Choose furniture that does not collect dust. Avoid flocky fabrics on upholstered furniture. Use furniture without upholstery as far as possible, particularly beds. Avoid padded headboards and solid divan or bed-bases. A simple, slatted bed-frame in wood or metal allows ventilation and drying of a mattress and does not itself harbour mites. Put away as many dust-collecting objects as possible. Keep clothes in drawers or wardrobes if you can, or hang a light curtain over open shelves to stop dust accumulating. Avoid fussy lightshades or ornaments which collect dust.
In the long term, if you live in a very damp location, and it is not possible to keep your home as dry as you like, you may have to move. If looking for a new home, check out the dampness of the location – is it near a river, canal or even over an underground waterway?
Some people find using a dehumidifier very helpful in keeping down damp and controlling mite levels.
Remember to clean out cars – house dust mites thrive in cars as well. Vacuum seats with filtered vacuum cleaner as often as possible.
If going on holiday or on a visit, take your bedding with you if you want to be extra careful about mites. Avoid damp locations if you can.
Always air things you use seldom – like sleeping bags or camping blankets – before putting them away, to control mites. Air them before use as well.
*158\117\8*
Leave a Comment