.png)
Dust mites are nearly invisible microscopic creatures that live in homes across Savannah, thriving in bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, and dust. While dust mites themselves are harmless, their feces and body fragments trigger allergies and asthma in millions of people. If you struggle with sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, or nighttime congestion, dust mites could be the culprit. At Sani-Kleen, we've helped thousands of Savannah families reduce dust mites through professional cleaning and proven prevention methods. Here's our comprehensive guide to getting rid of dust mites and reclaiming your healthy home.
Dust mites are microscopic arachnids, relatives of spiders and ticks, that measure just 0.3 millimeters in length. Despite their small size, the average home harbors millions of dust mites. These creatures feed on dead skin cells that humans shed daily, thriving in warm, humid environments like Savannah's climate.
A single dust mite produces approximately 20 waste particles daily. These droppings accumulate in bedding, carpets, and furniture, creating allergenic debris that becomes airborne when disturbed. People with dust mite allergies experience sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, stuffy nose, postnasal drip, and itching of the nose or throat. For those with asthma, dust mite exposure can trigger serious respiratory symptoms including difficulty breathing, chest pain, and nighttime coughing.
Savannah's warm, humid climate is perfect for dust mites. These creatures prefer temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels between 70 and 80 percent. Our coastal Georgia city provides both year-round. Unlike drier climates where dust mites struggle to survive, Savannah's humidity creates an ideal breeding ground.
This climate advantage for dust mites means Savannah residents must be more proactive about dust mite control. Standard cleaning approaches aren't enough, comprehensive strategies are necessary to reduce populations in this humid environment.
Bedding is where dust mites thrive. Our beds provide warmth, humidity from perspiration, and a constant food source of dead skin cells. Fighting dust mites starts in the bedroom.
Wash all bedding, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters, in hot water at least weekly. Hot water kills dust mites more effectively than warm or cold water. Use water temperature of at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. After washing, dry bedding in a hot dryer, another dust mite-killing step.
If you have a latex allergy or sensitivity, choose hypoallergenic, dust mite-resistant bedding. Special encasings exist for mattresses and pillows that prevent dust mites from penetrating. These encasings are washable and effective for years.
One of the most effective dust mite control strategies is using specialized encasings on mattresses and pillows. These covers are woven tightly enough to prevent dust mites from passing through while remaining breathable and comfortable.
When purchasing covers, look for products labeled as dust mite-proof with a pore size of less than 10 micrometers. Quality covers cost $20 to $100 per item but effectively reduce dust mite populations by 90 percent or more.
Install covers on all mattresses, pillows, and box springs. Wash covers every two weeks in hot water. Replace covers every 5 to 10 years as they may develop pinholes over time.
Since Savannah's humidity feeds dust mites, reducing bedroom moisture creates a hostile environment. Run an air conditioner or dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity below 50 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent.
Use air conditioning year-round to control humidity. During humid Savannah summers, run your AC even at night to keep bedroom conditions inhospitable to dust mites. A portable dehumidifier in the bedroom provides additional moisture control.
Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows on drier days and running bathroom exhaust fans during showers to remove excess moisture. These simple humidity-control measures significantly reduce dust mite populations.
Carpets and rugs are major dust mite habitats. Vacuum carpeted areas at least twice weekly, or more if you have allergies or asthma. Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration, which traps dust and allergens rather than releasing them back into the air.
Vacuum in overlapping passes, moving slowly to allow the vacuum to pick up dust and mites embedded in carpet fibers. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and under furniture where dust accumulates.
For severely infested carpets or if you have moderate to severe dust mite allergies, consider replacing carpets with hard flooring like hardwood, tile, or vinyl. These surfaces don't harbor dust mites like carpet does. If you can't replace carpet, professional steam cleaning can dramatically reduce dust mite populations. For pet owners, combining regular vacuuming with targeted treatments to remove pet odors from carpets ensures a fresher, healthier environment free from both allergens and lingering smells.
Sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture host significant dust mite populations. Vacuum upholstered items weekly using an upholstery attachment. Remove cushions and vacuum underneath and behind them where dust accumulates.
Launder removable covers in hot water weekly. For non-removable upholstery, professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months reduces dust mite populations substantially. Sani-Kleen's professional upholstery cleaning uses commercial-grade equipment and cleaning solutions specifically designed to kill dust mites and remove allergens.
Consider replacing heavily infested upholstered furniture with leather or vinyl options that don't harbor dust mites as readily.
Dust settles on surfaces where it accumulates and dust mites thrive. Minimize items that collect dust: remove unnecessary books, decorative items, and collections from bedroom shelves; use storage boxes with lids instead of open shelving; eliminate heavy curtains in favor of washable Roman shades or roller blinds; remove bedroom carpets in favor of hard flooring; and reduce stuffed animals and soft toys that trap dust.
