If you have continuous cold symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing, you could be suffering from a dust mite allergy. Dust mites live in our homes and their faeces can trigger allergic reactions. The infographic below explains how to quickly relieve symptoms.

Dust mites are a common allergy trigger that, unfortunately, often goes unnoticed. These creatures are tiny, but can live in huge numbers inside the home. Their body parts and faeces can cause a year-round allergic reaction that makes life a misery. In the infographic above, we listed six techniques for reducing a dust allergy – but if you prefer text, here’s a summary of the information.

1. Vacuum at Least Once Per Week

Dust mites are everywhere in the home – so you can’t get rid of them all. Vacuuming cuts down their numbers and reduces allergic reactions though. Vacuuming at least once per week can have an effect, but if you suffer from an allergy you may want to increase this to every few days.

Tip: Make sure you clean your filter regularly so your vacuum works at maximum suction. You may want to get someone without an allergy to clean the filter though.

2. Use Allergen-Proof Bed Covers

If your dust allergy is worse at night, allergen-proof covers could help improve sleep quality. These go over mattresses, duvets and pillows to prevent allergens escaping throughout the night.

The best covers are usually made of fabric, as these are most comfortable to sleep on. There are also plastic or vinyl covers available.

3. Steam Clean Carpets

Vacuuming removes dust and dirt, but it doesn’t kill dust mites. For this, you need a steam cleaner. These machines eject high-powered steam into carpets and are effective at killing mites that weren’t removed by your vacuum.

Most vacuums don’t include a steam cleaning feature, so you’ll need to buy a separate appliance. It’s worth the money though, as steam cleaners are highly versatile and great for reducing the quantity of allergen-producing mites in your home.

4. Remove Carpets from Key Locations

Removing carpets from certain rooms can have a big effect on allergies. These include:

Your Bedroom. Carpets are ideal locations for dust mites, so removing them in the bedroom can help you get a better sleep.

Carpets are ideal locations for dust mites, so removing them in the bedroom can help you get a better sleep. Rooms with Concrete Floors. Dust mites thrive when there are carpets on concrete floors. Removing carpets gives them one less place to live and breed.

Dust mites thrive when there are carpets on concrete floors. Removing carpets gives them one less place to live and breed. Your Children’s Bedrooms. If your children suffer from allergies, try replacing carpets with hard floors in their bedroom.

This step takes a bit more effort, but may be required if you can’t seem to get your dust allergy under control.

Tip: Remember that dust mites can also live in stuffed toys. Make sure you wash these regularly.

5. Use a HEPA Vacuum

We talk a lot about filtration in our vacuum reviews because it’s a vital consideration when choosing a new machine. But which filter should you choose for an allergy?

HEPA filter vacuums can remove over 99.97% of particles over 0.3 microns in size. This makes them far more effective at preventing dust, dirt and other allergens from being pumped around the house when vacuuming. If you have an allergy, we highly recommend getting a vacuum with a HEPA filter (or a filter of similar effectiveness).

6. Vacuum Upholstery Weekly

Most people regularly vacuum their floors – but many forget upholstery. Dust mites can live in your sofas and mattresses, so it’s important to clean them too.

Like carpets, it’s a good idea to vacuum upholstery at least once per week. If you’re struggling to get your sofas clean, some models come with motorised attachments for digging deeper into fabric and removing more dust.

Summary

There’s nothing more frustrating than an allergy caused by dust, as everywhere is a potential trigger – including your own home. While this is called a dust allergy, it’s actually an allergic reaction to the faeces and remains of dust mites, so relieving it focuses on getting rid of as many mites as possible.

Here’s a quick summary of the 6 tips for reducing dust mites in your home. For the full guide, please refer to the infographic above.

Vacuum at least once per week with a high-powered vacuum. Buy allergen-proof covers for your bedding. Steam clean your carpets regularly to kill mites (see our list of the best steam cleaners). Remove carpets from important rooms, such as your bedroom. Use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to prevent allergens spreading through the home. Vacuum your upholstery at least once per week.

If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments!