It is essential to keep your home clean and wash clothes and bedding regularly to reduce the presence of dust mites. These microscopic creatures can be found on dust wheels, bed curtains, feathers, leather, protein-based fabrics, and other organic fibers. Polyester bedding is also a popular breeding ground for dust mites due to its ability to trap moisture from perspiration. In areas with higher concentrations of dust mites, it is recommended to use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the room.
Allergens are the feces and body parts of dust mites, so simply killing them won't eliminate the allergen. Each mite can produce up to 2000 fecal particles and many more dust particles covered with enzymes during its life, all of which are highly allergenic. To prevent dust mite allergens, it is important to keep your home clean and reduce the humidity. Fleece has been found to be the most effective material for transferring both living and dead mites.David Clarke and his colleagues conducted a study in which 480 samples of car seat material were seeded with mites and exposed to plain cotton, denim, and wool fabrics.
The results showed that washing bed linen in hot water (130°F or higher) once a week can reduce the number of mites significantly. In a study conducted in Glasgow, Scotland, steam cleaning carpets resulted in an 87 percent decrease in the concentration of mites per gram of dust. However, HEPA filters have minimal effect on dust mite particles as they are heavy and remain airborne for a short period of time. In addition to cleaning regularly, you can also reduce the number of mites by using the right fabric composition for curtains, rugs, and upholstery. If you still experience sneezing due to dust mites on your clothes after following these tips, you can try using an air purifier.
