Keep Allergies At Bay: Bedroom Dust-Busting Strategies

If you suffer from allergies, creating a dust-free bedroom can help you breathe easier while you sleep. Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen can trigger allergies and asthma, so it's important to keep your bedroom free of these allergens. Here are some tips to help you create a dust-free bedroom and improve your sleep quality.

Wash bedding on a hot wash

One of the most effective ways to reduce dust and allergens in your bedroom is to wash your bedding regularly and on a hot wash cycle. Dust mites and their allergens are killed at temperatures above 55°C (131°F), so setting your washing machine to a hot wash is crucial.

Washing your bedding on a hot wash cycle ensures that any dust mites and allergens present are eradicated. Dust mites thrive in bedding, particularly pillows and duvets, as they provide a constant source of food in the form of dead skin cells. By regularly washing your bedding, you deny dust mites their food source and disrupt their life cycle. Aim to wash your bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and blankets, at least once every one to two weeks.

To ensure the effectiveness of the hot wash, it is recommended to first pre-treat your bedding by soaking it in hot water mixed with a detergent containing dust-mite-killing ingredients. This step provides an extra layer of protection against dust mites and ensures that any allergens are neutralised.

When preparing to wash your bedding, refer to the care labels on your bedding items to ensure they are suitable for hot water temperatures. Most natural fibres, such as cotton and linen, can withstand hot washes. If you're concerned about shrinkage or colour bleeding, you can opt for a warm wash setting, as warmer temperatures above 40°C can also be effective in reducing dust mites.

In addition to washing your bedding, remember to clean your pillows and duvets as well. These items can usually be machine-washed, but always check the care instructions first. If they are not machine washable, you can place them in the dryer on a high heat setting to help kill dust mites and remove allergens.

Use dust-proof covers

Dust mites are a common cause of allergies and asthma. They are microscopic creatures that feed on human skin and love to live in bedding and carpets. To prevent dust mites from triggering your allergies, it is important to use dust-proof covers on your pillows, mattresses, and box springs.

Dust mite-proof covers provide a barrier between you and the dust mites, trapping them inside the cover and preventing them from becoming airborne. Look for covers that encase all sides of the object and have a zippered closure. Plastic or vinyl covers are effective at sealing in allergens and are easier to keep clean than natural fibres. Some plastic covers also have an outer layer of nylon for added comfort.

When encasing your mattress and pillows, it is recommended to use tape over the cover zippers to ensure dust mites cannot escape. It is also ideal to cover your mattress and pillows when they are new. Wash your bedding, including sheets, blankets, and pillowcases, at least once a week in hot water (130°F or above) to kill dust mites and remove allergens.

In addition to dust-proof covers, you can also use hypoallergenic bedding made from materials like organic cotton, wool, bamboo, or microfiber, which are naturally resistant to dust mites. Silk is also recommended by allergists as it fights off allergens and soothes sensitive skin.

Vacuum regularly

Vacuuming regularly is a crucial step in keeping your bedroom free of dust and allergens. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you effectively vacuum your space:

Invest in a Good Vacuum Cleaner:

Choose a vacuum cleaner that is designed to handle allergens. Look for features such as a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which is highly effective at trapping dust particles and allergens. Some vacuum cleaners also come with special certifications for allergy control, so keep an eye out for those.

Vacuum Frequently:

Aim to vacuum your bedroom at least once a week, and more often if you have pets or if your allergies are particularly bothersome. Regular vacuuming helps prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, and allergens in your space.

Wear a Face Mask:

Consider wearing a face mask, preferably an N95 filter mask, while vacuuming to avoid inhaling any dust or allergens that may be stirred up during the cleaning process. This is especially important if you are allergic to dust.

Vacuum Carpets and Rugs:

If you have carpets or rugs in your bedroom, pay close attention to them as they can harbour dust mites and other allergens. Vacuum them thoroughly, going over high-traffic areas multiple times to ensure a deep clean.

