House dust mites

la_farfallina

Does anybody know how to kill house dust mites? I know I should replace my mattress and carpets which are nine years old but I can't afford to at the moment. Vacuuming my carpet and mattress just seems to make me even more snuffly.


Thanks in advance.
Farf

lil_me

Steam cleaning is good. Cleaning curtains can help more than people think. Getting linen safe to wash 60 degrees or over so you can zap the bugs, we do this weekly. Vacuuming might make you snuffly because you are moving the dust around or because your cleaner is letting stuff back out. A good clean down of the vacuum cleaner then do it regularly, you should stop sniffling after a few days because of that. If you have soft toys, clean them, bag them up and put them out of the way until it settles. If you replace the carpet, maybe go for a hard flooring, much better. The anti allergy duvets, protectors etc do help. Keeping the room from getting too damp (dry clothes in the kitchen maybe if you need to dry indoors) Airing the room when you can, I pull the quilt back and air our bed daily.

Some help on here http://www.bris.ac.uk/depts/ENT/war%20on%20dust%20mites.htm

Link not for those who would rather 'ignore' bugs

la_farfallina

I have just read the link you sent me. :eek: Looks like a new bed and carpet is the way to go. I live in a flat and am not allowed wooden flooring.

I have dried clothes on the rad in my bedroom for years and years...I had no idea that it helped the beasties thrive.

Thanks again lil_me.

lil_me

What about lino? You can get some nice ones now. If you have to get carpet getting one that's 'short' might help, I know they aren't as comfy.

Oh yes, they love a good damp, warm room. You can get room sprays but I ended up with a rash the last time I used one so it's just clean, clean and clean for me. Does work, just takes a bit of getting used to.

purpleivy

Soft toys are supposed to be put in the freezer I understand... but when my dd's asthma flared and I suggested this she refused to let me put her teddy in there.

BTW, dd is now nearly 17 1/2!