How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites: 5 Effective Strategies

by John Griffith
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Where there is dust, there are dust mites. The dust around your home is made up of dead skin cells, bacteria, hair, fibers, pollen, and soil. However, these little pests are mainly attracted to the skin flakes within the dust as it is their main source of food. Dust mites are invisible to the naked eye and aren’t really dangerous. Unlike bed bugs, fleas, and lice they don’t bite or spread diseases. However, their droppings can severely aggravate asthma and allergies. These tiny critters thrive in warm, humid environments where they can multiply like crazy. You can find them in areas where you spend the most time and on surfaces that easily trap dust like carpeting, fabric, mattresses, upholstery, and so on. On the bright side, there are plenty of ways you can get rid of these pests. Today we will show you how to get rid of dust mites easily.

Dust mites are invisible to the naked eye

how to get rid of dust mites green dust mite

How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites

Dust mites won’t be a huge issue for someone without allergies or asthma. But for those who struggle with such issues they can create a lot of trouble. Even though we can’t see them, dust mites can trigger mild to severe allergic symptoms and can even trigger an asthma attack. That’s why you need to battle them. Fortunately, you can easily get rid of these pests. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it will be an ongoing process and regular cleaning is imperative.

Dust mites won’t be a huge issue for someone without allergies or asthma

how to get rid of dust mites dust at home

#Remove carpeting

Wall-to-wall carpeting is the perfect breeding ground for dust mites.  As we mentioned certain fibers are amazing at attracting and holding onto dead skin cells (which dust mites find delicious), carpet is one of those fibers. Plus, it’s much harder to clean carpet as thoroughly as hard floor surfaces which means it’s nearly impossible to get rid of dust mites. So, if you struggle with allergies or asthma it may be worth investing in getting rid of your carpet.

Wall-to-wall carpeting is the perfect breeding ground for dust mites

white carpet on floor

#Vacuum frequently

If you can, we recommend vacuuming daily. However, once weekly is still pretty good. This will help minimize the dust in your home as much as possible. If you have a carpet then you should be extra diligent in your vacuuming routine. Carpet should also be washed. It’s best to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or at least one with a double layered microfilter. For carpet, you can also use a steamer as it reaches high enough temperatures to kill the mites.

Vacuuming will help minimize the dust in your home

woman vacuuming carpet

#Keep the room temperature lower

While keeping your home at a cooler temperature won’t prevent dust mites, it can stop them from multiplying so rapidly. Dust mites feel their best in temperatures in between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. So, by keeping your home at a temperature no higher than 68 degrees you will be able to manage and minimize the dust mite population in no time.

Dust mites feel their best in temperatures in between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit

how to get rid of dust mites home thermostat

#Reduce humidity

These pesky creatures love a humid environment. They will thrive in it! That’s why you should ensure that the humidity inside your home is lower than fifty percent. You can get a dehumidifier to help control the moisture levels within your home or get some plants that are great at absorbing all that extra humidity. A hygrometer can help you determine the humidity levels in your home.

These pesky creatures love a humid environment

humidity on window

#Wash bedding frequently

Dust mites find our beds just as cozy and warm as we do. Plus, there they can find plenty of skin flakes to feed on. That is why it’s crucial to change your linens often and wash the bedding once every week for proper dust mite control. It’s also important to note that you need to be washing it in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit in order to successfully kill the dust mites and remove potential allergens. If certain items can’t be washed then tumble dry them for at least fifteen minutes. You may want to switch to bedding that is easier to clean and avoid decorative bedding like throw pillows, blankets, etc.

Dust mites find our beds just as cozy and warm as we do

how to get rid of dust mites white bedding

These are the best strategies when it comes to how to get rid of dust mites. We hope you found this article useful. Now you can start implementing some of these tips and start getting rid of all the pesky dust mites hiding around your home.

These are the best strategies when it comes to how to get rid of dust mites

how to get rid of dust mites cleaning dust at home

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.