Dust mites are microscopic and tiny insect-like creatures that feed off dead skin flakes and live all over your house, including pillows, toys, clothes, couches, and more.
It can be tough to identify and figure out how to get rid of dust mites, and these tiny creatures leave lots of droppings, and these dropping causes allergic and asthma problem.
Washing, steaming, cleaning, and vacuuming is the best way to overcome dust mites in your house or sofa.
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How to cut off dust mites on couches
Dust mites, in particular, thrive in warm, damp, dark, and filthy environments. You spend so much time in bed and on the sofa that they’ve become heavily infected with dust mites and the skin cells they feed on.
If your sofa is infested with hundreds of dust mites and you do not know what to do, then we are here to help you.
But remember, It is impossible to get rid of dust entirely, but there are some steps and tips you can follow to overcome the dust mites in your couches:
Clean your sofas cover regularly:
One of the best ways to kill dust mites in your home is to clean or change your pillowcases and couch covers. Wash and replace the cushion covers every 1-4 weeks to keep them dust free.
You wash them in hot water at least 130 degrees F. Best results will be achieved by washing using detergents formulated to reduce allergies, as these products typically contain chemicals that neutralize dust mite allergens.
For non-washable items such as cushions, freeze them for 24 hours. This method also kills dust mites but won’t be effective at removing allergens.
Steam clean:
You can also clean your sofa with a steamer. If the temperature exceeds 130 degrees F, it will kill most dust mites. Steam clean is also perfect for cushioning and non-removable covers.
You can also apply this steam method on carpets, clothes, and beds.
To dry out in the sun:
After washing or steaming, the best method to dry your items is under the sun. The hot sun will dry out the cushions, and the hot temperature will inhibit the dust mites.
You can also dry them on a hot setting for at least 15 minutes at 130 degrees F.
Use allergens proof couches cover:
Cleaning your sofas and carpets is a lot more complicated than others. Protecting your couches from dust mites is to cover them.
These covers put a barrier between you and dust mites. This thing will limit their food supply until they die off.
They still creep through the zipper, but you will reduce their number significantly. You also put duct tape over it to add extra protection.
Dust with a damp cloth:
Dusting your couches regularly with a damp cloth is another way to limit dust mite food sources. Rinse the fabric with normal water or any cleaning solution to avoid spreading the mites.
It is essential to have a damp cloth as a dry cloth will stir up the allergens and spread dust mites around.
Reduce the humidity:
Mites love humidity, so control their number with a dehumidifier. It also helps improve air quality by extracting extra water from the environment.
You can also open the windows on dry days and use fans when cooking, showering, and other activities that create steam.
To eliminate dust mites from growing on the couch, we need to keep the humidity level between 30-50%.
You can achieve it with better room ventilation, but the impact is minimal.
Install an air purifier or vacuum regularly:
One of the best things you can do to get rid of dust mist is to use the best air purifier. This device will trap and lock away dust particles and contaminants and make the air clean.
An ordinary vacuum cleaner cannot catch dust mist, so you need to focus on HEPA filters because these filters trap dust particles down to 0.3 microns in size.
We recommend vacuuming every other day and cleaning the sofa and rug correctly while you are doing it.
Keep pets off the couch:
If you have any pets like dogs, the cat stays away from couches. On average, a person sheds up to 1.6 pounds of skin a year. Likewise, a pet can also shed their bodies. These things attract dust mites more than others.
Products you need to keep dust mites away:
- Allergen laundry detergents: wash your laundry with these detergents. It contains unique ingredients that remove dust mites and allergens in a hot wash.
- Couches cover: use an allergy-friendly cover to create a barrier between you and dust mites and limit their numbers.
- Dehumidifier: extract water daily from the environment to help maintain the air quality and makes a less attractive place for dust mites.
- Allergen spray: Spraying an oxidizing substance like allergens on dust mites is an effective way to kill them.
- Steamer: a handheld steamer will help eliminate dust mites allergens from your soft furnishings.
Naturally, remove dust mites:
Some essential oils, especially “eucalyptus and tea tree oil,” are lethal to dust mites. The oil can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- When cleaning your laundry, pour a few drops of eucalyptusor tea tree oil into the washing machine.
- Dilute eucalyptus or tea tree oil with water and spray it around.
You can also use plants for this purpose:
Plants with larger leaves also eliminate dust mites.
Chamaedorea (bamboo palm), Boston ferns, spider plants, and peace lilies are just a few of the beautiful plants that can help keep dust allergies at bay.
Conclusion:
Dust mites don’t bite human, but their presences make them uncomfortable. These dust mites cause asthma and allergies. It is impossible to eliminate, but you can reduce its number using tricks.
Regularly washing with allergen laundry detergents, proper cleaning, and using filters significantly reduce their growth.
You can naturally reduce it by using essential oils and plants.
Answer / Question:
Is steaming my couches a suitable method for removing dust mites?
Yes, steaming above 130 degrees F will kill most dust mites. Since steaming alone won’t get rid of them completely, follow an allergen spray.
Can I use an air purifier to get rid of dust mites?
Yes, one of the best things you can do to get rid of dust is to use the best air purifier. This device will trap and lock away dust particles and contaminants and make the air clean.
It would help if you focused on HEPA filters because they trap dust particles down to 0.3 microns in size.
What kinds of textiles or materials tend to attract dust mites?
In particular, dust mites prefer warm, humid, dark, and dusty places. But their favorite surface is the fiber and foody surfaces.
Are dust mites dangerous?
The lack of bites and disease transmission make dust mites often considered benign. Yet, inhaling or touching dust mite excrement triggers allergic reactions. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma attacks.
How to prevent dust mites on my couch?
- Invest in a leather couch or use a hypoallergenic dust mite protector.
- Vacuum or steam the sofa regularly.
- Wash or freeze the couch covers.
- Use essential oil such as eucalyptus and tea tree oil or spray them with oil and water.
- The lower humidity level in the room.
- Don’t let your pet sit on the couch.
- Use the best air purifiers.
- Dust mites can enter through open windows and doors. Therefore it’s essential to seal them.
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