DUST MITES in the BEDROOM
Controlling Dust Mites
. . . in the bedroom
We realize that it is virtually impossible to do all of the following, but you can compromise a bit and do as much as you can with your bedroom . . . changing carpets, draperies etc. Do what you can, but under any circumstances, start with your bed first!
The most important room to allergen-proof is the bedroom, not only because of your bed and bedding, but also because this is the room in which adults spend one-third of their time and children one-half of their time. It is the room that harbors the greatest numbers of dust mites. It is estimated that one untreated double bed may contain several million dust mites and billions of their allergens with a large percentage being found in the sheets and pillowcases where your body moisture and dead skin cells collect to provide the necessary humidity and food for them to exist and thrive. See a video of live dust mites by clicking here.
Don’t make your bedroom a storeroom. Keep it free of dust and clutter. The more items in the room, the more dust will accumulate. Eliminate such dust collectors as decorative pillows, dust ruffles, books, magazines, stuffed toys, dried flowers, nick-knacks and wall hangings.
Encase any feather pillows or pillows stuffed with synthetics. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. If the pillows are washable, launder them regularly adding DeMite to the water, then tumble in a warm dryer.
Keep furniture at a minimum to help reduce surfaces on which dust can collect. The fewer objects displayed the better: keep dressers and nightstands free of books, magazines and other papers. Nick-knacks, electronics, jewelry boxes, collectibles, dried flowers and potted plants. These are all dust magnets!
Wood, vinyl and metal surfaces are preferable as they are easy to maintain. Dusting with a dry cloth stirs up and scatters dust and mite allergens. Wipe furniture and other surfaces weekly with a non-oily cloth or consider DeMite Eat My Dust™, an odorless, hypoallergenic non-aerosol spray that contains no oily residue to collect more dust and allergens.
Don’t forget to dust the bed frame, windowsills, window frames and the tops of doors with a damp cloth or cloth that attracts dust instead of scattering it about. And don’t forget ceiling fans, as dust and allergens collect on top of the blades in greater quantities than on static items. Vacuum around the base of the bed weekly. All beds and bedrooms throughout the house should be cared for in the same manner.
Do not store anything under the bed.
Keep children’s toys in a closed toy chest or box. Don’t store stuffed toys in children’s bedrooms unless you wash them frequently. The Mayo Clinic suggests putting them in the freezer, overnight, once a week, to kill dust mites. Try to purchase stuffed toys that are washable.
Keep only washable clothing of the current season in your closet and keep the door closed. Keep dry-cleaned clothing in zippered garment bags. Store out-of-season clothing elsewhere in your home. Do not use mothballs or crystals. Store shoes in boxes or racks, or in hanging bags off of the floor. Be sure to check the closet floors, shelves and boxes for mold and mildew. Keep the closet door shut.
Keep pets with hair, fur or feathers out of the bedroom at all times. If this is not likely to happen, at least keep them off of your bed and put their bed (with washable bedding) as far away from yours as possible. Make certain they are bushed or combed thoroughly (no mats) at least once a week.
Always dry your hair before you go to bed. Damp hair or skin attracts dust mites!
Many of our suppliers carry the products mentioned in this article as well as DeMite Products.
