How to Get Rid of Dust and Dust Mites

When you’re allergic to something, your immune system creates antibodies. These identify the foreign object as harmful, even when it isn’t ⁽²⁾

When exposed, the immune system causes an inflammatory response within your nasal passages or lungs. Chronic inflammation occurs during prolonged or regular exposure to an allergen.

If you’re allergic, you could be experiencing the following:

• Runny nose.
• Sneezing.
• Postnasal drip.
• Stuffy nose.
• Itchy nose, throat, or mouth.
• Cough.
• Red, watery or itchy eyes.
• Itchy skin.

If you’re being exposed to dust mites regularly, you could be experiencing asthma symptoms. These include the following:

• Chest pain or tightness.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty sleeping due to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath ⁽³⁾.

It’s important to know that not only live mites cause allergic reactions. After a mite dies, it leaves behind its body and waste. These will continue to trigger allergies when inhaled.

Dust mite waste lingers within household dust. So whenever you’re exposed to the dust, you’ll be exposed to dust mites.

Some people are at a higher risk of developing dust mite allergy. These include:

• Young individuals: Children and young adults are more likely to develop dust mite allergy if exposed.
• Exposed individuals: If you have dust mites at home, you’re at a higher risk of developing an allergy.
• Family history: If dust mite allergies or other forms of allergies run in your family, you’re likely to also develop symptoms.

If you’re at a higher risk of developing dust mite allergy, you could also risk complications. These include:

• Asthma: As mentioned above, regular or prolonged exposure to dust mites can trigger asthma symptoms. However, if you have allergies as well as asthma, the symptoms can be challenging to manage. You could be at a higher risk of asthma attacks that will require immediate treatment or even emergency care. If you have allergies and asthma, talk to your medical advisor to see how to best manage your symptoms ⁽⁴⁾.
• Sinus infection: Chronic inflammation within the nasal passages can block your sinuses. When these hollow cavities are obstructed, sinus infections (sinusitis) are very likely to occur. Sinusitis can be very painful and will need medical treatment ⁽⁵⁾.

Merely experiencing a few of the symptoms mentioned above doesn’t necessarily mean you have an allergy. However, if you’re continuously experiencing allergic symptoms, you should get it checked by a doctor.

A doctor can identify dust mite allergy using one of two tests:

• Skin prick test (SPT): A small drop of the allergen is placed on your skin. The doctor will then prick or scratch the area with a needle. If allergic, you’ll develop swelling, itchiness, and redness in the area within 20 minutes ⁽⁶⁾. A weal might also develop — these look similar to hives.
• Specific IgE blood test: Skin testing isn’t always possible for various reasons, such as skin conditions or medication. In this case, the doctor will do a Specific IgE blood test — previously known as RAST or ImmunoCAP. The lab will add the allergen to your sample and then measure the number of antibodies your blood produces ⁽⁷⁾.

Unlike bed bugs, dust mites don’t actually bite.

However, allergic reactions can trigger skin rashes that are red and itchy ⁽⁸⁾.

Skin rashes and allergic reactions can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce or calm the effects:

• Antihistamines: Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, which your body releases when exposed to allergens. You can buy antihistamines over the counter, including Zyrtec, Allegra, Benadryl, and Claritin.
• Prescribed allergy medications: A doctor might prescribe nasal corticosteroids and oral leukotriene receptor antagonists.
• Decongestants: A frustrating allergic symptom is a continuously stuffy nose, postnasal drip, or headaches caused by the sinus. Using an over-the-counter decongestant can help to soothe the symptoms and remove mucus build-up.
• Allergy shots: When getting an allergy shot, you’re injected with small amounts of an allergen. This isn’t a one-time thing, as you’ll get weekly injections over several months or years, depending on your case. In time, your body will begin to form an immunity toward the specific allergen you’re injected with. However, tests must be done before administering allergy shots ⁽⁹⁾.

  

Unlike lice, dust mites can’t live in human hair. But, there is a different type of mite that does live in human hair. Follicle mites, also known as Demodex folliculorum, thrive within the follicles found around the face, such as eyelashes and eyebrows. These microscopic mites feed on the oil gland within the follicles ⁽¹⁰⁾.

Lower the Temperature

Dust mites thrive in warm environments, ideally temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. By lowering the indoor temperature, you could drive them away or at least slow their breeding.

You can start by keeping your indoor air temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit will be fine. However, you must also consider what will be comfortable for you and your family.

Reducing Humidity Levels

Dust mites love a humid environment, ideally between 70 and 80 percent. So by dehumidifying your home environment, you could slow their reproduction to a minimum.

Investing in a dehumidifier is one of the most effective ways to lower the humidity. There are many sizes available, depending on the size of your home. You can even choose one with a built-in humidistat so that you can monitor the humidity.

Keep the humidity below 50 percent to ensure dust mites won’t thrive.

Here are some other ways to lower the humidity:

• Air out as often as you can by opening windows.
• Create better airflow by turning on fans and vents.
• Control humidity with an air conditioning unit.

We highly recommend that you invest in a digital humidity monitor to help keep an eye on the relative humidity. These are generally affordable and are available with a thermometer, such as the ThermoPro.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are excellent at cleaning the air from allergens such as pollen, dander, dust, and dust mites. They work by drawing air in and pulling it through different filters — commonly a HEPA filter and an activated charcoal filter.

Not only will air purifiers get rid of most airborne pollutants, but they will also remove odors. Additionally, most air purifiers can remove dust and larger particles.

However, because dust mites are microscopic, not all units will be able to capture them. We highly recommend choosing a unit with a true HEPA filter — this will capture particles as small as 0.3 microns.

