how can we control dust mite allergy?

1 ANSWERS

1. Guest6016
   

   It is critical for the mites to have moisture, and they are killed by intense heat. We can use this information to our advantage as we attempt to minimize their presence in our lives:
   • Wash bedding at 130 degrees fahrenheit to kill the mites and remove their allergen
   
   • Regular washing of clothes and bedding in cool water will remove skin scales, leaving less food for dust mites
   
   • Dry cleaning kills the mites (but 20-70 percent of the allergen will remain)
   
   • Use reputable allergy reduction products throughout your home
   
   • Leaving rugs and blankets in direct sunlight for three hours will kill mites (but sunlight will not remove the allergen)
   
   • Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home and aim for a level of 50% or less
   
   • Cover bedroom air vents with layers of cheesecloth to minimize the dust blowing into the room
   
   • Use mite allergen-proof mattress covers and pillow covers (vapor impermeable)
   
   • Buy comforters that can be washed at high temperatures, and wash them every two to four weeks
   
   • Enclose upholstered box springs in mite-proof covers
   
   • Dry clean wool pants, sweaters, and coats, then store them in well-heated, dry areas
   
   • Store out-of-season clothes in plastic
   
   • Use a Hepa vacuum cleaner that “keeps in” all the allergens it picks-up.
   
   • Consider using a powerful dehumidifier in the bedroom during the day while you are at work. Turn the dehumidifier off at night about an hour before retiring
   
   • Consider using acaracides, which are chemicals that kill dust mites. Benzyl benzoate is considered safe by the FDA. It is a powder that is applied to carpeting, then vacuumed

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