Dust mites are microscopic organisms measuring between 0.1 and 0.5 mm that are present in our household linens: sheets, carpets, curtains, etc. They produce allergenic substances that cause reactions in sensitive people: rhinitis, asthma, conjunctivitis, itching, etc.
It is therefore essential to limit the proliferation of dust mites, although this is difficult, since these tough little creatures feed on human and animal dander produced by the skin.
Fighting mites isn’t impossible, though, as all you need to do is adopt the following good housekeeping practices:
How to get rid of dust mites?
Are you showing signs of allergies, such as sneezing, rashes, runny nose…? Dust mites may have something to do with it, so track them down by dusting carpets regularly (at least twice a week) and drying them in the sun. Don’t wait until they’re completely filthy before cleaning and disinfecting them with bleach.
This also applies to sheets, comforters and pillows, which should be dried in the sun for at least 2 hours to eliminate dust mites, before being laid out again in the morning. You can do this every week if you’re short of time. Please note that bedding is a veritable nest of dust mites, as we spend an average of 8 hours a day on it. Mattress dust contains 10 times more dust mites than the rest of the house. This is why you need to pay particular attention to it, by changing sheets and pillowcases at regular intervals and dusting the mattress outside at least once a month.
Houseplants can also encourage the proliferation of dust mites, as they tend to produce humidity in rooms. If you’re particularly sensitive to dust mites, it’s best to avoid placing plants in your home, especially in bedrooms and living areas such as the living room.
Also pay attention to stuffed animals and other soft toys lying around the house, as they are also veritable nests for dust mites. Wash them regularly or, if they can’t be washed, put them in a bag and store them in the freezer for a few hours to kill the mites.
It’s a good idea to ventilate the house by opening all the windows and doors while you’re cleaning, to effectively remove dust and fight dampness.
Finally, if you have pets, even if they are groomed regularly, they should not be allowed in the rooms, as they still carry dust mites and dander, which serve as food for them.
Which products to choose?
It is possible to fight effectively against dust mites by using a natural product that you can easily find in grocery stores: baking soda or sodium bicarbonate.
Simply sprinkle your mattress and pillows with baking soda powder, then brush to penetrate the powder and spread the product evenly over the bedding. You can then dust off after 4 hours. Those who don’t want to handle the powder can also dilute the product in lukewarm water, then spray the solution onto the bed and linens to treat them.
Some essential oils also have mite-fighting properties, notably lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus and mint.
DIY solutions for dust mite control
While it’s possible to find anti-dust mite products on the market, baking soda and all kinds of essential oils also act on dust mites. You can use them to create your own homemade anti-dust mite products.
For example, you can make your own anti-mite detergent by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of essential oil to your liquid detergent. Simply use this mixture to soak your clothes to kill these little bugs on your clothing and household linen.
You can also make your own spray solution with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, one and a half liters of water and 2 teaspoons of the essential oil of your choice from the selection listed above. Spray this mixture onto clean carpets, curtains, sheets, etc., then allow to dry in the sun before use.
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