Does Steam Cleaning Carpets Get Rid Of Dust Mites?

Carpets and dust mites virtually go hand in hand. While dust mites are not exactly visible to the naked eye, they can still cause some alarming allergies for some people. They are generally harmless in small numbers, but in larger numbers, they can cause more significant issues.

So you’re probably wondering: does steam cleaning carpets get rid of dust mites? For the answer to this question, please continue reading below.

Dust Mites Cause Allergies and Asthma

Before we get into discussing if steam cleaning gets rid of dust mites, let’s talk about why dust mites can be dangerous. 

Dust mites are one the leading causes of allergies and asthma inside homes. They can be hard to detect since they are very small – microscopic, in fact. Dust mites are particularly prevalent in homes because they get their food from dead skin cells, especially those that accumulate in bedding, carpets and upholstery.

Dust mites and their feces have been found to cause significant allergic reactions and asthma attacks. This leads to symptoms that include sneezing, runny noses, coughing, congested nasal cavities, itchy, watery, or red eyes, itchiness in the nose, mouth, or throat, and many more.

Some symptoms may be minor while some can be major. Additionally, allergies are year-round. As such, if you suspect that your carpet may have dust mites, it is important to take necessary action to avoid obtaining the aforementioned symptoms.

Can Steam Cleaning Get Rid Of Dust Mites?

While dust mites can never be fully removed from your home, they can be significantly reduced if you steam clean your carpets.

Steam cleaning is one such cleaning method as it makes use of high-heat water that can kill dust mites. Steam cleaning is also capable of killing bacteria and mould spores as well as helping with stain removal.

However, while steam cleaning is capable of killing dust mites, other particles such as feces and leftover bodies may be left behind. These particles are just as capable of causing allergies. Therefore, it is recommended that the carpet be cleaned once more with a vacuum to remove all leftover particles.

However, only performing dry vacuuming alone is not enough to get rid of the dust mites. This is because without steam, the dust mites cannot be killed, thus leaving them behind to reproduce and grow even more. 

There are chemicals on the market that some individuals buy to kill dust mites. However, experts do not recommend them because they are not very effective, both financially and in terms of getting rid of dust mites.

Other Cleaning Solutions To Control Dust Mites

In addition to having your carpet steam cleaned, there are also other ways to control dust mites. For example, in addition to steam cleaning you may run a dehumidifier, change beddings weekly, purchase allergen-proof bed covers, as well as steam cleaning other upholstery and bedding.

Dust mites are usually known to thrive in humid conditions but not in dry conditions. Therefore, keeping the house dry and aired out can also help prevent dust mites. It’s also important to understand that plants and fish tanks are known to increase humidity, so try to avoid keeping them in carpeted areas of the house.

Washing your beddings, which includes both pillowcases and mattress covers, in hot water every one or two weeks is also recommended. Drying your bedding at high temperatures is encouraged.

Additionally, allergen-proof covers for your mattress, pillows, and box spring is also encouraged. However, they must be regularly cleaned and washed for this to be a safe solution.

Summary

Dust mites may be small, but they can cause significant health conditions such as allergies and asthma attacks. However, it is not just dust mites that cause these conditions, but also their dead bodies and feces. 

The most effective way to get rid of dust mites is to have your carpets deep cleaned by a professional carpet steam cleaning service. Since steam cleaning makes use of high-temperature water, it is capable of killing dust mites and even other bacteria. 

Vacuuming after steam cleaning will help remove any excess dust mite bodies as well as general dirt and grime.

In conjunction with steam cleaning, there are other ways to prevent dust mites, such as regularly washing your beddings and steam cleaning other upholstery and furniture. All of these methods are ways to get rid of dust mites and provide a safer environment in your home.

If you’re looking to have your carpets professionally cleaned by a trustworthy and reliable carpet steam cleaning service in Melbourne, then look no further than Monster Clean.

Please call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for all your cleaning needs, on 0478 250 900 or leave an enquiry.