How to get rid of dust mites naturally?

The air we breathe is not the only factor that affects our lungs. Dust mites are making our homes their havens of choice to "pollute" our lives day and night!

Dust mites are microscopic animals related to insects and crustaceans. They are found absolutely everywhere, but those found in house dust are the most allergenic. They feed on skin debris in mattresses, pillows and carpets. They grow best in warm, damp conditions. In nine out of ten cases, they are responsible for asthma in young people under the age of eighteen. Regular thorough cleaning of covers, mattresses, pillows, carpets, rugs and curtains is essential, but not sufficient. They must be removed, avoiding the use of toxic products wherever possible.

Dust mites esssential oils: 

Diffuse a mixture of essential oils of fennel, true lavender, niaouli, oregano, linalool thyme and verbena for half an hour to eliminate the strains of mites. 

DUST MITES: A DAILY HUNT

Invisible to the naked eye, these tiny beasts of the spider family feed on our shedding (dead skin cells, nail or hair remnants...) and live in our mattresses (number one reservoir) as well as bed base, carpets, sofas, clothes, stuffed animals, carpets, rugs, curtains, etc.

Getting rid of them it, however, remains difficult and is a daily task. According to several studies, conventional vacuuming (for which a HEPA filter is recommended) is not enough: at most 10% is eliminated!

HOW TO WIPE OUT DUST MITES NATURALLY?

Bedding items should be washed at a minimum temperature of 60°C (every six months for duvets, every three months for pillows), or dry-cleaned (e.g. for feathers), and anti-mite covers should be used. Above all, make sure that the rooms and the bedding are as airy as possible. You can take the duvet and pillows them out on the window sill, beat them well, and leave them in the sun (like our grandmothers!).

Finally, we hunt for dust because 1 gram of dust can contain 10,000 dust mites! Stop the "dust nests" that accumulate, fight against them, and to perfect your hunt, use essential oils with anti-dust mites properties. For approximately 30 minutes, diffuse a blend of true lavender, niaouli, and thyme linalool essential oils, in equal portions, and a drop of compact oregano.

CARPET: SHOULD IT BE REMOVED?

If carpet with low piles does not concentrate too many mites’ allergens compare to shag carpet (mites also prefer the humid atmosphere of the bed or the dark recesses of the curtains), mould, animal hair and chemical pollutants can still thrive in it.

In case of allergy, it is imperative to clean it by regularly vacuuming (at least twice a week, with a HEPA filter) to avoid accumulation. Replacing the carpet is not an obligation if it is well maintained.

HOW TO CLEAN MY CARPET?

The good idea? At least twice a year, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, leave to act for 2 hours then vacuum.

To boost the sanitizing effect, mix in a bowl 200 grams of baking soda and 100 drops (4ml) of lemon essential oil (or true lavender or eucalyptus radiata). Let the product act for 24 hours. Sprinkle on carpet or rugs. Leave to act for 15 minutes before vacuuming.

Cleaning up dirt: grandma's tricks work very well! Pour ¼ litre litter of white vinegar and 1 litre litter of sparkling water into a spray bottle. Once it’s ready, spray as much as you can, rub if necessary, and let it dry.

Extracts from 'Anti-Pollution Guide for a Healthy House' by Isabelle PACCHIONI, Leduc edition and Top Santé's Guide '48 Essential Oils which every home needs to be healthy'.