Did you know certain areas of your home can be the perfect environment for dust mites? These microscopic creatures feed on organic matter like dead skin cells which collect in carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
Dust mites cause significant issues for people, particularly those with allergies or asthma. As people walk around your home, the waste left behind by the mites gets kicked up, triggering allergic reactions.
If you’re a homeowner looking to reduce dust mite populations in your home and keep allergens at bay, check out these four effective tips!
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming is one of the easiest ways to control dust mites. Keeping surfaces clean reduces their food source since they feed on dead skin cells. For maximum effectiveness, use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter, as these are designed to trap even the smallest particles, including dust mite waste.
When vacuuming, pay special attention to high-traffic areas, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Go over each section multiple times to ensure you’re picking up as many allergens as possible. If you have one, use a vacuum with a beater brush or a powerhead to agitate the fibers of the carpet and upholstery. This dislodges dust mites and allergens that might be deeper within.
Manage Humidity
Dust mites thrive in humid environments, typically preferring humidity levels of 70-80%, so reducing the humidity in your home makes it less hospitable for them. Try to maintain indoor humidity levels below 50%. You can easily achieve this by using a dehumidifier, especially in rooms with carpeting and upholstery.
Additionally, proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements is important, as these areas tend to trap moisture. In dry climates or during winter months, central heating can help lower humidity levels, while air conditioning systems in summer can also reduce indoor moisture.
Replace Carpeted Areas
If your allergies are severe or if you’re in a home where dust mites are particularly problematic, you might consider replacing carpets with hard flooring options like hardwood, tile, or laminate. Dust mites find it difficult to thrive on these surfaces because they don’t trap dust and skin cells the way carpets do.
Switching to hard flooring not only makes it easier to clean but also significantly reduces dust mite populations. If you are not ready to make the switch to hard floors, consider reducing the number of rugs in your home or choosing ones that are easy to clean regularly.
Professional Cleaning
While vacuuming can handle surface-level dirt, dust mites can burrow deep into carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Professional cleaning is an excellent way to reach these hidden areas. Not only can the professionals remove allergens but their equipment can penetrate deep into the fibers, eliminating both mites and their eggs.
Professional cleaners use specialized equipment to ensure the steam reaches the appropriate temperature to be effective. It’s recommended to get your carpets and upholstered furniture professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months, depending on the level of dust mite activity and allergy concerns.
Get Expert Carpet and Rug Cleaning from Springer Floor Care
Dust mites can be a nuisance, but with regular, professional cleanings, you can significantly reduce their presence in your home. Our experienced team uses industry-leading equipment, products, and techniques to clean all carpets, rugs, and upholstery in your home.
Contact us to schedule a service today!