Rambla Salvador Samà, 47
Vilanova i la Geltrú – Barcelona
Mites do not bite or transmit diseases, but their droppings are the most common household allergen.
They may not be seen at the naked eye. Their small dimensions are between 0,1 and 0,4mm. A microscope is required to detect them.
They live in damp textile dust, which is why they are mainly found on pillows and bed mattresses. They can also appear in carpets, rugs, curtains, upholstered furniture and stuffed animals.
Their feces adhere to fine particles and can cause allergies when breathed in. Other less common effects are chronic diseases also related to the respiratory tract: bronchitis, asthma or rhinitis.
It is advisable to combat dust mites and eliminate them from the house. The following actions are suggested:
Ventilate the house and bedroom. It is necessary to renew the air and send out the humidity of our breath, preferably in the morning after waking up. A 10-minute ventilation of the whole house, allowing the air to flow, is more effective than a half-hour ventilation limited only to the bedroom.
Avoid high humidity. Environments with humidities above 50% favor the development of dust mites. It is important to hang clothes outside and prevent moisture from the shower and kitchen from spreading into the house by using extractor devices or opening windows. In humid climates, air conditioning and dehumidifiers are also helpful.
Uncover the bed. Every day when we get up, leave the bed open to let the accumulated humidity escape. If the sun shines on it even better, the UV light kills dust mites.
Laundry of pajamas, blankets and sheets. Dust mites die at 60ºC. Bed linen should be changed at least once a week and washed at this temperature.
Do not apply chemical acaricides. They can be irritating, especially for the most sensitive people who suffer from mite allergies, .
Beds with legs. Mattresses on beds with leg frames are much better ventilated than those with a drawer or closed base.
Dust removal. It is recommended to use a powerful vacuum cleaner with HEPA, ULPA or S class microfilter to clean mattresses and pillows, as they allow the elimination of dust mites and their excrements. The same hoover can then be used for the rest of the house using a different nozzle. It may also help to wipe the floor often with a damp cloth.
Anti-dust mite covers. If the mattress and pillows cannot be vacuumed, there are dust mite-proof cotton covers with a particularly dense fabric that prevents the passage of dust mites.
Avoid carpets, rugs, carpets, books and teddy bears. Anything that helps them to proliferate should be avoided. If you prefer to keep these objects, it is important to clean them frequently without stirring up dust.
HEPA air purifier. As a complement, these purifiers eliminate dust mite droppings in the indoor air.
Rambla Salvador Samà, 47
Vilanova i la Geltrú – Barcelona
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