House Dust Mite: Home Control of the Number One Indoor Allergen
House dust mites feed on skin flakes shed by people and animals. Bedding, sofas and soft toys are the worst areas. The key to control is hot washing, drying and reducing soft furnishings.
Where it is found
House dust mites prefer warm, damp places with skin flakes: bedding, mattresses, pillows, fabric sofas, carpets and soft toys. The mites themselves and their droppings are strong allergens. They can be breathed in when dust is stirred up while making the bed.
Three key control steps
- Hot wash and dry: wash bedding in water above 55°C or dry it on a high heat setting in a dryer, once every 1-2 weeks
- Lower humidity: keep indoor humidity below 50%. For homes with allergies, a dehumidifier is more necessary than a humidifier
- Reduce soft furnishings: use fewer carpets and soft toys in the bedroom, and keep books in cabinets as much as possible
Common misunderstandings
Air drying and beating bedding only removes some house dust mites. The dead bodies and droppings left behind are still allergens. If bedding is put away before it is fully dry, it actually helps mites breed. Disinfectants and UV lamps have limited effect on house dust mite allergens. Instead of repeated disinfection, focus on hot washing and dehumidifying.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's advice for your specific situation.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.