Allergies to dust and dust mites are rather common problems that can be tackled in the home by simply adopting a few simple habits
There has been a theory ever since 1921 that dust contained allergens that could set off asthma, sinusitis and other respiratory problems. We now know for sure that dust allergies are caused by dust mites, tiny parasites that feed off the organic particles in dust. It is estimated that there are 100-500 dust mites in every gram of dust in our homes!
Tacking dust mite allergy is possible: here are some natural and artificial tips and methods to relieve this annoying problem.
How to fight a dust allergy
There are some simple things you can do to fight allergies at home and minimise the number of dust mites in your house:
- Air the rooms frequently, as well as pillows, sheets and mattresses. Fresh air lowers the amount of humidity in rooms and fabrics, which is one of the main reasons why these parasites form.
- Clean rooms and surfaces frequently, using a dust mite vacuum cleaner or a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.
- Use a dust-trapping cloth or a damp cloth when dusting, so that the fine dust is not dispersed around the house.
- Choose leather sofas over fabric ones.
- Clean carpets, rugs, heavy curtains and upholstery frequently.
- Use dust mite mattress and pillow covers on your mattress and pillows and change your bed sheets every week, washing them at 60° in the washing machine.
- Avoid feather, horsehair and fur materials.
- Dehumidify rooms and do not dry your laundry indoors.
- Do not keep your radiators in your bedroom at too high a temperature.
How to tackle dust mites naturally
You can also use some natural products to fight dust allergies. Essential oils, such as tea tree, are highly effective. All you need to do is spray the oil about 4/5 times on a damp cloth and wipe down surfaces in every room, or try neem oil, which you can mix with water and spray onto mattresses and pillows.
Bicarbonate is also a real help in tackling dust allergies at home: scatter it onto the surface you want to clean, leave it for an hour or so and then vacuum it up. You can also put tea bags into warm water, leave to infuse and then spray the solution onto your bed linen and leave to dry in the sun.
To stay on top of the issue and tackle dust mites in the home, use these natural substances at least every 2 weeks.
