Avoiding dust mite allergens
It is difficult to completely rid your house of dust mites, but there are a number of things you can do to minimise their presence.
Start with the bedroom
In the bedroom, dust mites breed inside the fibres of mattresses, pillows, and bedding.
Wash your bedding at 60 degrees to kill dust mites, and use dust-proof covers to seal in all the allergens, so you don’t breathe them in while you sleep. To kill mites in stuffed animals, put them in the freezer for 24 hours.
Replacing your carpets with wooden floors, especially in the bedroom, will also help.
Create a less welcoming atmosphere for dust mites
Dust mites thrive in humid places, so keep humidity levels down in your home. A dehumidifier will help keep relative humidity levels below 50 percent, which creates an unfriendly environment for dust mites, as well as mildew and mould.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifiers capture dust mites and their waste and prevent you from inhaling them.
Reducing the level of dust mites in your home as much as possible is the first step towards treating your allergy.
More tips on reducing dust mite allergens
If you are still experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
