Dust mites are most likely to be a problem in homes with higher relative humidity. The Mayo Clinic offers the following suggesions for lowering levels of house dust mites and their allergens in your home:
* Use allergen-proof bed covers.
* Wash bedding weekly.
* Keep humidity low. Maintain a relative humidity between 30-50 percent in your home with a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
* Avoid wool or down bedcovers that trap dust easily and are difficult to clean frequently.
* Buy washable stuffed toys. Wash them often in hot water and dry thoroughly. Also, keep stuffed toys off beds.
* Remove dust. Use a damp or oiled mop or rag rather than dry materials to clean up dust. This prevents dust from becoming airborne and resettling.
* Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming carpeting and upholstered furniture removes surface dust — essentially the dust mites' food supply — but vacuuming isn't effective at removing most dust mites and their allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to help decrease house-dust emissions from the cleaner.
* Cut clutter.
* Reduce the amount of carpeting and other dust mite habitats in your home. Carpeting provides a comfortable habitat for dust mites, especially if carpeting is over concrete, which holds moisture and provides a humid environment for mites.
