Guaranteeing the body an excellent rest during the night is essential both to be able to better face every challenge of everyday life and to stay healthy.
However, many are unaware that the bed is a favourite place for mites, those tiny insects that can cause various health problems.
Let’s find out how to effectively remove dust mites and stains from the mattress and allow the body to rest in complete serenity.
What are mites?
Distant relatives of spiders and scorpions, mites, also known as dust mites, are very small insects so much so that it is very difficult to see them with the naked eye.
They feed on mould, pollen, dust and dead human skin cells.
Don’t worry…
Contrary to popular belief, they do not bite, sting and dig into the skin!
However, mites are known for the discomfort they can cause to the body if one comes into contact with them. For the reasons just mentioned, we recommend using an anti-mite mattress.
What happens if we come into contact with the mites?
Dust mites are certainly not insects that carry serious diseases, but they can trigger year-round allergies and other unpleasant symptoms for humans, such as:
- Continuous sneezing
- Itchy throat
- Dry cough
- Redness and watery eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Skin irritation
- Worsening of asthma.
Children, in particular, are more likely to contract eczema and asthma if they come into contact with mites.
Where do mites nest most frequently?
Humans shed anywhere between 0.5 and 1.5 grams of skin per day; this makes the house the perfect habitat for mites, in which to feed and grow.
Specifically, then, they prefer dark and humid places, such as mattresses, bed linens, sofas, carpets, etc.
Due to their micro size, they are unfortunately difficult to detect and kill… but with a few little tips you can fix everything!
How to get rid of mites from the mattress
There are multiple ways to get rid of dust mites from mattresses and keep them away once removed.
Here are the best tips:
Lower the humidity of the house:
Especially in the bedroom: dust mites have a short life, of about 10-30 days; but, depending on the environment and humidity conditions, females can live up to 70 days and lay hundreds of eggs between the sheets. Therefore, using a dehumidifier can certainly have a positive effect on reducing the proliferation of mites.
Use an anti-mite spray:
There are some spray products on the market suitable for treating dust mites, but by themselves, they are not enough to be able to eliminate them. You have to wash, wash, wash!
Washing your bedding in high temperatures:
One of the safest methods of getting rid of mites is to wash your bedding in high-temperature water. Heat is known to kill bacteria, so frequent washing can only solve the problem! In this regard, it is advisable to buy bed linen that is not easily damaged after many washes at high temperatures. Alternatively, you can also use mattress steam cleaning to achieve the same result on duvets and bedspreads, which cannot be washed as often as the sheets.
Choose the support of a professional:
If one of the options listed above does not work, it is best to consult an expert who will be able to annihilate the mites in no time! Just make sure that the chemicals used by the professional do not cause allergic reactions … otherwise, the opposite effect will be obtained.
Another very important tip is to keep your four-legged friends out of the bedroom as much as possible, as cats and dogs release many more dead human skin cells for dust-mite survival and growth.
Natural products to remove mites
Some natural products can make a small contribution to the removal of mites; the main ones include:
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Tea tree
- Eucalyptus oil.
Baking soda, in particular, is a great way to get rid of these tiny insects.
Just sprinkle it on the mattress, leave it on for a few hours and then remove the product with a vacuum cleaner.
Preparing an elixir of water, tea tree and eucalyptus oil to spray directly on the relevant areas at least once every 2-3 days, on the other hand, can help prevent the proliferation of mites, as these substances contain antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
Can the formation of mites in the mattress be prevented?
Absolutely yes!
Indeed, preventing the formation of mites is the first thing to do to avoid having to deal with these tiny insects.
Some habits can help maintain a more hygienic, safe and safe environment from unpleasant invasions.
Use dehumidifiers and air purifiers
Mites require a certain level of temperature and humidity to live and thrive, and if they don’t have it, they just die. Buying a dehumidifier or air purifier could make a huge difference in the home. However, this method may have a higher cost (due to higher electricity consumption), although it is still an option to consider to find a sustainable solution to this annoying problem.
Limit the use of upholstery
This is a more drastic, but effective solution. Replacing curtains with blinds, swapping upholstered sofa for leather one, and switching to a latex mattress can have a significant impact on dust mite populations.
This is because padded areas are the best-known breeding sites for this species.
Dusting
Considering that mites also feed on dust, it is important to dust at least every 3-5 days, especially if you already suffer from dust allergies in general.
Of course, these are small tricks that can require a greater expenditure of physical and economic energy, but they can certainly make a difference in your health and guarantee a great rest during the night!