[Medical Q&A] How should we fight dust mites in our daily lives?

Author: Wang Ling Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University

Reviewer: Niu Chao, deputy chief physician, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University

It is difficult to completely eliminate dust mites. There will be dust mites wherever people live. Don't try to eradicate them, but you can prevent allergies by reducing exposure to dust mites and their allergens.

How should we fight dust mites in our daily life?

1. Block the "food source" of dust mites from the source and don't let them eat their fill.

(1) Personal hygiene: Take a bath and change clothes frequently to reduce the chance of dandruff remaining on the bed. Replace and wash bedding every 2 weeks and clean up fallen hair in time.

(2) Home fabrics: It is best not to use carpets, or spray dust removers regularly or vacuum once a week. Try not to use heavy curtains, use blinds that are easy to wipe and clean them frequently. It is recommended to use a wet cloth to clean the dust accumulated on the blinds every half a month. Try not to use fabric sofas, choose leather sofas and furniture that is easy to wipe.

2. Destroy the living environment of dust mites and don’t give them a place to live

(1) Keep the indoor environment clean: It is best to clean the bedroom and living room every day with a vacuum cleaner with strong suction and a HEPA filter, and pay special attention to cleaning the corners under the bed and counters. Do not pile up debris under the bed.

(2) Cleaning of clothing and bedding: Dry quilts frequently in the sun, wash bedding, clothing and other fabrics in hot water (≥55°C), or wash bedding in hot water (＞50°C) with detergent, dry in a dryer (above 55°C, for more than 10 minutes) and dry cleaning, all of which can effectively reduce the number of dust mites.

(3) Pets and toys: Pets should be cleaned frequently. For some stuffed toys that are difficult to clean, wrap them in plastic wrap and put them in the refrigerator for 24 hours; or put them in a black plastic bag and tie them up tightly and expose them to the sun; or in winter or in cold areas, place the bedding outdoors for 24 hours to effectively remove mites.

(4) Dust covers: Covering bedding and clothing with anti-mite covers can effectively reduce exposure to dust mites and their allergens.

(5) Cleaning of air conditioner filters: It is best to use dust mite filters for air conditioners and clean them regularly, once every two months. The dust cover of the air outlet of the air conditioner should be cleaned at least once a quarter.

(6) Control indoor temperature and humidity: Open windows for ventilation every day, keep the room dry, and control the ambient humidity below 50%. In humid summer, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner dehumidification function to reduce relative humidity.

3. Chemical miticides: The use of chemical miticides indoors should be reduced as much as possible.