Dust mites thrive at 75% humidity and will still grow, though more slowly, as long as it’s above 50%. At that sort of level they will also be far less active. Below 50% dust mites dry out and die. So think about getting a dehumidifier for your home. And dial the temperature down to below 68F to help prevent dust mites.
2. Reclaim your bed(room): Use special mattress and pillow covers that keep out dust mites and their allergenic poop. Wash bedding in hot water every week. Ideally that means at 120F but a lower temperature can also get rid of a lot of the bugs. The tumble dryer is super useful for tackling bulky bedding you can’t easily wash. Duvets and quilts should go in for an hour. Blankets only need 10 minutes.
Move dust traps out of your bedroom. That includes the dirty laundry basket and your pets and their beds.
3. Learn to love housework: Vacuum at least once a week, ideally twice, including any fabric-covered furniture. Fitting your vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters will help trap waste particles in the dust collector. Damp cloths do that better than a duster too.
The smallest movement can send up a cloud of allergens. You’ve probably seen the whirling motes in a shaft of sunlight after you change the bed, plump a cushion or vacuum. The particles then take 20-30 minutes to settle back down again. Best to wear a mask while you’re cleaning so as not to stir up dust mite allergy symptoms too.