What are the best fabrics against dust mites

Nearly 3 million Quebecers suffer from some form of allergy, and the two most common causes affect them indoors and outdoors. Outside, the main allergen, pollen, is abundant. And in the home, dust mites are the second most common cause of allergies. We devote this text to trying to prevent them.

Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in close contact with humans. Their preferred habitat is dust, as they feed on the particles that make up dust: hair, dander, insects and mold. Dust is attracted by static electricity, a factor that can be eradicated by using the right fabric composition for curtains, carpets and upholstery.

Maximum care in children's rooms

Dust mite allergy is particularly intense in the early years of life, so extreme care must be taken in the bedrooms of children and teenagers. If the child is allergic, stuffed animals, another source of static electricity, should be removed from the room. The room should be bright, as dust mites avoid light.
Anti-dust mite covers for mattresses and pillows are available on the market to provide an effective barrier during sleeping hours. In coastal areas, which are more prone to dust mites, it is also a good idea to reduce the humidity in the room with a dehumidifier. And it's a good idea to change the air conditioning filter several times a year. With these precautions, your home will be largely free of annoying intruders.

Which fabric should I use against dust mites and which should I avoid?

Wool, for example, is a fabric on which dust and dust mites tend to settle. Therefore, at the end of the winter season, clothing made of this material should be stored in tightly closed closets and in plastic bags.

Bedding should also be given special attention and should be washed frequently at high temperatures. Pajamas, sheets, mattress and pillow covers should be changed regularly. However, the material of the mattress and pillow should be made of anti-allergenic materials such as bamboo or synthetic fabric, not wool or feathers.

If there are children in the house, it is best to prevent them from playing with soft toys. The stuffing on toys should be washable and should be cleaned frequently.

Upholstered furniture is also a serious problem. They should be avoided whenever possible. The solution in this case is to vacuum them weekly with a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner to remove the dust.

The way you store your clothes determines whether or not dust mites settle on them. Wrap sheets in a cotton or bamboo cloth. Be sure to keep your washed clothes in a clean, non-humid place.

Anti-allergic clothing

There are fabrics that tend not to trap dust and dust mites as much, so you can feel comfortable wearing them. For example:

Sheets can be made of 100% organic bamboo, as well as anti-allergic linen.
Polyester bedspreads, easily washed in hot water, prevent the accumulation of dust mites.
The clothes you wear every day should also be made of cotton or bamboo.
Carpets made of synthetic fibers help repel dust mites.
It is very important to be thorough in cleaning and to wash clothes and sheets daily if you suffer from allergic disorders.

It is important to remember that petroleum-based materials often cause allergies because they prevent the skin from sweating. Among these, the following stand out:

Nylon, widely used for bed linen.
Rayon, mainly used in summer clothing.
Viscose, a fiber found in most fashion fabrics.
Perlon or wool substitute.

If, after following all these tips, you still have sneezes caused by dust mites in your clothes, you can try the use of an air purifier. This will help clean the air of dust and other harmful particles.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you live a healthier life!

The Protech Allergies Team