Professional Carpet Cleaning for Dust Mites and Allergies

You’ve noticed your sniffles and sneezes acting up, especially when you spend time at home. It’s frustrating to feel like you’re constantly battling indoor allergens in your own space. 

The source might surprise you – it could be dust mites in your carpets. 

These microscopic bugs feed on the dead skin cells that accumulate in your carpet fibres. While you can’t see them, they can trigger allergic reactions and breathing issues. Regular Melbourne Carpet Cleaning is key to managing dust mites. 

In this article, we’ll cover what attracts dust mites, how they affect allergies and tips for deep carpet cleaning for dust mites prevention. 

Effective carpet care makes a dust-mite-free environment possible. So, let’s do the job right.

What Are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are tiny insects related to spiders and ticks that feed on dead skin cells and other organic matter in the home. They are a common indoor allergen and can trigger symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and asthma attacks. Though dust mites are harmless, their droppings and shed exoskeletons contain proteins that can cause allergic reactions and irritation.

Dust mites need warmth and humidity to survive, so they tend to congregate in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpeting, rugs, and fabric curtains, where they have access to plenty of dead skin cells to feed on.

Allergens 

Allergens are antigens, essentially substances (often proteins) that make their way into the body from outside. These antigens trigger an immune response, prompting the release of antibodies designed to combat these foreign substances. These antibodies are produced to safeguard you against illness or infections.

In the case of allergies, your immune system erroneously identifies these allergens as dangerous intruders, producing antibodies to eliminate them. This reaction causes inflammation in areas such as the nasal passages or lungs, resulting in symptoms like sneezing and wheezing!

Pet Dander

Pets bring immense joy and a bit of chaos! Their saliva, urine, and other secretions contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions, just like pet hair and dander (tiny flakes of skin). Pets also introduce dust, fleas, dust mites, and pollen into the home through their fur, which can become lodged in carpets. Dust mites thrive on the pet dander found in carpets, bedding, and other upholstered furniture.

Mould

Mould and mildew are another source of allergies. Mould has a distinct musty odour and is often found in poorly ventilated areas of the home, like bathrooms. It’s crucial to address and dry any spills promptly, as mould spores flourish in damp conditions, such as beneath your carpet following a leak or spill.

How can I find out if I’m allergic to dust mites?

The best way to determine if you have a dust mite allergy is through allergy testing. The two most common types are skin prick tests and blood tests.

Some signs you may notice if you are allergic to dust mites:

• Sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
• Itchy, watery eyes.
• Coughing and wheezing.
• Hives, rashes, or eczema.
• Worsening of asthma or difficulty breathing.
• Trouble sleeping due to allergy symptoms at night.

The best way to confirm a dust mite allergy diagnosis is through a combination of your medical history, symptoms, and allergy testing. 

Which Carpet Cleaning Method Is Best to Prevent Dust Mites and Allergies

Keeping your carpets clean is one of the best ways to reduce dust mites and allergen buildup in your home. But with so many carpet cleaning methods out there, how do you know which carpet cleaning method is best? Here are some tips to help you choose the right approach for your needs.

Steam cleaning

Also known as hot water extraction, steam cleaning is one of the best methods for eliminating dust mites and allergens from carpeting. Pressurised hot water is injected into the carpet pile and then extracted along with dirt and debris. The high heat kills dust mites and bacteria, and the powerful suction removes them from your carpeting. Choose a steam cleaner that heats water to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the most thorough clean.

Encapsulation cleaning

This innovative carpet cleaning method uses special polymers to encapsulate or surround dirt and allergens so they can be extracted from the carpet pile. The polymers are applied as a powder or liquid and then agitated into the carpet with a motorised brush. A vacuum then removes the polymers along with the trapped soil and allergens. Encapsulation cleaning is very effective at allergen removal and keeping carpets clean but may require more frequent use to match the deep cleaning power of steam cleaning.

