Probably the one item in our homes that affects our health most significantly is our mattress. Studies have shown that dust mites, while present throughout our homes, are especially concentrated in our bedding. A mattress, with its abundant food sources (shed skin) and perfect breeding conditions (warmth and humidity) will allow dust mites to thrive, while causing us to experience runny noses, itchy eyes and other allergy symptoms.
What are Dust Mites?
House dust mites are tiny (up to 0.3 mm) animals related to ticks and spiders and live in house-dust. There is not a home without them, but some dwellings contain huge numbers while others have almost none. The dust mite population not only depends on cleanliness, but very much on the amount of moisture in the house…dry houses in very cold climates or on high mountains have few mites, while houses in temperate climates and normal altitudes have much more. House dust mites eat the dust which is constantly shed from our skin and the skin of our pets. Dust mite excrement is one of the most widespread allergen triggers for asthma, eczema and allergic nasal mucous membrane inflammations. A protein called Der p1 (found in dust mite excrement) is recognized as the major cause of symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, eczema and other dust sensitive conditions. Also of note: Dust mites even thrive in the warmth and humidity of carpets, upholstery, Oriental rugs and stuffed toys.
The area most affect by dust mites is usually the bedroom-mattresses, bed linens, upholstered furniture and carpeting. The house dust mite lives for approximately 4 months and in this time it will produce about 200 times its own body weight in excrement and lay approximately 300 eggs. Logically we can see that more time spent in the bedroom will produce more dust mites in this area. Controlling mite populations should be concentrated, for most people, in the bedroom.
The bedroom is particularly vulnerable as we spend 1/3 of our life in bed. During the night, both in winter and summer, we perspire and shed skin scales into our sleeping environment collected by linen, pillows and the mattress. all these areas are ideal breeding grounds for the dust mite, offering warmth, humidity and an endless source of food.
Mattresses offer a perfect breeding ground for Dust Mites!
How can we get rid of Dust Mites?
Completely removing all mites is not possible. Slightly decreasing their numbers doesn’t usually help…to improve asthma or other mite allergies you must reduce their population to between ONE TENTH and ONE HUNDREDTH of what it was before, as well as clean up “dust” that was allowed to accumulate over the years. Following are accepted tips for helping reducing dust mite populations in your home and decreasing the frequency of asthma triggers associated with their droppings:
- Vacuum your mattress regularly using a HEPA certified vacuum cleaner.
- Use dust proof bedding covers: It is essential to cover the mattress, pillows and duvet (comforter) and to launder all uncovered items, preferably at 140 degrees.
- Vacuum or wipe the dust proof covers regularly.
- Launder bedclothes at 140 degrees or higher. Lower temperatures do not kill mites.
- Don not give furry toys to children to take to bed. An excellent substitute is a little cotton blanket which can be washed.
- Damp dust hardwood or tile flooring to remove dust.
- Vacuum Oriental rugs, carpeting and upholstery. Use a HEPA vacuum.
- Professionally clean your carpet every 12 to 18 months, more often if sensitive family members are susceptible to asthma triggers. Regular cleaning removes embedded soils.
- Have upholstered furniture and drapery cleaned at least anually to remove mites and their droppings.
If Regal Fabric Care can help you and your family enjoy the time you spend in your home please let us know. We offer the most comprehensive mattress cleaning and sanitizing services available. Our hypoallergenic cleaning agents are designed especially for people who are allergy suffers and sensitive to harsh chemicals-they contain no solvents, perfumes, phosphates or hazardous materials and are derived from renewable plant sourse surfactants. We are here to help! 781-995-0683
“A Clean, Healthy Home (& office)…GUARANTEED!”
Comments on this entry are closed.