How to Have a House Free From Mites
In all homes, there are microscopic organisms that, although they don’t usually cause problems, can affect people who suffer from allergies. For this reason, it’s important to know how to have a house free from mites.
Although it’s true that it’s practically impossible to get rid of every mite, there are techniques to keep them at bay. Do you want to know what these techniques are?
What to do to have a house free of mites
Mites live mostly in the bedroom, especially on the mattress and bedding. They love to live in fabrics, so you’ll find them in all types of upholstery, from your rugs to your sofa. Therefore, the cleaning of textiles is essential.
These microorganisms like warm and humid places, so in areas with 60 percent humidity, they’re in their element! While they disappear if the humidity is below 45 percent. Hence, before advising you on other issues, we’ll remind you of the importance of ventilating your house thoroughly every day. Open the windows and let the sun in, this will lower the humidity.
It’s also important not to overuse your heating and to use dehumidifiers if you live in a humid place, especially in the bedroom.
Cleaning to eliminate mites
Hygiene is essential to be able to control mites, especially if you’re allergic. Dust is your worst enemy and you should put all your efforts to eliminate it on a daily basis.
Dust when the windows are open and whenever you can, use a vacuum cleaner, since a broom spreads it around the room. Then use a damp cloth to clean your surfaces.
If you’re going to buy a new vacuum cleaner, the best ones are those that are equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. You should maintain them properly, cleaning them after each use; they’re very effective.
If you have allergy problems, the key to fighting mites at home is to avoid the use of rugs, blankets, cushions and textiles. If you have these, you should vacuum them at least once a week. You can sprinkle baking soda on the carpets and leave it to work overnight, vacuum it up the next day and they’ll be as good as new.
Mind your mattress!
Mites love spending their lives on your bedroom mattress: it’s a paradise for them. To prevent them from proliferating, you should clean your mattress regularly. Do it once a week with a specific accessory to reach every corner. You should also air it every month.
One more thing: when choosing your mattress, opt for those that are made of latex or fiber. The spring ones have more holes and create the perfect hiding place for mites.
Laundry: essential for a house free of mites
If you want to eliminate mites, you must wash your bedding using a program with hot water; specifically, a temperature setting of at least 60 ºC. For your sheets to withstand frequent washing and high temperatures, they must be 100 percent cotton. If you have a dryer, it’ll also help you in the battle to eliminate them, thanks to the intense heat.
There are models of washing machines that already have an anti-allergy program. If you have allergies, don’t hesitate to investigate these makes and models further.
Pay extra attention to your child’s bedroom
If your child is asthmatic or has an allergy, you should take certain precautions in his bedroom. Make sure it’s as sunny as possible since mites enjoy living in dark places.
Choose a simple decor and forget about using rugs, cushions and other dust accumulators, as well as headboards. If you’ve accumulated lots of stuffed animals, wash them in the washing machine at a high temperature every two weeks.
Although you can’t have a house that is 100 percent free from mites, you can control their numbers if you follow some simple hygiene guidelines and incorporate certain habits.
Although mites are part of our habitat, they can cause asthma, rhinitis or conjunctivitis problems, especially in people who are sensitive to them.