Dust mites allergens can be particularly harmful when suspended in the air, which usually happens during cleaning when dust is blown into the air. So if you are allergic to house dust mites this chore can be especially difficult.

Different concentrations of dust mites are present in dust around the home, depending on the localized conditions. Recent research suggests that a pro-inflammatory compound found on the surface of bacteria known as an endotoxin has been detected in settled house dust and home air, and as no home is totally dust free then everyone is exposed to low levels of this compound (1). House dust endotoxin has been associated with asthma severity in adults and children and early-life exposure to house dust is associated with an increased risk of repeated wheezing during the first year of life (1).

Given that we spend a third of our life in bed, which happens to be the perfect environment for the dust mite to thrive, and the proximity of pillows to the airway, the elimination of dust mites should be concentrated on the bed.

Dust mites take approximately one year to colonize new homes, but considering majority of the homes in United Kingdom are at least few years older and taking humidity into consideration, they have become a major concern. Usually, the older the house, the higher the levels of dust pollution. In damp countries, such as the UK, almost all homes have dust mites while in drier climates and at higher altitudes fewer home contain mites, and when present their population densities are lower (2). For example, it was found that house dust mites were rare in high mountain areas of Switzerland where the internal relative humidity never exceeded 50% at temperatures between 18 and 22ºC (1). So the concentration of dust mites in the home is affected by the age of the building, differences in building construction, behavior of the inhabitants and the humidity and temperature in the home.

When it comes to cleaning the home, the age of your mattress and carpets play a huge role, because if inefficient vacuums and steam cleaners are used the dust particles in the air can cause allergic symptoms. In a recent study it was noted that differences between mite numbers in mattresses and carpets may be related to their age, but also by a number of other factors such as room temperature, humidity, vacuuming and types of mattress or carpet (1). It was, however, noted that when mattresses were vacuumed the numbers of mites decreased significantly. Air conditioning is also valuable for reducing dust mite populations, as dust mites love warm damp places, and an air conditioner can filter particles, reduce humidity and keep temperatures low. Studies have shown air conditioned homes have ten times fewer dust mite allergens than non-conditioned homes

In conclusion, how we clean our homes has a direct effect upon dust mite allergy.

- HEPA Vacuums will remove dust from carpets, without re-circulating the dust particles back into the air.

- Steam Cleaners can be used to sterilize and neutralize allergens in carpets and mattresses.

- Damp dusting should be used wherever possible, which stops the dust from being disturbed and floating around.

- Air Purifiers and Air conditioners are very effective at getting rid of dust once it is airborne.

- Face masks can be worn when dusting to prevent inhaling the dust.

Learn more about Hayfever by visiting our Dust Mites learning Centre

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