergies, which include sneezing, a runny nose, eye irritations and more.
Dust mites feed off dead skin cells shed by building occupants and thrive in warm and humid environments. Everyday household items such as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpets act as ideal breeding grounds for dust mites. If left idle, these pests can multiply very quickly and cause general discomfort to the inhabitants of the house in question.
How dust mites affect you
Many people, including the nearly 3 million Australians living with asthma, will find allergy symptoms being triggered when exposed to dust mites and their droppings. Additionally, dust mite bites may itch and cause skin irritations that could last for weeks.
If you have allergies or asthma, tiny dust mites could likely be causing you some big problems. Dust mite allergies will cause the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Eye and nose irritation
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
Exposure to dust mites can also worsen hay fever symptoms and are particularly damaging to patients suffering from asthma, eczema, conjunctivitis and sinusitis. Symptoms of dust mite allergies can vary from mild to severe.
If you suspect you may be allergic to dust mites, contact your local doctor or allergist for a diagnosis or treatment plan.
How to get rid of dust mites
While completely removing dust mites can prove to be a difficult task, the only way you’ll be able to stop dust mites from terrorizing your home is by thoroughly cleaning your home and places where dust mites typically take shelter, including bedding, pillowcases, blankets and more.
Clean bedding and soft furnishings regularly
Bed sheets and soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains and stuffed animals have a high possibility of harbouring dust mites. Experts recommend washing bedding in hot water once a week to kill dust mites. Alternatively, using a dryer on high heat will also likely have the same effect, killing dust mites and allowing you to enjoy life better.
As for soft furnishings, consider removing them or thoroughly cleaning them regularly to reduce dust mite exposure.
Dust or vacuum regularly
Using a microfiber duster, damp cloth or vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will help to remove dust mites and their droppings from your home. Vacuuming spaces with carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture will go a long way, as these are known places where dust mites tend to gather.
Reducing the amount of clutter in your home and keeping surfaces free from unnecessary objects will help to stop dust from gathering and make it easier to clean.
Use hypoallergenic bedding
Hypoallergenic bedding refers to products produced from materials less likely to cause allergic reactions. They are designed to be more resistant to dust mites, mould and other allergens. Australia’s National Asthma Council have recommended different bedding products to help asthma patients live better.
Regulating humidity levels
Dust mites thrive in humid environments ranging between 55% to 75% relative humidity (RH), while RH levels below 50% will create unfavourable conditions that eliminate dust mites. By using a dehumidifier, you’ll be able to control RH levels in spaces of your room and effectively stop the growth of dust mites.
Dehumidifiers do this by extracting excess moisture from ambient air and improving overall indoor air quality. Ionmax desiccant dehumidifiers are Sensitive Choice approved as they potentially benefit patients suffering from asthma. Dehumidifiers will also prevent mould spores and protect wooden furniture from moisture damage.
Dehumidifiers are also helpful in cleaning up heavy water spills and flood damage while being energy efficient by reducing humidity levels and improving the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Preventing the issue
All in all, the key to preventing the growth of dust mites is to ensure a clean and healthy living environment free from dust and other allergens. Ionmax dehumidifiers are the ideal combating tool to stop dust mites from multiplying. However, using a dehumidifier will need to be paired with other measures, mainly regular cleaning.
Having an air purifier in your home will also improve indoor air quality by filtering the air and trapping dust mites and their droppings from circulating the ambient air.
Browse through our wide selection of Sensitive Choice approved and CHOICE recommended air purifiers and dehumidifiers to get your ideal air treatment appliance suited for all sizes and climates.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.
Sudirman Ng
Actively on the lookout for the latest innovative technologies that can improve people's quality of life, Sudirman works closely with our factories to develop new products incorporating the latest technologies, features and standards through brands such as AlcoSense, Ionmax, DrugSense, and MedSense. He is the go-to person for technical questions when it comes to understanding the specifications of a product and troubleshooting an error that occurs.
