Are you here looking for an answer to – How do you kill dust mites in feather pillows? Well, you will definitely find the answer here.
Nothing beats curling up with the ideal pillow that envelops your head in comfort after a hard day. But do you know who else is a sucker for pillows? Dust Mites.
Your pillow is nirvana to a dust mite, replete with the delectable dead skin cells that they love to feast on. And one of dust mites’ favorite seasons is spring and summer because heat and fairly high humidity levels are the only things dust mites enjoy more than skin cells.
So today, I will let you in on a little secret about getting rid of dust mites from your feather pillows.
Table of Contents
What are Dust Mites?
These tiny mites are one of the most prevalent allergies and asthma triggers found in the house.
Despite their resemblance to little bugs, Dust mites do not leave bites on your skin. Although, they can cause skin rashes.
Dust mites are not bed bugs, which are different species that leave noticeable bites on your skin.
If you experience persistent allergy symptoms throughout the year, you should consult a doctor regarding suspected dust mite allergies. While totally eliminating dust mites is difficult, there are strategies to manage dust mite populations in your home and on your feather pillows while also treating allergies.
How to know if there are dust mites in your feather pillow?
When the protein compounds in dust mite feces are inhaled or touch the skin, they create antibodies in people who are allergic to them. These antibodies cause histamines to be released, resulting in nasal congestion, edema, and irritation of the upper respiratory passages.
Here are some common signs of a dust mite allergy, which are proof enough that you probably have dust mites in your feather pillows:
- Infantile eczema
- Itchy nose, the roof of the mouth, or throat
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pressure and pain
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Asthma, difficulty in breathing,
How do you kill dust mites in feather pillows?
By employing these methods, you can keep the problem of dust mites at bay.
Your feather Pillow Should Be Machine-Washed.
Although it should not be washed as frequently as your bedding, your feather pillow should be washed at least twice a year if the care tag indicates that it can withstand it. Select the shortest feasible wash period, a mild or delicate setting, and the hottest water available.
These tiny mites are killed at a temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, not by laundry detergent. Use an allergen-free, delicate-items detergent. Wash no more than two feather pillows at once because your washing machine may not be able to handle the delicacy of the load.
Get Rid of Dust Mites from your feather pillows in the dryer.
Whether or not your feather pillow is washable, placing it in the dryer on high heat can kill those pesky dust mites. Dry it for at least 25 minutes on the maximum heat setting if the feather pillow is wet. To assist wick moisture away, add a few clean, dry towels.
If the feather pillow feels too hot yet is still damp in the center after 20 minutes, reduce the heat setting to a slightly lower degree and dry it for another 40 minutes or so. Before putting the feather pillow in a pillowcase, make sure it is entirely dry, as dampness might contribute to mildew, another irritant.
A hot dryer setting is also effective in killing dust mites on beds and other items that require a milder washing temperature as well.
Other Proactive Measures
At least when it comes to dust mites, the best method to prevent allergy symptoms is to keep them out of the bedroom. Wash and dry bedding, including your feather pillows, on the warmest settings, as advised on the care labels, once a week.
Use mattress protectors, box springs, and pillow covers that are designed to keep dust mites and other allergies at bay. Choose tightly woven fabric covers over plastic covers since plastic does not breathe and can cause perspiration in bed.
What attracts dust mites?
Dust mites seek out dark, warm, and rich areas in their preferred meal to shed human skin cells. As a result, they adore fiber surfaces. Dust mites can hide in fibers, collecting food and holding moisture.
They are also fond of beddings, sofas, throw rugs, wool, silk fabrics, carpets, blinds, soft furnishing, wall carpeting, toys, mattresses (both covered mattress and uncovered), blanket, curtains, etc.
Can dust mites live in memory foam or latex pillows?
Memory foam pillows are resistant to house dust mites because the substance is simply too dense for the mites to penetrate. Dust mites might still accumulate on the surface of the pillow because it is not washable.
A decent dust mite cover will come in helpful here. The dust mite cover not only gives an extra layer of protection, but it’s also washable, allowing you to wash away any dust mites that do find their way onto the surface.
On the other hand, natural latex pillows, like memory foam pillows, are comprised of a solid substance that is dust mite resistant and tough to penetrate.
Latex allows for good ventilation and resists moisture, making it an unappealing environment for dust mites. Because of the improved ventilation, latex has the extra benefit of being mold and fungus resistant, lowering the possibility of bedroom allergies.
Can dust mites live in polyester?
Dust mites want to live in environments that provide them with moisture and warmth. As a result, pillows are common areas for mites to congregate.
Dust mites are attracted to both polyester-filled and feather pillows, but they prefer polyester pillows. In fact, polyester pillows attract roughly twice as many mites as feather pillows.
Conclusion
Take steps to reduce house dust, especially in your bedroom, if you suspect you have a dust mite allergy. Keep your bedroom clean by removing dust-collecting debris and washing bedding in hot water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 C). It is always better to be safe than sorry.
