How to Get Rid of Mites on a Couch
Although they do not carry disease or cause direct harm to you, the presence of dust mites can be unnerving. The idea of small microscopic insects crawling around on your carpet and your furniture may seem disgusting, but these tiny bugs are everywhere where humans are. They eat the sloughed off skin cells from humans.
If you have allergies or asthma, dust mites can exasperate these conditions. One way to help reduce the irritation of these tiny bugs is to treat your couch for dust mites.
Things You Will Need
- Washing machine
- Vacuum
- Crevice attachment
- Zip top bag
- Dehumidifier
Tip
If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This will keep the mites in the vacuum and not allow them to recirculate into the air. Another beneficial way to keep dust mites to a minimum on the couch is to keep your pets off it. Pets drop dander which the mites will also eat. If you are unable to keep pets off the couch, wipe them down with a damp rag before letting them on the furniture. This will remove some of the dander, reducing the meal for the mites. Sprinkle the surface of your couch with tannic acid powder. This powder is safe around humans and pets. It is available at your local pet store. The tannic acid keeps the irritation of dust mites to a minimum.
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Remove all slipcovers, pillowcases and throw blankets from your couch. Place these items in the washing machine and wash them according to the care instructions on their tags. Use high heat if possible to kill the mites. If your covers are not washing machine safe, have them professionally dry cleaned to remove the mites.
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Dry your cleaned slipcovers, pillowcases and blankets outside in the sun.
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Use your vacuum to vacuum the couch thoroughly. Use the crevice attachment to get down between the couch cushions. Vacuum the entire surface of the couch. This will remove any mites on the surface of the couch as well as the dead skin cells they are eating. Empty the contents of your vacuum into a zip-top bag and dispose of it outside.
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Place a dehumidifier in your living room. Dehumidifiers reduce the humidity levels in your home. Mites are attracted to areas that are warm and damp. Using the dehumidifier makes your couch and the rest of your home less attractive to them.
The Drip Cap
- Although they do not carry disease or cause direct harm to you, the presence of dust mites can be unnerving.
- Use high heat if possible to kill the mites.
- Dry your cleaned slipcovers, pillowcases and blankets outside in the sun.
References
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
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