Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in many houses. They belong to the spider family and are between a quarter and a third of a millimeter in size, making them almost undetectable to human vision.
Dust mites consume the dead skin cells that humans expel on a daily basis. Because of this, they often show up in areas like our beds, carpets, and laundry, where we spend the majority of our time. Despite common belief, these unseen pests can also thrive in neat spaces. The main food source for dust mites is skin flakes, not how spotless your surroundings are. And you know what? We lose them all the time. Visit this site to learn more about how to deal with mites.
How to eliminate dust and mites by washing laundry
You are going to be shocked if you think that your laundry is a place where dust mites can not survive. Despite the fact that your clothing is clean, it can not help but they might be infested with these tiny pests. It is supported by scientific evidence and is not simply a hypothesis.
Dust mites are hardy organisms that can live in clean laundry. Despite the chemicals, rinsing, and motorized action of the washing machine, a significant amount of dust mites survive the washing process, according to a study from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. A quick overview of their findings is provided below in a markdown list:
Presence of dust mites
- Before washing: 100%
- After washing: 96%
- After tumble drying: 7%
Yes, dust mites cannot be completely eliminated by washing alone. Avoid giving up just yet, though; there is a positive aspect. The study also found that bed linens and clothes might be tumble-dried, which might significantly decrease their numbers by as much as 93%.
The results of the study shed light on why dust mite allergies could endure even after exhaustive, regular cleanings. Additionally, they serve as an effective push to clean our washing machines on a regular basis.
Dust mites cannot be destroyed by detergents, as is well known. They do not possess the right substances. Rather, they are confined to removing mites from the fabric.
However, these dislodged mites can readily re-infest our clothes and linens in the absence of extreme temperatures or cold.
Have you ever noticed that the winter months tend to bring a reduction in your allergies? This is due to the fact that dust mites are cold-blooded and can not withstand extremely cold temperatures. By placing contaminated goods in the deep freezer for a full day, you can effectively eradicate these microscopic pests. Although it might seem a bit out of the ordinary, who does not like a tidy, mite-free environment?
Can Dust Mites Be Removed by Cleaning Clothes?
Given what we have learned, you may be overflowing with questions: Is it possible to get rid of these unwanted houseguests by washing your clothes?
A basic cycle in the washing machine will not finish the job completely, despite what many individuals think. 97% of dust mites survive a normal wash, according to a University of Manchester study. Because of their determination, these unpleasant creatures cannot be eliminated by simple washing.
Let us think about the purpose of detergents. Do they kill these little monsters any more effectively? Unfortunately, no. They cannot eliminate dust mites, but they can remove and clean them off the fabric. As a result, even if the mites can be removed with the rinse water, many of them continue to live happily on the clothing.
Tips for Getting Rid of Dust Mites in Laundry
Prior to regular washing, you can use essential oils or dust mite sprays. Oils of cloves, peppermint, or eucalyptus are known to work well against dust mites. Direct use of these oils, however, can harm fabrics. Therefore, it is important to dilute them and stick to the given recommendations.
Second, freeze your infected things for a full day if at all possible. Since dust mites are unable to endure freezing temperatures, this method effectively decreases the number of them. Smaller items, such as pillowcases or plush livestock, can be put in freezer bags and kept in the freezer for up to a day. For fragile garments that cannot withstand the strong heat of a tumble dryer, this approach is ideal.