Do you suffer from allergies, eczema or breathing problems? Maybe it will be due to the dust mites that are in your bedroom. What is the best recommended washing temperature to get rid of them?
Most of us long for a restful and refreshing sleep as well as good health. However, many of us do not realize that even in bed there can be danger waiting for us. It can be the home of several million mites, which seriously threaten our health. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of them completely and prevent all possible allergic reactions that they cause.
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Source: Youtube
What are mites
Mites are tiny arthropods that belong to the same group as spiders or ticks, but they are not visible to the naked eye. They have eight legs, a round body and reach a size of around 0.3 mm. They are found wherever there is enough food, warmth and moisture.
They thrive in dust, carpets, and especially bedding. The bed is an ideal environment for mites. The heat of the human body, moisture from sweat and dead skin cells create perfect conditions for their reproduction. Their feces and decayed bodies are strong allergens that cause various health problems.
How specifically it harms human health
Allergy to dust mites manifests itself in various symptoms and reactions. The most common symptoms include itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, asthmatic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, reddened skin, hives or different types of eczema. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to increased hygiene and to take care of the environment where you sleep.
What is the best temperature for washing bedding?
Bedding is the main source of food for dust mites, so they need to be changed and washed often. It is generally recommended to wash bedding at 60°C to destroy not only dust mites, but also their allergens. Lower temperatures are not enough to dispose of them, and higher temperatures can easily damage some types of fabric, and they also use more energy. You should wash your bedding regularly, preferably at least once a week.
Instead of a ton of powdered vinegar
If you really want to get rid of bedding effectively, it is not necessary to use a large amount of washing powder. The ideal solution is to use only a minimum amount of detergent, but instead of fabric softener, add a little vinegar and a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the washing machine.
Don’t underestimate ironing
After washing, it is important to iron the bedding. Even if most mites are destroyed when washed at 60°C, a few more resistant individuals and eggs may survive or part of the allergens cling to the dense fabric. By ironing, you expose them to an even higher temperature, which guarantees their complete destruction. It is an important disinfectant in its own way and removes other bacteria and microorganisms that might be present.
More tips on how to get rid of dust mites in the bedroom
Do not neglect regular cleaning and vacuuming in the bedroom. It is best to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which captures even the smallest particles of dust and allergens. Anti-mite covers can also be purchased to prevent mites from penetrating mattresses, pillows and blankets.
Remove unnecessary textiles from the bedroom, such as stuffed toys, carpets and curtains, which are ideal havens for dust mites. Ventilate the bedroom regularly, fresh air and sunlight help to reduce humidity and thus the number of mites. You can also invest in a quality dehumidifier. It will significantly reduce the humidity in the room, which makes life difficult for mites.
Resources: www.express.co.uk, www.portsmouth.gov.uk, www.allergycosmos.co.uk, www.denikalergika.cz
