• Cover your mattresses, box springs, and pillows with mite-proof covers. If your mattress is old, consider purchasing a new one.
• Wash sheets and duvet covers once a week in hot water, at least 130 F.
• Keep upholstered furniture out of your bedroom, and if you’re in the market for new sofas and chairs, choose wooden or leather over upholstered.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity lower than 50 percent.
• Wipe dust with a damp cloth to keep dust from becoming airborne
• Vacuum once a week with a HEPA filter vacuum. Or have someone else vacuum, because this sends dust into the air.
• Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting and rugs, especially in the bedroom.
• Avoid wool or down comforters that trap dust easily.
• If your child is allergic, cut back on stuffed animals and keep them off the bed. Wash them weekly in hot water.
• Use an air purifier. It won’t filter out the mites, but it will help control the dust they thrive on.

Help prevent dust mite allergies by covering mattresses, pillows, and box springs, using hypoallergenic pillows, washing sheets weekly in hot water, and keeping the house free of dust collecting-items such as stuffed animals, curtains, and carpet.

There are many products you can purchase to reduce exposure to dust mites such as mite proof mattress and pillow covers. Learn more about controlling dust mites