Dust Mite Treatment for Carpets: How Does It Work?

Dust mites are very stubborn microscopic insects that feed mostly on bits of dead skin, hair, or nail debris. They proliferate in houses, because these are their pantries. While they don’t bite or transmit diseases, they’re responsible for a large portion of “dust” allergies. Applying a dust mite treatment, especially if you have carpeting in your house, can help you avoid serious health problems.

Where do dust mites proliferate?

Dust mites are present year-round in houses. They like heat and humidity, and they mostly proliferate in the autumn and winter when houses are less ventilated, more heated, and exposed to a higher humidity level. Their favourite hideouts are beds, mattresses, rugs, and carpets, because they can find all the food they want there.

How to eliminate dust mites

To eliminate dust mites from your bedding, wash your sheets frequently in very hot water and protect your mattresses with covers. There are hypoallergenic covers with zippers that perfectly cover bed frames and mattresses.

When it comes to your rugs and carpets, there are several possible solutions for dust mite treatments.

• Use steam cleaning instead of shampooing with cold water, which is much less effective.
• Vacuum all your rugs and carpets at least once a week.
• Opt for a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter (very high efficiency) or a central vacuum system with a ventilation device that vents outside rather than to the basement.
• Air out the room for a long time after vacuuming.
• Prepare an essential oil solution to spray on your carpet consisting of 1.5 litres of water, the juice of 2 lemons, and 2 teaspoons of essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender, and mint. Just let dry naturally.
• Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets. This has anti-dust mite properties.

How to prevent dust mites from reappearing

As much as possible, avoid rugs and carpets in your house. Consider replacing them with surfaces that are easier to clean where dust mites can’t take refuge. If you absolutely must keep your carpets, you should clean them frequently.

During cold periods, try to limit the room temperature to 18 or 19 degrees. If possible, open the windows and air out your house for at least half an hour a day to release the ambient humidity. If the moisture persists, a dehumidifier or an air exchanger could prove useful.

The importance of eliminating dust mites

Eliminating dust mites from your house is a real health issue. These little creatures are responsible for more than 50% of respiratory allergies. For people prone to asthma attacks, exposure to dust mites can not only lead to difficulty breathing but also cause even more serious pulmonary function disorders. Even dead, dust mites remain deeply allergenic, hence the importance of regularly cleaning all the places where they can nest.

Don’t hesitate to rely on professionals to clean your house. They have fast and effective cleaning equipment. They will also be able to advise you on the precautions to take to prevent the proliferation of dust mites and offer you solutions tailored to your environment.