Dust Mite Removal

How effective is normal vacuum cleaning?

Recent research conducted by Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Australia, found dust mite removal and that of their allergens from carpets during normal vacuum cleaning to be “inconsistent and incomplete”. It showed standard vacuum cleaning to be ineffective as part of reducing exposure to asthma and allergy triggers.

Carpets are a major source of dustmite allergen and regular vacuuming is one of the most common ways of dust mite control and minimising exposure.

Instead of removing dust mite allergens from the depths of the carpets, the study results showed that normal vacuuming moved the dustmite allergen around and within the carpet. According to Woolcock researchers “The results may help to explain why many trials aimed at reducing people’s exposure to indoor allergens have had limited success.”

“Although soft furnishings such as beds contain more concentrated source of allergy-causing protein produced by house dust mites, the large size carpet means it is likely to contain a larger amount of allergen than other items in a home. Allergen avoidance measures that rely solely on vacuum cleaning are likely to be of limited success unless more rigorous cleaning than standard home vacuuming is performed.”

The study demonstrated that older carpets not only contain large amounts of dust mite allergens, but that the allergen occurs inconsistently throughout the carpets.

The Woolcock study also looked at types of vacuum cleaners. They found that vacuum cleaners with rotating brushes in the head removed more dirt and allergen from the carpets than those without, as long as the suction component of the cleaner is operating properly, preventing dust being re-circulated back into the air.

“Overseas studies have found that vacuum cleaners with two or three layer bags performed better than those with a single layer bag. The maintenance of the cleaner and integrity of seals and gaskets were important factors in effective cleaning” said Woolcock researchers. “There are many vacuum cleaners on the market that claim to be suited to allergy sufferers. The most important aspect to look for is HEPA, high efficiency particulate air, filtration which is finding its way into some very affordable models.”

Further dust mite removal and dust mites allergy exposure reduction can be achieved by washing bedding items weekly in hot water at 55ºC, avoid non-washable items such as doonas, quilts, sheepskins, curtins, regularly wash pillows and doonas or alternatively purchase dust mite covers, place in freezer for at least 48 hours any stuffed toys.

Source: Woolcock Institute of Medical Research: June 2007.

Avoid using dust mite spray, reducing extra compounds to the already compromised indoor air quality standards and environment. Improve the dust mites mattress environment by encasing not only your mattress, but also the pillow and doona with allergy protective dust mite bedding.

Dust mite removal with normal vacuuming will not provide dust mite control or relief from asthma and allergies. Our dust mite covers can provide effective relief from dust mites and their allergens while you sleep.

Click here to see our range of dust mite covers.