Vacuum Upholstered Furniture:

Dust mites and allergens can also live in upholstered furniture, so be sure to vacuum couches, chairs, and any other upholstered items in your bedroom. Use the appropriate vacuum attachments to reach into crevices and thoroughly clean these surfaces.

Vacuum Hard-to-Reach Places:

Don't forget to vacuum areas that are often overlooked, such as under the bed, inside closets, and along baseboards. These places can accumulate dust and allergens, so be sure to give them a good cleaning as well.

Empty or Change the Vacuum Bag:

After each use, empty the vacuum bag or change the bag if it's a disposable one. This helps prevent the trapped dust and allergens from being released back into the air and ensures your vacuum continues to work effectively.

Vacuum During Daytime:

Try to vacuum during the daytime, preferably when the allergic person is away from the bedroom. It can take a few hours for the dust to settle after vacuuming, so vacuuming during the day gives the dust time to settle before bedtime.

Declutter your space

Keeping your space clutter-free is an effective strategy for managing allergies. By reducing the number of items that can trap and collect dust, you can lower allergen levels in your bedroom.

Dust mites, one of the common culprits behind indoor allergies, thrive in warm and humid environments and feed on the dead skin cells that humans naturally shed. Therefore, a cluttered room filled with clothes, books, and trinkets provides an ideal habitat for them.

To minimise the presence of dust mites, cut back on knick-knacks and fabric items. The less upholstery in the room, the better. Move books, magazines, and decorative items to another room, so you have fewer surfaces to dust.

Keeping your bedroom clutter-free also makes regular cleaning more efficient. With fewer items to move around, it's easier to vacuum and dust, helping to maintain a lower level of indoor allergens. This, in turn, promotes better sleep by creating a cleaner and more comfortable environment.

In addition to decluttering, there are other steps you can take to reduce allergens in your bedroom. Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting are essential. Wash your bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, in hot water (at least 130°F) once a week to kill dust mites. Also, ensure you vacuum your mattress regularly to remove dust mite allergens.

Consider using dust-mite-proof covers on your pillows, comforters, mattresses, and box springs. These covers, made of tightly woven fabric, prevent dust mites from infesting your bedding. Additionally, washable curtains and roller shades are preferable to blinds and heavy drapes, which tend to collect dust.

By combining decluttering with regular cleaning and other allergen-reducing strategies, you can effectively manage your bedroom allergies and improve your overall sleep quality.

Keep pets out of the bedroom

Keeping your bedroom free from dust and allergens can be challenging, especially if you have pets. Here are some tips to help you keep pets out of your bedroom and minimise the amount of dust and allergens in your space:

Provide Alternatives

Before you can train your pet to stay off your bed or out of your bedroom, it is important to provide them with a comfortable alternative. Get your pet a bed or a cat condo, or designate a specific piece of furniture for them to use. You can also try getting them more exercise or providing interactive toys to keep them entertained and stimulated.

Make Your Bedroom Less Desirable

There are several ways to make your bedroom less appealing to your pets. You can use double-sided tape, aluminium foil, or a plastic carpet runner on your bed or other furniture to make it uncomfortable for your pets. Alternatively, you can use a deterrent device, such as the Snappy Trainer or SSSCAT, which will startle your pets without causing harm.

Train Your Pet

Teaching your pet the "off" or "out" command can be an effective way to keep them out of your bedroom. Use a calm and stern voice to tell them to get off the furniture, and then reward them with a treat when they listen. You can also try using scent deterrents, such as citrus, pepper, or vinegar, to keep your pets away from your bedroom.

Use Physical Barriers

If your pet continues to enter your bedroom, you may need to use physical barriers to block their access. You can use a pet fence or baby gates to keep them out of the room. Alternatively, you can crate your pet or confine them to another room at night.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to training your pet. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page and is reinforcing the same boundaries. With patience and persistence, your pet will eventually learn to stay out of your bedroom.

Frequently asked questions