But before you get too comfortable, it’s wise to give your home a good cleaning. Dust has likely blown in from outdoors and accumulated behind sofas, underneath turntables, and atop the various trinkets that adorn your abode.
House dust serves as the home for dust mites, tiny bugs that can cause allergic reactions. Many people with dust mites also experience signs of asthma, like wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Dust mites are close relatives of ticks and spiders but cannot be seen without a microscope. They feed on skin cells shed by people and thrive in warm, humid environments. Bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting are typically where they thrive.
Of course, you can limit their ability to impact your life by keeping your home clean and getting into a good routine. After your seasonal clean, be sure to vacuum and dust, maybe once weekly.
Vacuuming high-traffic areas like your living room rug, for example, is recommended. Make sure to thoroughly clean furniture, vacuuming between cushions and behind. It is also a good idea to have them steam cleaned or shampooed on occasion.
Changing bed sheets weekly can also help you breathe easier. Swapping bed sheets weekly can limit the dust mites in your bed.
Dust mite allergies can induce sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, congestion, cough, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and wheezing. These symptoms can also contribute to fatigue caused by poor sleep.
Set a comfortable environment in your home to help you breathe easier over the cooler months. Get into a cleaning routine to keep dust and dust mites out.