Many people suffer from dust allergies. If you or someone that you love suffers from these allergies, you are going to want to keep a home as free from dust as possible. Here are some tips to decrease the amount of dust in your home.

About Dust Mites

Dust mites are not necessarily what you think of when you think of dust. First, they are arachnids (the same as spiders), but they are generally too small for a person to see. Dust mites prefer a specific environment. They like a warm and humid environment. Dust mites won’t even survive in an environment that has lower than 50% humidity. This makes warm and humid locations (like Florida) particularly vulnerable. Dust mites don’t drink or urinate. That’s why they need the humid environment. They absorb the moisture in the air through their front legs.

The real danger of dust mites are the particles that they leave behind. These particles get into bedding, furniture, and the air. When someone with allergies comes across a high concentration of dust mites in the air or in their bedding or furniture, they will experience a negative reaction.

Dust Mite Allergies

Many people have allergies to dust mite particles. People with asthma will also experience problems because of dust mite particles. This can include sneezing, shortness of breath, wheezing, itchiness, irritated eyes, and an irritated nose.

It can be hard to pinpoint exactly what your allergy is. To determine, the doctor can do what’s known as a skin-prick test to learn what specifically is causing your reaction.

In order to tend to the allergies, a doctor may prescribe medication. There are antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids. If your reaction is mild, you might even want to consider an OTC medication like Benadryl. The doctor might also give you a shot. Before searching for a medical answer, one of the most effective things that you can do is get rid of the dust mites and dust mite particles in your home.

Getting Rid of Dust Mites

It does not matter how clean a person’s home is; it can become subject to dust mites. Before you start cleaning frantically, use these tips to help attack the problem directly.

1. Change the bedding. Often.

You can accomplish a lot by washing the sheets at least every week. If there are dust particles getting into the bedding, this can significantly help someone with allergies sleep every night.

It’s also important to get the sheet mattress cover. Look for covers that are tightly woven.

2. Vacuum.

Dust mites can easily get into the carpet. And be warmed that they will be at the bottom. If you have a thick or deep carpet, be sure to use a vacuum that is able to get into deep carpet. Some vacuums also have a HEPA filter which is made for this type of job. If possible, though, just opt for wood floors.

3. Be sure to work top to bottom.

If you forget, you could clean the bedding or the floors and than knock more dust mites onto these clean surfaces once you reach the higher surfaces. Remember that dust mites are very small, so you can’t visually determine if this is a concern or not. Assume that it is a concern and always clean from top to bottom.

4. Don’t use a feather duster.

It is extremely important that you remove the dust mites and not just move them around. A feather duster will not remove the dust mites. Instead, a damp cloth is recommended. The damp cloth will attract the dust mites and effectively remove them.

5. Use an air filter

There will be a lot of dust mite particles that end up in the air. There’s no way to clean them unless you buy an air purifier. It’s ideal to place the air purifier in the room of the person with the allergies. If multiple people have allergies, then the living room is a good option.

6. Use high temperature.

Sure, dust mites like warm temperature. However, they can’t survive at a certain point. Take a hair dryer to any location that is particularly infected. The dust mites won’t be able to survive.

7. Create strict rules for pets.

Dust mites absolutely love pet dander. If you or someone in your home is experiencing dust allergies, keep the pet out of their bedroom. In fact, it’s best to keep the pet off of all furniture, especially while someone is having a reaction. Any pets should be regularly washed. Also, talk to your vet about any other solutions that might help improve living conditions.

Dust allergies don’t have to ruin your sleep and make you uncomfortable throughout the day. Take action by attacking the problem in your home. If that still doesn’t work, you still have medical answers available.