Dust mites: how to get rid of them?
House dust mites: fighting
We cannot completely eliminate dust in our homes. However, we should not allow it to accumulate.
We have a number of different activities to choose from used simultaneously will help us get rid of mites living in our surroundings. As a result, we have a chance to minimize the annoying symptoms of allergies, of which they are the main cause.
At what temperature do mites die?
The answer to the question of what kills dust mites is simple: first of all temperature. Dust mites do not like very high or very low temperatures.
At a temperature of 60 degrees C, they can survive for less than an hour, and when it is lowered to approximately 0 degrees C, only 15% of individuals will survive a week.
Knowing at what temperature house dust mites die, we can take care of them combating. What home remedies do we know to get rid of dust mites?
Home remedies for dust mites
In order for the fight against mites at home to be effective, it must be carried out in parallel on two fronts:
- do not allow dust to accumulate;
- keep all household textiles clean (the number of which should then be kept to a minimum).
Home remedies for dust mites: co can we do?
Below we present the basic principles of operation and the most effective home remedies for dust mites:
- Linen: let's change it once a week and wash it at high temperature 60 degrees Celsius. If possible, dry it outside (weather permitting). Sun rays and low temperature kill pests. We must iron the bed linen. High ironing temperature will remove any items that may remain after washing.
- Duvets and pillows: should also be washed and dried, preferably outdoors, at a minimum once for three months – when buying duvets and pillows, pay attention to how they can be washed.
- Carpets: let's get rid of carpets, and if this is not possible, let's use vacuum cleaners with anti-allergic filters.
- Curtains and curtains: let's give up heavy curtains and curtains, which are a rich habitat for dust mites. Let's replace them with blinds, which are much easier to clean.
- textiles: all blankets, bedspreads, pillows and even carpets, if we decide to leave them at home, we often shake them outside.
- Plush toys: we can put it in the freezer, wrapped in foil. There, thanks to the low temperature, the mites will disappear, and then wash to finally get rid of allergens.
- Accessories: Let's not collect trinkets, because they collect dust on them. Books should also be thoroughly shaken out every few months, preferably placed in a bookcase behind glass.
Home remedies for dust mites: what else should you remember?
Let's not sweep away dry dust, but always use wet wipes or cloths to avoid the spread of allergens in the air. Regular airing the apartment This is another key step in the fight against dust mites, as it allows you to remove accumulated pollutants and allergens from the interior.
Additionally, you can use acaricides - miticides (chemical substances), or barrier bedding with a special weave of fibers that is designed to keep pests out. Armed with these methods, we now have a solid understanding of how to effectively eliminate dust mites. Are there other methods that can strengthen our fight against these allergens?
Recommended products
Head of the Department of Assessment and Development of Cooperation at the Institute of Mother and Child
Convenience thanks to the use of steam
Knowing what kills dust mites, it's easy to guess that hot steam ejected under high pressure is a very good ally in the fight - not only against mites, but also against bacteria and fungi. More and more popular steam generators (steam stations) allow not only classic ironing, but also refreshing textiles that cannot be washed or cleaned in any other way.
Expert advises
It is worth mentioning here especially the mattresses in which mites, feeding on e.g. dead skin cells, they have great living conditions. With the use of hot steam, you can refresh not only the surface, but also deeper layers of a mattress, quilt or a plush toy, because its pressurized release allows it to penetrate deeply into fabrics and cleaned surfaces. The steam-generating device can also be used vertically, which is great for curtains and curtains.
Difficult fall / winter season
These home remedies for mites, used together and systematically, can significantly increase our quality of life. This is especially important in the upcoming autumn and winter season. Although at this time of year there should be less mites in our apartments, but dry air in heated and less ventilated rooms may make it worse allergic reactions.
So let's remember these rules and take care of them air quality in our homes, and there is a good chance that we will win the fight against the invisible enemy.
When to desensitize to dust mites?
However, if home remedies for dust mites do not eliminate the problem and the child's allergy symptoms persist for a long time, it is worth consulting a doctor pediatrician, possibly with allergist.
After performing the necessary tests, the specialist will decide what treatment to use. Immunotherapy (desensitization) is recognized as an effective method of eliminating symptoms, incl. allergies to dust and mites, however, has its limitations (e.g. the age of the child). Therefore, we must first ask a doctor about desensitizing to mites.
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