FURNITURE & WINDOW COVERINGS:
Upholstered furniture & some window coverings hold dust mites. Try these ideas instead:
Choose nonfabric upholsery, like leather or vinyl. Replace horizontal blinds w/pull-down shades or vertical blinds. Hang washable curtains instead of heavy draps (no drapes is best).
HOUSECLEANING:
Ask your MD about special products to control dust mites. Here are some other tips:
Ask others to vacuum carpets & upholstery weekly. If you can, leave home during the vacuuming. If you must vaccuum, wear a special mask. Use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters or double-ply bags in your vacuum cleaner. Wipe smooth furniture w/damp cloth once a week.
REDUCE INDOOR HUMIDITY:
Dust mites need humid (damp) air to live. Try these tips:
Don't use humidifiers (unless your secretions are thick & your body needs extra moisture for a short time -- a dehumidifier will make thick secretions even thicker), vaporizers, or evaporative (swamp) coolers. Try a dehumidfier to reduce air moisture by 50%.