Do you find your kids waking up tired, sneezing or often with a runny nose? Perhaps they are fine during the day but noses tend to get more stuffy when they go to bed and you realise they snore at night? You may want to look into dust management in the bedroom.
Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments and are commonly found in mattresses, pillows, bedding and soft toys. These can contribute to allergic rhinitis, eczema and asthma symptoms in susceptible children.
The goal is not to make a bedroom completely dust-free (that's really hard!) , but to reduce exposure to dust-mite allergens, especially if your child is known to be sensitised. Here are some evidence based strategies for your home. (Scroll past inforgraphic for details)
1. Wash bedding weekly at ≥60°C
Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets weekly using a hot wash of at least 60°C, where the fabric allows.
How it works: High-temperature washing helps kill dust mites and remove mite allergens from bedding.
2. Use dust-mite-proof mattress and pillow encasements
Consider anti-dust mite covers for the mattress, pillow and duvet.
How it works: Dust mites live mainly in mattresses and pillows where they feed off our dead skin cells (eeek!). The encasement completely encloses the mattress of pillow. This reduces the movement of dust mite allergens from inside the beddings into the air in your child's breathing zone.
Tip for Parents: Don't just look for an "Anti-dust mite" label. Instead seek out these features :
(1) Breathable, fully enclosed mattress and pillow cover with a secure zipper that acts as a physical allergen barrier
(2) Average pore size of <10 microns (found to block dust-mite allergens below detectable levels in testing)
3. Reduce soft toys on the bed + wash them regularly
Keep the number of soft toys in the bedroom—and particularly on the bed—to a minimum. Wash your child's favourites regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How it works: Soft toys can accumulate dust and dust-mite allergens, trigger reactions when kids snuggle up with them. Less soft toys means reduced potential allergen reservoirs.
What if some toys can't be washed? Consider freezing the toy in a sealed plastic bag and freeze for 24 hours to kill the dust mites. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter after to remove surface dust and allergens.
4. Sun bathe beddings
Put pillows and soft toys in direct sunlight for 3-4 hours, turning them every 30mins to "bake well into the core"
How it works: Dust mites require moisture to survive. Sunlight can help dry out the core of the beddings, eliminating dust mites. Note that killing the dust mites alone does not remove the allergen; dead mites and their secretions can cause sensitivity too. Washing the beddings is still required to remove these allergenic particles.
5. Damp-clean dusty surfaces
Use a damp cloth or damp mop to clean floors, furniture and other surfaces where dust settles.
How it works: Damp cleaning physically removes settled dust and allergens while dry cloth dusting or dry mops simply displace the dust into the air and allows it to resettle.
6. Vacuum regularly and don't forget the air con filters
Vacuum floors regularly, ideally using a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner. Ensure the air-conditioning unit is well cleaned.
How it works: Regular vacuuming helps remove dust and allergen-containing particles from floors and furnishings. A HEPA filter helps reduce fine particles being released back into the room. Regular air-con servicing also helps keep the unit's filters and internal components free from accumulated dust and moisture.
7. Be selective with fabric furnishings
Where practical, minimise heavy curtains and other fabric furnishings in your child's bedroom.
How it works: These materials can act as reservoirs for dust and allergens and can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
The big picture
For a child with dust-mite sensitivity, the most useful approach is usually a combination of measures rather than relying on a single intervention. Note that not every child with a blocked or runny nose has a dust-mite allergy, so persistent symptoms should be assessed appropriately by a health care professional.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are meant purely for informational and educational purposes only. The website is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or professional care. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult a doctor or a qualified healthcare provider. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. ?