dusterDust can be a constant and subtle trigger of allergies and asthma. Whether your concern is health or housekeeping, learn how an air purifier can help you breathe easier.

 


 

Fast Facts

 

 

 

10

 

grams

 

 

1/3

 

of life

 

 

10

 

million

 

 

130°F

 

Fahrenheit

 

The average human sloughs off 1/3 ounce or 10 grams of dead skin a week  

One-third of life is spent in bed, which is a prime habitat for dust mites

 

 

A typical mattress may have anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside

 

 

To kill dust mites, the water used to wash sheets and blankets should be at least 130°F

 

 


 

What is dust and where does it come from?

 

Household dust is commonly comprised of dead skin cells and scales, called dander, that collect in living areas, mattresses, carpets, and on frequently used furniture. It often harbors a large numbers of microscopic dust mites, which feed off human and animal dander. The average human sloughs off 1/3 ounce (10 grams) of dead skin a week, and cats and dogs create even more dander.

 

Dust mites are harmless to most people. They don’t carry diseases, but they can cause allergic reactions in people with asthma or allergies to their feces. Dust mites may be a factor in 50 to 80 percent of cases of asthma, as well as cases of eczema, hay fever and other allergies. Related causes of allergies include dust mites, cockroach droppings, pet dander, and pollen. Symptoms are usually respiratory in nature and may include sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and wheezing.

 


 

Tips for Tackling Dust

 

 

 

Protect your mattress

 

Enclose the mattress top and sides with a plastic cover, and thoroughly vacuum pillows and the base of the bed. You can also use an airtight plastic or polyurethane cover that seals your mattress.

 

Use hot, not warm, water

 

Wash your sheets and blankets in very hot water (130°F/54°C) at least every two weeks. Wash your pillow every week, or put a plastic cover on it. For fabrics that can’t be washed, pop them into the freezer for 24 to 48 hours to kill dust mites.

 

Reduce temperature and humidity

 

Dust mites love warm, humid conditions, above 70°F (21°C) and 50% humidity. Keep your thermostat below 70°F and evaluate whether you need a dehumidifier or humidifier to maintain 35% to 45% humidity.

 

Clean weekly

 

Change or wash pillowcases, sheets, blankets, and curtains, and vacuum the bed base and around the covered mattress. For flooring, use a damp mop or rag; avoid using a dry cloth or broom, since this just stirs up mite allergens.

 

 

Replace dust mite traps

 

Replace carpeting with wood, tile, linoleum, or vinyl flooring. Remove cloth drapes, and vacuum any remaining carpets and upholstery frequently.

 

Clean up your toys

 

Regularly place soft toys in the freezer for 24 hours before you wash them, or wash them in hot water.

 

Check your HVAC and furnace filters

 

Clean or replace the air filters on your furnace or air conditioner at least once a month.

 

Invest in a HEPA air purifier

 

HEPA filters will remove up to 99 percent of dust and dust-related particles; not just dust mite feces, but also other types of allergens, like dander, pollen, and cockroach feces.

 

 

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