The thought that we share our home with tiny creatures is not a very pleasant one. But the fact remains that dust mites can be found in almost every home. For most people, dust mites are no more than an unpleasant thought, for others, though, they can cause allergic reactions resulting in misery. While it would be impossible to get rid of dust mites entirely, the following suggestions can help to reduce their numbers:
Regularly dusting and vacuuming are important ways to keep dust mite populations down. Use a cloth that is slightly damp on surfaces, which will help prevent dust redistribution. If you are in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, make sure you choose one that has a HEPA filter.
Bed linens are a favorite place for dust mites to thrive in. If you want to get rid of dust mites from bedding, you will need to wash it at a high temperature, ideally 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you would rather not wash your linens at such a high temperature, you can place them in the dryer on a high heat setting for 10 minutes which will also do the trick.
High indoor humidity levels are another factor that will encourage dust mite populations. Naturally, then, if you want to lower the number of dust mites in your home, keep humidity levels down. Having a good flow of air through the home will help with this, as long as the outside air is not too humid, or air conditioning units will also help.