HOW TO RID YOUR BEDROOM OF ALLERGENS
Allergies are a nasty business, especially when flair-ups happen at home. Some complain that they experience allergies in their bedroom only. This makes sense since a bedroom is prone to encouraging the very things that make you sneeze and sniffle, like mould, dust mites and other allergens. Follow these simple steps to achieve an allergy-proof bedroom.
- Get rid of dust mites
The first step to an allergy-proof bedroom is ridding your bedding of dust mites. These microscopic bugs are known to trigger allergies and asthma. The main area to tackle is your bedding and pillows as well as any carpets, it is within these fibres and fill that they are often found.
Rid your bedding of dust mites:
- Put dust-mite-proof covers on pillows, duvets, mattresses and bed bases.
(TIP: Granny Goose natural fill products are encased in a dense down-proof casing made from tightly woven cotton that prevents mites from entering the casing)
- Wash blankets, sheets and pillowcases weekly on a hot wash that is at least 60 ºC or higher and dry in a hot tumbler dryer. The heat kills any bugs that may be on the bedding.
Can you be allergic to down feathers?
If we’re looking at bedroom allergies, we must consider what is inside your duvet. Contrary to popular belief, genuine allergies to down are not very common, although of course, they can occur. Most allergies that people think are linked to down are actually dust and dust mite allergies.
If you love the lightweight warmth of down and suffer from allergies, Granny Goose is a great choice. With proper use and care you can still enjoy this popular duvet. But how? Well all Granny Goose natural fill products are triple de-dusted as part of the exhaustive cleaning process. This coupled with the use of a tightly woven cotton down-proof fabric prevents dust mites from entering the casing in the first place. All products are fully washable too.
Busting the down vs dustmite myth:
According to representative studies in Central Europe, in which hundreds of homes, bedrooms, beds, duvets and pillows were examined for house dust mite infestation and allergen content, it is now clear: feather and down-filled bedding is not a preferred habitat for house dust mites. With normal care, hardly any house dust mites are found in these articles of bedding, as the dense down-proof casing represents an almost impenetrable barrier for the mites.
– The favourable warm and climatic conditions offered by down bedding for humans (rapid accumulation of warmth while the person is sleeping, rapid decrease in humidity when the room is aired) are a very unfavourable habitat for mites, which need humidity.
In every home and in every bedroom, it is almost impossible to avoid house dust mites. They feed directly on humans, namely on the tiny flakes of skin which everyone constantly sheds. On the other hand, feathers and down do not provide any nutrients for mites.
2. Vacuum regularly.
If you have a carpeted bedroom or a loose rug under your bed, this could be trapping dust mites and causing your allergy symptoms. Regular vacuuming with a high-quality vacuum that is fitted with a HEPA filter will ensure dust is kept inside the machine and not circulated around the room.
Bedroom carpet tips:
- Choose washable area rugs over fitted carpets
- Choose carpets with a low nap or short pile
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter-equipped machine
- Ensure the cleaning of your bedroom happens in the morning to allow any disturbed dust to settle before going to sleep.
Miele vacuum cleaners offer a powerful suction with HEPA filters. Shop the range>
3. Swap heavy curtains for lighter alternatives
Heavy dry clean only curtains and blinds can catch and trap dust. Choose washable curtains or lightweight drops instead.
TIP: Wipe window frames and glass regularly to prevent mould and mildew. Both can trigger upper respiratory symptoms if you have allergies or asthma.
4. Declutter Your Bedroom
Reducing the things in your room means fewer places and surfaces for dust and dust mites to gather. Keep it simple to keep it clean and breathe easy at night. Move or store things you don’t need into another room when possible.
5. Protect Bedroom Air
Dust mites and mould thrive in a warm, damp space.
In warm weather use a fan or air conditioner, or if you live in a humid climate, consider a humidifier to keep humidity at 30% to 50%. As a guide, dust mites can’t breed as well at temperatures below 25 °C
You could also remove allergens from the air with an air purifier that filters the air. Choose one with a HEPA filter to keep the air in your bedroom cleaner.
