Eliminating Dust Mites

Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes could indicate an allergy to dust mites like the one pictured here.

Host Mary Ellen Pinkham visits with a homeowner to share some tips for ridding the mattress and bedding of dust mites.

Dust mites can trigger allergic reactions, and experts claim that up to 2,000 dust mites can live in one ounce of mattress dust.
One way to keep dust mites at bay is to wash bedding weekly. Make sure to wash the bedding in hot water, above 130 degrees. Launder mattress pads, blankets and comforter covers at least once a month and more often if one suffers from allergies.
Purchase an allergen spray at a home store or a supermarket and spray on a mattress. Follow the directions on the back of the spray can.
Vacuum the mattress using a vacuum that offers allergen filtration, or simply purchase vacuum bags made specifically for allergens.
Put pillows, mattresses, and box springs in vinyl coverings to reduce the amount of dust mites that make those areas home.
Cover the vinyl mattress cover with a waterproof mattress pad. Cover the vinyl cover on pillows with a zippered pillow cover.
Remove dust mites from stuffed animals by placing them in a plastic zipper bag and placing in the freezer overnight. The cold will kill the dust mites.

Also in this Episode

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-449
•	Creative Plant Containers
•	Eliminating Dust Mites
•	Making Gravy
•	Tip of the Day

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