Dry cleaning

Dry carpet cleaning methods like shampooing and dry foam cleaning can help reduce dust mites and allergens to some degree by lifting them from the carpet pile during vacuuming. However, they typically do not kill dust mites or remove as much of the allergen buildup as steam or encapsulation cleaning. Dry cleaning may be suitable as an interim method between deeper cleanings but is not the most effective approach if dust mite and allergen control is a priority.

Bonus Tip: Professional steam cleaning or encapsulation cleaning are your top choices for the best defence against dust mites and allergens in carpeting. 

DIY Vs Professional Carpet Cleaning: Which Is Better for Dust Mites?

When it comes to carpet cleaning for dust mites and allergies, you have two options: do it yourself or hire a professional. Both have their pros and cons, so consider your needs and situation.

DIY Carpet Cleaning

If you want to save money or feel up to the task, cleaning the carpets yourself may work fine. 

The downside is that DIY methods may not eliminate the problem of severe dust mite infestations.

Professional Carpet Cleaning

Hiring a professional Melbourne carpet cleaning service is often the most effective approach, especially for dust mite control and allergy relief. Professional cleaners use commercial machines and solutions designed to penetrate deep into carpet fibres, lifting away embedded dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other allergens.

Their high-powered suction removes excess moisture to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria. Many pros also offer green cleaning solutions for those with chemical sensitivities.

Deeper cleaning may also extend the life of your carpets, saving you money in the long run.

For the best results in combating dust mites and allergies, professional steam cleaning at least once a year is recommended. In between, continue regular vacuuming with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter to capture small particles and keep your carpets as allergen-free as possible.

Ways To Protect Your Carpet from Dust Mites and Allergens

To minimise dust mites and allergens in your carpet, put these steps into practice:

 

• Frequently Vacuum Cleaning 

 

Vacuum is frequently used with a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture small particles. Aim for 2-3 times a week, especially in high-traffic areas. Vacuuming removes dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other triggers from the carpet fibres before they build up.

 

• Use Allergen-Proof Covers

 

Cover mattresses, pillows, and duvets with protective covers that are specifically designed to block allergens. Wash all bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites and wash the covers themselves every 3-6 months.

 

• Steam clean carpets every 3-6 months

 

Steam cleaning uses high heat to kill dust mites and sanitise the carpet. Rent a carpet steamer or hire a professional Melbourne carpet cleaning service to deep steam clean walls-to-wall carpets. For area rugs, you can rent a rug steamer or have rugs professionally steam-cleaned off-site.

 

• Maintain 40-50% humidity

 

Dust mites and mould thrive in damp, humid environments. Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity in the optimal range, especially in basements or during rainy, humid weather. Empty and clean the dehumidifier regularly according to the product instructions.

 

• Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting when possible

 

Bare floors like wood, tile and linoleum are less hospitable for dust mites and easier to keep allergen-free. If carpeting is a must, choose low-pile styles.

 

• Encase pillows, mattresses and box springs

 

Put protective covers over bedding to create an impenetrable barrier against dust mites and allergens. Look for covers labelled “allergen proof” or with a high thread count. Secure the covers to the bed frame to prevent allergens from sneaking in.

By taking a comprehensive approach to carpet cleaning for allergies, you can gain the upper hand against dust mites and significantly reduce allergy symptoms and flare-ups. Consistency is key – keep up these best practices, and you’ll be breathing easier in no time.

No More Dust Mites, Just Healthy Carpets!

So there you have it! Dust mites might be tiny, but they can cause big problems if your carpets aren’t cleaned regularly. Scheduled professional Melbourne carpet cleaning is the most effective way to suck those nasty critters and their debris out of the deepest fibres of your rugs. 

For a healthy and dust-mite-free home, hiring Total Cleaning Melbourne is a smart move. Our expert carpet cleaners specialise in deep carpet cleaning carpets for a cleaner, safer environment for you and your family.