Dust Mites and How to Kill Dust Mites

Kill dust mites by washing all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers in hot water (130 to 140 F). Putting things in the dryer on hot and running a few minutes will also kill dust mites. Non-washable bedding can be frozen overnight to kill dust mites. Sunlight can kill dust mites but it won't get rid of the allergens. You can place your pillows and some of your children's stuffed toys in the freezer for about a day to kill dust mites. It is noted that low levels of humidity and extended exposure to sunlight will also kill dust mites that have infested your home. There are naturally occurring and synthetically made chemicals that kill dust mites.

• FACT: One ounce of dust contains nearly 42,000 living dust mites.

Allergens

Allergens in the home hide in unexpected places. Allergens can hide in the most unlikely places: on stuffed animals, in drawers, and under rugs. Allergens are tiny and light perfect for taking wing in the ducts and open air of spaces around your house.

Mattress

Mattresses are an ideal environment for dust mites, bacteria, viruses and spores. Mattress covers do not protect, and sheets do not protect against this kind of dirt. Mattresses and box springs should be encased in zippered, dust-proofcovers. Mattresses, pillows, carpets and furniture also allow dust mites to burrow deep into the fabric allowing them to escape direct sunlight and vacuums, which would lead to their death. Since they feed on shed human skin, they love to live in mattresses, bed pillows, and stuffed bedding items like comforters.

Vacuum

Vacuum the carpets and cloth-covered furniture to get rid of as much dust as you can. Vacuuming with tightly sealed units, good filters and double-thickness bags may yield modest additional benefit. Vacuum furniture and curtains/drapes once a week Use washable slip covers and cushions, and wash in 130-degree hot water once a week Keep pets off of the furniture Use easy-to-clean flooring, and avoid carpeting where moisture can get trapped and help mold to grow Use blinds and other easy-to-clean window treatments, or wash and dry curtains once a month Never eat on the floor or on furniture where crumbs can attract roaches. Wear a mask while vacuuming to avoid inhaling allergens, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes to allow any dust and allergens to settle after vacuuming.

Carpets

Carpets and rugs can also harbor the mites and their droppings; if you can't get rid of these, treating them with the expensive stuff is probably a good idea. Carpets and heavy draperies are dust mite heaven, so bare floors and windows are best. Carpets If you have lots of carpeting in your home, this is another dust mite hot spot. Carpets are too heavy and large to be washed, and vacuuming can only do so much.

How The Hygienitech Process Kills Dust Mites