Everything you need to Know about Dust Mite Allergy

Dust mites are microscopic and live in dark, humid places such as bedding, especially polyester, where they live off dead skin cells. Killing dust mites does not remove allergens, because it is the body parts and faeces that cause the allergies. Decrease mite population by changing your living and cleaning practices and following the tips provided by the expert team at Mite Guard.

Washing your linen weekly with hot water at 54 °C or more will kill dust mites. Cleaning your linen using steam decreases the amount of dust mites and further population growth. Studies have shown that dust mites decrease by 87% per gram of dust after steam cleaning. Vapour steam cleaning kills dust mites, yeast, microorganisms and other unwanted problems. The steam is dry infiltrating the item being cleaned and consisting of about 6% water so it doesn’t escalate the moist conditions. Sunlight also kills dust mites and hanging your linen and bedding in direct sunshine can decrease or eliminate them. However, remember that your bedding can accumulate outdoor allergens if left outdoors. If humidity drops below 50%, dust mites perish, so a dehumidifier can be used in clammy weather. Wall to wall carpeting (especially when installed over a concrete floor), will increase humidity so try washable rugs as an alternative. Linen, rugs and stuffed toys may all be stored in your freezer in an enclosed plastic bag. When removed from the freezer, shake them well outdoors and this will remove the dust mites from the item.

At Mite Guard, we stock dust mite allergy products that help to decrease dust mites in your home, including dust mite proof solutions for your bed covers, pillow covers and mattress covers. If you need a dust mite mattress protector or an anti-dust mite mattress, contact our trained staff. We can help you choose the most suitable mattress cover for dust mites and also the best dust mite allergy pillow covers.

Other ways to decrease dust mite populations are:

• Keeping your bedroom clean and dust-free
• Using a HEPA vacuum in the room and running a HEPA air filter beside the bed when the room is vacant
• Using curtains and window coverings that can be washed
• Avoiding fluffy pillows and fuzzy fabric and linen as they attract and collect dust
• Removing clutter to ensure that every area in the room is easy to dust
• Updating your pillows bi-annually as they can contain large populations of dust mites, due to dead skin cells and perspiration
• Using woollen bedding, as the natural lanolin in wool repels dust mites

Studies have shown a noteworthy decrease in dust mites when allergy protective bedding had been utilised, along with laundered bedding, steaming methods and vacuuming. Dust mite covers are available from Mite Guard and our professional staff can assist you with selecting suitable dust mite allergy bedding. We carry anti dust mite mattress covers and anti allergy mattress protectors. Call the experts today for all your anti dust mite bedding requirements.