Dust mites in the bedroom are a trigger for people with allergies and asthma. Every home has dust mites. You can't see them; they feed on invisible skin flakes in pillows, bedding, upholstery and carpeting. You can control them by keeping bedding clean and by controlling dust.
To Control Dust Mites in the Bedroom
Use
special dust mite-proof covers to keep dust mites from going through
pillows and mattresses. They’re sometimes called “allergen-impermeable” covers.
Wipe
covers with a damp cloth every week. If you don’t use covers, wash pillows
at least 4 times a year, and replace them every year.
Don’t use carpet in the bedroom. Use linoleum¨, vinyl or wood flooring and washable area rugs. Wash rugs once a week.
Wash Bedding to Control Dust Mites
| What | How Often | Wash | Dry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheets | Weekly | Use a regular wash cycle and warm or hot water. Washing removes dust mite allergens and some dust mites. | When possible, dry in a hot dryer to kill dust mites. Hanging sheets ourside to dry attracts dust and pollen. |
| Pillows | At least 4 times a year (unless you use dust mite-proof covers) | Wash two pillows at a time on a gentle cycle. | Dry pillows in the dryer. Take them out halfway through and fluff them so they don't get lumpy. |
| Blankets, Comforters, Mattress Pads | At least monthly | Use a gentle wash cycle | Dry in the dryer; stop to fluff a few times. Add a wet towel to help them dry evenly. |
- Use special dust mite-proof pillows and mattress covers. Wipe them off weekly with a clean, damp cloth.
- Wash sheets weekly.
- Wash blankets and bedspreads monthly.
- Use smooth blinds or washable curtains. Wipe blinds weekly with a clean, damp cloth. Wash curtains monthly.
- Dust furniture weekly, using a dusting product or a special cloth that attracts dust (a dry cloth spreads dust around).
- Vacuum and wet mop floors weekly.
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