Dust Mites: How They Affect Your Home and Health | Alec’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in our homes, feeding primarily on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets. Though invisible to the naked eye, measuring only 250–300 microns, these tiny pests can have a big impact on indoor air quality and allergies.

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Why Dust Mites Are a Health Concern

Dust mites are a common trigger for asthma and allergies, especially in children, the elderly, and those with respiratory sensitivities. The allergens come from dust mite feces and body fragments. Each dust mite produces about 20 droppings per day, containing proteins that many people are allergic to.

During the fall and winter months, the problem worsens:

• Homes are sealed up, allowing allergen concentration to rise.

• Dry indoor air causes skin to shed more, providing dust mites with more food.

High concentrations of dust mites can be found in beds, couches, frequently used chairs, and carpeted areas. A typical used mattress can house 100,000 to 10 million dust mites, while carpets can hold up to 100,000 mites per square yard.

Even simple activities—walking on a rug, sitting on a chair, or shaking bed coverings—can release dust mite allergens into the air, aggravating allergy symptoms.

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Symptoms Caused by Dust Mites

The proteins in dust mite feces trigger an immune response in allergic individuals:

• Histamine release causes itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and wheezing.

• Inflammation can lead to nasal congestion, swelling, and irritation of the upper respiratory tract.

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How to Reduce Dust Mites in Your Home

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate dust mites, targeted strategies can significantly reduce their impact:

Bedding and Mattresses

• Use a dust mite-proof cover on mattresses and pillows.

• Vacuum mattresses, pillow surfaces, and bed bases weekly.

• Wash all bedding weekly in hot water at 130°F or higher to kill dust mites.

Carpets and Upholstery

• Vacuum weekly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, making multiple passes to remove allergens effectively.

• Professional cleaning of carpets and upholstered furniture helps remove soil, extend the life of your furnishings, and reduce allergens.

HVAC and Air Filters

• Replace or clean furnace and air conditioner filters monthly.

• Use filters rated for airborne allergens for maximum effectiveness.

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How Often Should You Clean?

Each home is unique, depending on:

• Number of occupants and pets

• Frequency of use in bedrooms, living rooms, and high-traffic areas

• Presence of allergy or asthma sufferers

Industry recommendations:

• Annual professional cleaning of all carpets and furniture.

• Semi-annual cleaning for heavily used areas or bedrooms of allergy-prone individuals.

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Alec’s Commitment to a Healthier Home

For over 55 years, Alec’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning has emphasized both cleanliness and health. Our philosophy is simple:

“Dirt breeds germs, call for the health of it.”

Professional cleaning reduces allergens, restores the life of your carpets and upholstery, and creates a healthier indoor environment for your family.

📞 Call us today at 781-871-1415 or visit Alecscarpetandupholsterycleaning.com to schedule a professional cleaning and reduce dust mites in your home.