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Tips for Reducing the Symptoms of a House Dust Mite Allergy

Published at: Monday, 19. November 2007

• Do not overheat living rooms. In the bedroom in particular, the temperature should not exceed 20 °C.
• Furnish the house or flat with closed cupboards instead of open shelves.
• Avoid dust traps: deep-pile rugs and carpets, thick curtains, lots of cushions, soft toys and also plants and dried flowers.
• Damp-wipe smooth floors at least every other day.
• Dust regularly.
• Regularly vacuum rugs and carpets, and use a high-power vacuum cleaner with fine dust filters. Replace the dust bags as often as possible.
• Use specialist equipment to clean upholstered furniture or replace with leather furniture.
• Place beds on legs so that they are ventilated from underneath (no storage boxes).
• Use mite-proof covers for mattresses (encasings).
• Use mattresses, quilts/pillows and bed linen made from allergen-free materials.
• Air bedding regularly, in the sun if possible.
• Wash bedding each week (over 60 °C if possible).
• Have quilts, pillows and encasings washed/cleaned at least every three months.
• Buy new mattresses at least every eight years.
• Where children are concerned: Do not allow any soft toys or lambskins to be taken into bed/the pram.
• Buy washable soft toys where possible, and wash them once a month at over 60 °C or put them into plastic wrapping and place them in the deep freeze for 48 hours. Then wash the toys at a low temperature.
• Do not use air humidifiers.

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