In fact, 20 million Americans have an allergy to dust mites.
Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, itchy skin or rashes, congestion... all of which are especially noticeable when you wake up in the morning.
If you're not sure if your symptoms indicate a true allergy, you can get a simple test at your doctor's office. It may be a relief to find out, because now you can do something about it.
While dust mites don't carry any sort of disease, they can still wreak havoc on your health.
It's estimated that there can be anywhere from one to 10 million dust mites in your home and that your mattress alone can have up to 2 million. The mattress is particularly popular for dust mites because they feed off dead skin cells.
So, how can you reduce the amount of dust in your home?
It's not just about keeping your home "tidy," but also making sure it's free of allergens and other allergy triggers.
Ron and Lisa Beres return to Naturally Savvy to share some simple solutions to defeat dust in your home, focusing on the "4 Cs."
- Reduce CLUTTER, especially in your bedroom. Clutter traps dust. All that stuff under your bed? Clean it out!
- CAN the CARPET and use area rugs. Carpet not only harbors dust and dust mites, but can contain toxins and chemicals. Opt for hard surface floors and area rugs, which are easier to clean. If you do have carpet, make sure you're using a vacuum with high efficiency filters (HEPA).
- Finally, CREATE CLEAN AIR. Get an air purifier with a HEPA filtration system.
Another great tip is to wash your bedding in hot water, which will kill the dust mites. You can also put your pillow in the dryer every week or so to eradicate mites and even vacuum your mattress.
Remember, dust is not only dangerous due to mites; it can also contain mold, bacteria, fungus, food, and chemicals.
Tune in to Ron and Lisa as they share tips to defeat the dust in your home and get you on the path to clean breathing.