Do you find yourself sniffing and sneezing, but you know don’t have a cold?
An allergy to dust mites might be the reason. The allergy produces the same kind of symptoms as hay fever. Symptoms might include:
- Red, itchy and watery eyes
- A runny nose
- Feeling “stuffy”
- Sneezing
Some 20 million Americans are thought to be allergic to dust mites. What are they? Dust mites are tiny creatures, about a quarter of a millimetre long. They feed on flakes of shed human skin and they live in bedding, carpets, sot furnishings and clothing. They thrive in humid conditions.
People who suffer from the allergy are reacting not to the mite itself, but the protein in its droppings. Mites can produce 20 droppings a day.
Cleaning Service Reston – Tips for a Mite-Free House
You can’t get rid of dust mites completely, but there are measures you can take to minimize their effects.
- Use allergen covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows. Dust mites love bedding – there’s plenty of human skin cells there.
- Wash bedding at a high temperature and change the linen frequently (at least once a week)
- If possible, remove carpets from bedrooms.
- Vacuum carpets frequently – and arrange for regular carpet cleaning, which will help keep the numbers down. Budget Maids provides a carpet cleaning service in Reston.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. The filter removes airborne particles and can help with dust mite allergies. Use the vacuum cleaner on soft furnishings too.
- For children, stuffed, soft toys should be washed regularly. If the toy can’t be washed, place it in a bag in the freezer for 12 hours.
- Damp wipe surfaces once a week – window sills tops of cupboards, skirting boards etc.
- Check out products aimed at killing dust mites. Some of these might not be suitable for people who suffer from respiratory problems and they should not be used in areas where children play.
- Allergen barrier creams can help too. These are applied to the nostrils and they trap or block pollens and allergens, minimizing the chance of a reaction.
Here at Budget Maids we provide cleaning service Reston, a maid service in Olney or cleaning services in Columbia and surrounds, and more. Why not give us a call today and let us help you minimize the impact of dust mites on your home?
