Healthier Homes Guidelines: Dust Mites

Understand the impact of dust mites on asthma and where they thrive in your home. Find out how to reduce dust mites through regular cleaning, washing, using dust-proof covers, and improving air quality.

• Dust mites are too small to be seen and live in dust

• They can be found in bedding, curtains, stuffed toys, carpets, and upholstered furniture

• When cleaning, wear a mask and use damp cloths or mops to remove dust

• Vacuum carpets and rugs once a week using low-pile or HEPA filter vacuum cleaners

• Freeze non-washable items overnight to kill mites

• Use synthetic fabrics, plain cotton, leather, wood, metal, or plastic for bedding and furniture covers