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Using UV (Ultraviolet) Light to Kill Dust Mites
Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used for many years in sterilization of medical instruments and in water purification systems. UV light can bacteria, viruses, germs, dust mite eggs, dust mites, molds, etc, but the effectiveness is depends upon the strength of the light and the amount of time the microorganism is exposed to it. Other factors affect the results:
If different microbes have differing levels of resistance to the light, so the same length of exposure does not work the same on all organisms.
The media to be cleaned and the ability of the UV light to be penetrate to all areas of contamination.
In many air purification devices and vacuum cleaners, the air is moving quickly past the UV light (75 to 700 cubic feet per minute through a narrow pipe). This means there is little time for the uv light to act.
Where UV light sanitizers are most effective in killing , germs, dust mite eggs, dust mites, molds and other microorganisms is where the light is shined on a filter that traps and holds the bugs or where the light is shined on static surfaces that are to be sanitized.
This means a wand UV light, used properly, can effectively clean hard surfaces, like a baby changing tables, but won’t work on a pillow, since the pillow will block the light and it won’t penetrate the center.
For most applications, washing in very hot water is best for fabrics, pillows, bedding, curtains, etc.
HEPA air filtration can substantially reduce air borne concentrations of dust mites, their eggs, bacteria, and other allergens. HEPA vacuum cleaning can help pull the allergens out of carpets (while it may temporarily increase the air borne levels).
A comprehensive approach to solving allergy problems at the source: specific product recommendations and new developments
 | Vacuuming Caution: The application of frequent vacuuming as a dust control measure may aggravate allergic asthmatic conditions because conventional (non-HEPA) vacuum cleaners are very "inefficient." - they blow the dust through the cleaner's bag into the air. Vacuuming helps remove the residue, as does washing, however vacuuming does not generally kill mites because they cling to the surface. Dust collection by conventional vacuums results in a significant increase in air borne dust concentrations. Vacuuming is best accomplished by cleaners that entrain dust into a "liquid medium" such as water (rather than a dust bag), which reduces the suspension and dissemination of allergenic dust particles in the air or a true HEPA filter vacuum. Note: we like the Hoover WindTunnel Premium with it's powerful motor and true HEPA filtration - and Consumer Reports gave it a top rating!) On the flip side, a University of Manchester study claims that vacuuming, even with HEPA vacuums, makes the airborne spore content worse. Common sense suggests that a thorough HEPA vacuuming, followed by opening the windows to air out the house for a few hours, is probably the best approach. Dust mite dander accumulates indoors, not outside. Anyone allergic, should either not be present during the vacuuming, or wear a particulate mask. Where can I find a good air purifier / HEPA filter? | ||
| Steam cleaning: Another approach is to use a carpet steamer to steam clean the carpets and other surfaces. Using pure steam dissolves dirt and grime, while removing germs and bacteria from the surfaces that you're cleaning. Steam is also an economical and environmentally friendly thing to do. There is no longer the need to use harsh and toxic chemicals. It is also a great way to kill dust mites and bed bugs. See this steam cleaner: New Vapamore MR100 Primo Steam Cleaner. | ||
| New Anti-Dust Mite Washing Machines: The appliance manufacturer, LG's next generation of front-loading steam washer/dryer sets (starting in 2008) has a new, 113-minute cycle LG calls “Allergine” which, they say, can rid laundry of up to 95% of common house allergens like mites and dander. The new wash cycle heats water to over 131 degrees, killing the mites and their eggs, as well as washing and removing them. The larger size, 4.2 cubic feet, will allow consumers to easily launder large allergen-harboring items like area rugs, bedspreads, pillows, and dog-beds. See this page for more information. | ||
| What to do with fabrics that cannot be washed in hot water: Make
room in your freezer, and freeze the cloth. It can take as little 1 hour
for small items, or overnight for something big. Freezing is just as
effective as heat. Recent studies also indicate that even washwater that's
86 to 104 degrees, followed by 3 minute cold water rinse cycles is partially
effective in reducing the dustmite and allergen concentration. There are
also laundry detergents that are designed to kill dustmites and remove their
allergens, which can be used in all water temperatures. Look for De-Mite,
AllerTech Laundry Detergent and Allersearch Allergen Wash.
| ||
| Chemical Control No pesticides are currently labeled for house dust mites. However, two non-pesticide products, Acarosan and Allergy Control Solution are available for treatment of house dust mites and their allergens. The active ingredient of each is benzyl benzoate and tannic acid. Benzoic acid esters, such as benzyl benzoate, are very effective acaricides in both laboratory and field evaluations. Health risks appear to be slight as benzoates are rapidly metabolized in the body to hippuric acid, which is excreted in the urine. Most acaricidal studies for house dust mite control have been done in Europe. Before pesticide recommendations are made in the United States, approval will be needed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For additional information, telephone 1-800-7ASTHMA. ( 800-727-8462) |
De-mite®
laundry additive eliminates dust mites in bedding and washable clothing that
laundering in regular detergent alone does not do. Until now the only way to
rid your clothing of dust mite allergens was to wash them in hot water. That
great if all your clothes were white. De-mite® is an additive that you can
add to your favorite detergent. This product works is just as effective in
cold water as it is in hot.
