How to get rid of dust mites: 7 ways to reduce these pests

Dust mites can't cause serious harm to many people, but their presence can often be bothersome to allergy sufferers. When a reaction occurs, many people wonder how to get rid of the mites.

Dust mites thrive in your home, including mattresses, and are often unavoidable. Therefore, knowing how to get rid of these insects and how to clean a mattress is much more effective than prevention, which is not said for many household pests.

Here we look at expert tips to reduce the number of dust mites in your home so you can take a break from your allergies.

How to get rid of house dust mites

They're so tiny they can't be seen with the naked eye, and you'll probably realize that you need to get rid of dust mites because of an allergy outbreak or visible allergic reaction.

"These microscopic bugs live anywhere there is fabric such as upholstery, mattresses, bedding, carpets, and curtains," says Rachel Crow, editor of Homes & Gardens. "One of the best ways to control dust mites is to use regular cleaning tips around your home to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that builds up."

1. Vacuum regularly

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One of the best ways to get rid of dust mites is to vacuum regularly. "Be sure to vacuum the floors, especially carpets and rugs, around your home, as well as your bed, couches, and other upholstered furniture whenever possible," Rachel recommends. . "After dusting, vacuum and wipe down surfaces to catch dust once it settles."

Consider investing in one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners to make cleaning your furniture easier and more convenient and to encourage you to vacuum your home more often.

If you have carpet anywhere in your home, it pays to know how to deep clean a carpet to give it a deep clean. You may need to shampoo your carpet year-round if you have particularly severe allergies.

2. Invest in an upholstery steam cleaner

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Upholstery fabrics and window treatments, from curtain ideas to fabric blinds, can provide a home for dust mites, so buying one of the best steam cleaners and steam mops will help get rid of dust mites on your floors quickly. in addition to freshening up your home.

Steam cleaners are particularly useful for deep cleaning a mattress as part of a bedroom cleaning routine. Be sure to let the mattress dry completely after steaming to avoid mold growth that can cause allergies or other health problems.

3. Wash your bedding well to get rid of dust mites

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"Since we use our linens every night, it's important to know how often to change your linens and learn how to wash them properly, " says Rachel Crow of Homes & Gardens . "It helps the linens last longer and kills bugs like dust mites or bacteria that grow on them."

Wash your bedding as hot as possible (check the label for washing symbols ) to get rid of dust mites and other insects. If you have a tumble dryer, it will also help get rid of stubborn dust mites that have survived the wash.

Be sure to clean other sheets regularly as well. From time to time, wash pillows , duvets , and mattress covers that you want cleaned in this way.

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Tea tree oil has a variety of household uses, one of which is as an effective yet natural pest control. This natural oil has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and when sprayed on can effectively treat dust mites on a variety of furniture.

Mix 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray this solution on your upholstery, bedding, carpets, and rugs at least once a week around your home to keep dust mites away and keep you smelling fresh.

If you are concerned about using an oil solution on any of your furniture, before committing to using the spray liberally around your home, check the spray on an inconspicuous area first.

5. Move carpets and replace carpets

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While rugs help warm a room, they can be a safe haven for dust mites and insects. If cleaning your carpets and rugs isn't enough to curb your allergies, it may be time to ditch rugs from areas like the bedroom and replace them with flooring ideas. Hardwood floors are easier to clean and less attractive to dust mites.

6. Consider an air purifier

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An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help fight dust mites, making this set ideal for those with severe allergies.

"Some of the best air purifiers help provide instant relief for a variety of allergies," says Rachel. "Plus, these devices are becoming more stylish and discreet, making them easier to add to your home without sacrificing too much style."

7. Reduce the humidity in your home

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High humidity encourages dust mites to reproduce, so maintaining lower humidity and temperatures indoors will prevent them from reproducing and reduce their rate of reproduction. Airing your home frequently and turning down the heating while investing in a dehumidifier will deter dust mites and help allergy sufferers tremendously.

What causes dust mites?

"Mites aren't like typical household pests because they come from almost everywhere and can't be completely eliminated from your home," says Homes & Gardens editor Rachel Crow. "They are natural creatures whose small size allows them to easily enter homes through small spaces, travel with clothing, animals, or shoes, and reproduce exponentially."

How do you know if you have dust mites?

Dust mites are largely invisible to the vast majority of people. However, they can cause allergic reactions in some people, which manifest as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, and other cold-like symptoms that can be relieved with antihistamines.

Mites don't bite people because they feed on dead skin cells that we shed every day. So if you get stitches, look elsewhere for the cause.

What Kills Dust Mites Instantly?

If you've tried cleaning your home regularly and dust mites are still an ongoing problem, try using diatomaceous earth around your home to kill the bugs. Spread this powder gently on carpets or bedding and leave for a few hours before vacuuming.

It should be noted that this dust is so mildly irritating to the respiratory tract that a mask and goggles should be worn indoors and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed.

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