How can you get rid of dust mites in your mattress for good?
Mites are sedentary arachnids. There are more than 50,000 different types of mites, which typically live in fabrics such as cotton. However, mites are also a common allergen; in fact, when present in significant concentrations, they can cause dermatitis and other skin reactions. To protect yourself and your mattress from mites, there are natural anti-mite products available.
Mites: Understanding Them Better to Deal with Them More Effectively
Mites aren't just parasites that can cause allergies. While they can trigger allergic skin reactions, they are used on a daily basis in certain fields. They are useful in the production of certain cheeses and are used by the police to determine the time of death.
They reproduce in damp places with temperatures between 20° and 30°, so a normally heated home provides the perfect conditions for dust mites to thrive. Add to that the fact that we often sweat at night, and we create an ideal environment. Dust mites feed on the dead skin cells that we naturally shed every day, and then lay their eggs. These eggs hatch quickly, and the young mites rapidly reach adulthood. Just consider that, while a mite lives on average between 2 and 3 months, a female can lay between 20 and 80 eggs in 3 weeks. Their droppings and even their dead bodies can cause allergic reactions in some people. That’s why it’s important to clean regularly and create an environment that’s unsuitable for their growth and reproduction. The first step is definitely to buy a natural latex mattress, which is naturally mite-resistant.
The natural latex mattress, naturally dust-mite resistant
There are several types of natural dust mite solutions. You can choose just one, or combine several for best results. In this article, we recommend a solution that takes very little time but is also long-lasting: buying a 100% natural latex mattress.
Natural latex is completely mite-resistant: it is a durable and highly breathable material that helps prevent the creation of the kind of environment that promotes mite growth. But that’s not all. Natural latex provides ideal back support without being too firm, allowing you to relax completely. It adapts to all body types and is classified as a Class 1 medical device. You can therefore claim a 19% tax deduction on your 730 tax return, thanks to a prescription from your primary care physician and the invoice issued by Kipli. Natural latex is also a hypoallergenic material that naturally inhibits the growth of mold.
A little extra help against mites
Of course, there are other ways to completely eliminate dust mites. If you don’t want to replace your mattress, simply add a few drops of essential oil to your laundry detergent when washing your sheets. Alternatively, you can also make your own anti-mite spray to use on your sheets. How? Simply mix 20 ml of alcohol with 60 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil. Then add 60 drops of clove essential oil, 60 drops of lavender, and 60 drops of cedarwood. Spray the mixture onto your freshly washed sheets and wait about an hour for them to dry and for the mixture to take effect. You can then remove the now-eliminated dust mites with a vacuum cleaner.
Other complementary solutions include:
- Air out your home. Open the windows to let in fresh air, which will reduce humidity and lower the temperature
- Clean frequently. Vacuum at least once a week, including your mattress, sofas, and armchairs, to remove as many dust mites as possible
- Wash your sheets at a minimum of 60°C to eliminate any dust mites. If you have stuffed animals, simply place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to eliminate dust mites.
In short, a well-ventilated, clean, and healthy home is the best solution against dust mites. Among the most effective ways to achieve this, the first step is definitely purchasing a natural latex mattress, which is naturally dust-mite resistant. Choose your bed carefully as well and opt for a slatted bed, which is more breathable.