ALLERGY: OTHER MEASURES TO ELIMINATE HOUSE DUST MITES
If you are extremely sensitive to house dust mites, there is much more you can do to reduce or eliminate allergens.
If you have very little spare money, but really need to replace dusty objects, start with your pillow first, and then bedding, such as duvets and blankets. If money is not a constraint, one of the best things you can do is to replace bedding, furniture or mattresses with new ones free of house dust mites. If you start from scratch, free of mites, and vacuum with filters, damp dust and keep things dry and aired, you should prevent them recolonising.
Another excellent thing to do is to take out fitted carpets. Many people find this very difficult to do – not only are fitted carpets attractive, warm and comfortable, but they have often been a major expense and chosen with care, with the expectation of long use. However, people who have steeled themselves to do it say it is one of the best things they have done – dust is considerably reduced and housework drastically cut. So think about it seriously. Do just the bedroom if you cannot bear to do it elsewhere.
There are alternatives to fitted carpets that can be attractive, warm and practical (as well as mite-free) – sanded and sealed wooden boards, linoleum or vinyl, cork, tiles: these are much quicker and easier to keep dust free. (Linoleum is very well tolerated by chemically sensitive people. Use scatter rugs, which can be vacuumed on both sides, hung on the line in sunlight to kill mites, or even washed.
Remove things that collect dust as far as you can – scatter cushions, dried flowers, other-decorations or furnishings which can harbour dust or mites. Use curtains of light, washable fabric if you can: avoid velvets or flocky fabrics which trap dust. If you want warmth and insulation, use washable curtain linings – even hang two linings, or use a blind plus lined curtains to conserve energy.
Do not use Venetian or other blinds or festoons which collect dust. If you have them, then vacuum or wipe down regularly.
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