House dust mites have long been considered a trigger factor for asthma sufferers. Yet for many years, it has not been acknowledged that people with eczema could also be affected by dustmite until recent research showed eczema flare ups may be triggered by them.
Here are some quick tips to killing dust mites and how to get rid of dust mites:
- Hot wash sheeting every week, wash pillows and quilts every 6 to 8 weeks at 55º – 60º C
- Cover bedding in specialized dust mite bedding such as a dust mite mattress protector to provide continuous protection
- Ensure the covers totally enclose the mattress, or quilt or pillow, with a pore size of well under 10 microns (All Mitey Fresh range of dust mite covers have been tested and proven to give protection.)
- Dust with a damp cloth and vacuum carpets and soft furnishings once a week.
- Avoid using toxic dust mite spray.
- Change or clean the vacuum bag before storing it away.
- For those who suffer from severe dust mite related eczema – replace carpet with wooden floorboards or a different type of flooring such as lino, very short pile synthetic carpet or cotton rugs
- Avoid allowing pets into the bedroom and living areas. Wash pets weekly and comb long haired pets to remove loose fur.
- Ventilate rooms to let fresh air in and leave your bed unmade to air it out during the day. If the eczema sufferer is allergic to pollens and grasses, keep windows closed in the early morning and early evening when the pollen spores are most active during spring and summer.
We hope these tips can help you breathe easier, live easier.
Towards healthier living Carol Parr ♥
As Building Biologists, we have acquired knowledge of adverse health effects and recommend effective strategies to reduce occupants’ exposure by eliminating and controlling as many sources of pollutants in order to create healthy indoor living environments that are as exposure-free and natural as practically possible.
We cut out all the fluff and confusion of indoor air maintenance and stripped it down to the bare bones.