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Things you will need:

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You may not know it but you have unwanted guests living in your home. Who or what are they? Well, they are dust mites. Dust mites are close relatives of ticks and spiders. They are microscopic, meaning they are too small and they can only be seen with a microscope. These insect-like pests grow vigorously in warm and humid environments. 

               Dust mites feed on flakes of dead skin, or dander shed by people and pets at home. These tiny creatures can live on house dust, mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains. 

               Unfortunately, even if our home is very clean, dust mites cannot be totally eliminated. That’s why some people, especially children have dust mite allergy. It is an allergic reaction to these tiny pests. Some common symptoms of dust mite allergy are sneezing and runny nose. Some people with dust mite allergy can also experience signs of asthma such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of dust mite allergy are itchy eyes, nasal congestion, itchy nose, cough, facial pressure, and pain. 

We cannot fully get rid of dust mites but we can take some actions to reduce them. Some preventive strategies for dust mites are:

Maintain humidity levels at, or below 50% by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner at home. 

Use dust-proof or allergen-impermeable covers or cases for mattresses and pillows. 

To kill dust mites, wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water. (130-140 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Do not use dry cloth in removing dust. This will stir up mite allergens. Use a damp mop or rag instead. 

Use a vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter to trap allergens such as dust mites.

               It’s also very important to keep linens and mattresses clean. When washing linens, you can add a few drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil to the wash. This can naturally deter dust mites and keep the linen fresh and clean. 

                Essential oils can also be used to make natural mattress spray. While you are washing the linens, you can spray the mattress spray onto the bed. This will absorb odors, ward off dust mites and keep the mattress smelling clean and fresh. 

               The good thing about making your own mattress spray is that you can use natural ingredients that are perfectly safe for the family, especially for children. Vinegar can help deodorize the mattress and is a mild natural disinfectant. Eucalyptus essential oil can clean surfaces because of its purifying properties. Lavender essential oil is famous for its antibacterial properties and when used on the mattress, can encourage peaceful sleep. Peppermint essential oil is an effective bug repellent. All these ingredients blend well to make an amazing mattress spray to keep dust mites away. 

Directions:

1. Pour water and vinegar into the spray bottle.

2. Add eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint essential oils and shake well.

3. Spray directly onto the mattress and allow to sit for a few hours to air dry.

4 Vacuum the top and sides of the mattress to remove dust, dirt, dust mites and dead skin cells and hair. 

               It’s that simple, yet very effective. Protect your family from dust mites in a natural way. 

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