The Whirlpool Whispure is an excellent example and one of the best air purifiers for dust.

Vacuuming

When dealing with dust mites, it’s always best to use an appropriate vacuum cleaner for the floor you’re cleaning. Hard floors require soft brushes to prevent damage, while carpets require attachments like beater rolls to get everything out.

A vacuum with a HEPA filter will prevent dust and allergens from spreading while you’re vacuuming.

If possible, move furniture and other obstacles out of the way to get a more thorough clean. Pay close attention to corners, baseboards, and underneath furniture.

If you’re vacuuming a rug or small carpet, try to turn it over and vacuum the underside as well. There can be a significant amount of dust hiding under there.

Mopping

Although regular mopping won’t kill dust mites, it’s an effective way to eliminate them. You can use any type of mop for this, but we prefer a microfiber mop or spin mop as these are excellent for dust.

Fill your bucket with hot water and add a squirt of dish soap. You can also use a disinfectant soap if you have it on hand. Mop the entire floor with a damp mop, as this will capture more dust than a wet mop.

Carpet Cleaning

If you have lush carpets in your home, the chances are that dust mites are hiding within the fibers. After vacuuming, you can wash the carpet using a carpet cleaner. These machines can be pretty expensive, but luckily, you should be able to rent one from your local hardware store, supply store, or home improvement store.

Carpet cleaners are highly effective since they clean deep inside the fibers. Most machines will also extract the water, leaving you with a clean and dry carpet.

If you can’t get your hands on one, you might want to consider getting your carpets cleaned professionally.

Steaming

Due to the scalding temperatures, steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to kill dust mites. Most handheld steam cleaners come with various attachments, including a floorhead. These resemble a vacuum but emit steam — it’s an effective way to kill dust mites hiding in floor crevices.

You can also use a steam cleaner on a carpet. However, you’ll need a carpet glider to ensure you won’t damage the fibers.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming your soft furniture, such as couches, upholstered chairs, and mattresses, is the most effective way to remove mites. You can use different attachments with the vacuum, such as the crevice tool, to get further into the couch. We recommend using a HEPA-filtered vacuum since it will capture and trap allergens.

Steaming

As explained above, steam is one of the most effective ways to kill dust mites. When steam cleaning furniture, use an appropriate attachment, such as the upholstery tool. These will usually have a microfiber cloth to soak up excess moisture.

You can easily use a steam cleaner on soft furniture, such as a couch, upholstery, and mattresses. You might even kill possible bed bugs when you’re steaming the mattress.

Wooden Furniture and Surfaces

An easy way to get rid of the dust on wooden furniture and other surfaces is by using a damp microfiber cloth. Dampen your cloth and fold it into sections — use one section to wipe, then turn it over to use a clean side. This will prevent you from spreading dust and will give you better results.

Trinkets and Other Delicate Items

Dust can easily get trapped in delicate items, but before you take out the feathered duster, try this. For delicate items, we like to use a clean paintbrush — these can easily get in between creases without causing damage.

Removable Bedding and Fabrics

Remove all pillowcases, duvet covers, and sheets. Place everything in the washer and wash on high heat. The high heat (130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) will kill any living dust mites.

Non-Washable Pillows

Any decorative pillows or soft items you can’t wash can be frozen. Clear your freezer and place the items into separate plastic bags. Place them in the freezer and leave them for 24 hours.

Drapes can be removed and washed in the washer on high heat. This will kill any live mites and remove any feces or waste.

Blinds, on the other hand, can be tricky to dust. Getting in between each slat can be time-consuming and frustrating. However, we do have a hack that you can try. Fit two damp microfiber cloths on a pair of tongs. Grab onto each slate and wipe — this way, you’re cleaning both sides in one go.

Washer

You can wash some stuffed toys in the washer, but usually in cold water. This is still an effective way to get rid of dust mite waste. Check the label on the toy before washing it to ensure it won’t be damaged.

Freezer

If you’re concerned about live mites, you could put each toy in individual plastic bags and place them in the freezer. Allow them to sit there for 24 hours, and then they’ll be mite-free. If possible, you could give them a wash in the washer to get rid of any remaining feces or dead mites.

Steaming

One of our favorite ways to sanitize toys is by using a steamer — high temperatures kill mites and bacteria.

Vacuuming

Pet bedding will need a thorough cleaning as well. The best way to start is by vacuuming the entire area where your pet spends the most time.

Washing

If the bedding is washable, wash it in the washer on high heat to kill any live mites. This is also a good way to eliminate potential fleas or other pests.

Steaming

Steam cleaning your pet’s bedding is an effective way to eliminate dust mites and sanitize the area. Use the upholstery tool as you’re steaming.

Lysol is a disinfectant that comes in many forms, including cleaners, sprays, and wipes. Lysol was designed to kill up to 99 percent of all illness- and allergy-causing germs. It consists of a combination of different alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropyl.

Because of the potent ingredients, Lysol can kill dust mites ⁽¹⁴⁾. However, you must clean up thoroughly afterward to remove dead mites and other waste. If left, these will continue to trigger allergies.

Yes, salt does kill dust mites. Experts recommend you distribute a generous amount of fine salt where dust mites are found. The salt will function as an acaricide, which kills the mites.

Baking soda is highly effective at removing moisture and deodorizing, but it won’t kill dust mites. It can, however, make the area unsuitable for dust mites by soaking up any moisture.

No, vinegar won’t kill dust mites. It will, however, deter them from returning to the area where vinegar has been applied. Try filling a spray bottle with vinegar and spraying different areas where you suspect mites.

Due to the high temperatures of an iron, it will kill dust mites. Experts recommend that you iron your bedding after washing it to reduce mites ⁽¹⁵⁾.