Tips to Elliminate House Dust
House Dust Tips
If you have dust mite allergy, pay careful attention to dust-proofing your bedroom. The worst things to have in the bedroom are:
- Wall-to-wall carpet
- Blinds
- Down-filled blankets
- Feather pillows
- Stuffed animals
- Heating vents with forced hot air
- Dogs and cats
- Closets full of clothing
Carpets trap dust and make dust control impossible.
- Shag carpets are the worst type of carpet for people who are sensitive to dust mites.
- Vacuuming doesn’t get rid of dust mite proteins in furniture and carpeting, but redistributes them back into the room, unless the vacuum has a special HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
- Rugs on concrete floors encourage dust mite growth.
If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpets with washable throw rugs over hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors, and wash the rugs frequently.
Reducing the amount of dust mites in your home may mean new cleaning techniques as well as some changes in furnishings to eliminate dust collectors. Water is often the secret to effective dust removal.
- Clean washable items, including throw rugs, often, using water hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures will not kill dust mites.
- Clean washable items at a commercial establishment that uses high water temperature, if you cannot or do not want to set water temperature in your home at 130 degrees. (There is a danger of getting scalded if the water is more than 120 degrees.)
- Dust frequently with a damp cloth or oiled mop.
If cockroaches are a problem in your home, the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests some ways to get rid of them.
- Do not leave food or garbage out.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps first, before using pesticide sprays.
If you use sprays:
- Do not spray in food preparation or storage areas.
- Do not spray in areas where children play or sleep.
- Limit the spray to the infested area.
- Follow instructions on the label carefully.
- Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray.
- Keep the person with allergies or asthma out of the room while spraying.