Wipe surfaces with damp cloths rather than dry dusting. Dry dusting stirs up dust and allergens that become airborne. A damp cloth captures dust without redistributing it.
While regular vacuuming helps, professional cleaning provides deep dust mite removal that DIY methods cannot achieve. Professional cleaners use hot water extraction, steam cleaning, and specialized treatments that kill dust mites and remove allergens embedded deep in fibers.
Sani-Kleen recommends professional carpet cleaning every 6 to 12 months for homes with dust mite allergies or asthma. Our Savannah team uses commercial-grade equipment and cleaning solutions that effectively eliminate dust mites while protecting your carpets and furniture.
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters trap microscopic particles including dust, dust mite droppings, and other allergens. Running HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms and living spaces helps remove airborne dust mite allergens.
Place air purifiers in bedrooms during sleeping hours and in main living areas during the day. Change filters according to manufacturer recommendations, typically every 6 to 12 months depending on air quality and usage.
Dust mites live not just in bedding but also in all fabric items. Wash clothing regularly, especially items worn close to the face. Wash curtains, throw blankets, and other fabric items monthly in hot water.
Store off-season clothing in sealed containers to prevent dust mite colonization. This is especially important in Savannah's warm climate where many people store winter clothes for extended periods.
When replacing items, choose dust mite-resistant options. Hypoallergenic pillows, mattresses, and bedding are specifically designed to resist dust mite colonization. While more expensive initially, they reduce the need for frequent washing and provide long-term allergy relief.
Never rely on a single strategy. Dust mite control requires multiple coordinated approaches. Don't vacuum with a standard vacuum without HEPA filters, this spreads allergens rather than trapping them. Skip washing bedding in cold water thinking it's sufficient, hot water is essential for killing dust mites. Don't neglect humidity control, Savannah's humidity must be actively managed to reduce dust mites.
Savannah's humid climate means dust mite populations remain high year-round. This same humidity also contributes to musty odors in carpets, which can worsen indoor air quality and allergen issues. Unlike northern climates where winter heating creates low humidity that naturally reduces dust mites, Savannah's humidity provides year-long breeding conditions. This means consistent, year-round dust mite control is necessary.
Many Savannah homes have original hardwood floors and plaster walls that can be damaged by dehumidifiers in very low settings. Find a balance maintaining humidity above 30 percent (to protect home structures) while keeping it below 50 percent (to inhibit dust mites).
If allergies or asthma symptoms persist despite DIY efforts, or if you're moving into a new home and want to eliminate existing dust mite populations, professional help from Sani-Kleen provides comprehensive solutions. Our team can deep clean carpets, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces, removing both visible dust and microscopic dust mites.
Contact Sani-Kleen at (912) 331-4545 or sanikleenofsavannah@gmail.com for professional dust mite removal and allergen elimination throughout Savannah.
Can I completely eliminate dust mites from my home?
Complete elimination is nearly impossible, but you can reduce populations by 90 percent or more through consistent cleaning, humidity control, and professional services. This reduction dramatically relieves allergy and asthma symptoms for most people.
Does freezing kill dust mites?
Yes, extreme cold kills dust mites, but maintaining freezing temperatures indoors isn't practical. However, placing heavily infested items in a freezer for 24 hours can kill dust mites. This works for small items like pillows or stuffed animals but isn't practical for large furniture or entire homes.
How long does it take to notice improvement after dust mite control efforts?
Some people notice improvement within days, while others take 2 to 4 weeks. Results depend on severity of allergies, consistency of control efforts, and environmental factors like humidity levels. Professional cleaning often provides noticeable improvement within 1 to 2 weeks.
Are dust mite allergies seasonal in Savannah?
No, Savannah's consistent humidity means dust mite allergies don't show seasonal improvement like in drier climates. Year-round control is necessary for symptom management.
Ready for Professional Dust Mite Elimination in Savannah?
Sani-Kleen brings specialized expertise in dust mite control and allergen elimination to Savannah homes. Our professional carpet and upholstery cleaning removes dust mites at populations that DIY methods cannot achieve. With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to your health and comfort, we deliver results that relieve allergy and asthma symptoms. Contact Sani-Kleen at (912) 331-4545 or email sanikleenofsavannah@gmail.com today for professional dust mite removal and comprehensive allergen control throughout Savannah, Pooler, and Richmond Hill. Breathe easier in your clean, healthy home with Savannah's trusted carpet and upholstery care experts.
%20(1).png)
