DoomsdaysCWMar 1

I tried this method. Vacuuming [or carpet beating] afterwards helps to get rid of any remaining dust mites!

How to Kill #DustMites Naturally with Cold

By: Author Kimberly

Posted on Published: January 24, 2019 - Last updated: November 12, 2023

"If you’ve got allergies or asthma, you probably are wondering how to kill dust mites naturally. The tiny insects create #allergens that can cause health problems for kids and adults. Dust mites can be somewhat difficult to kill. The good news is, you can naturally kill dust mites with cold temperatures.

[...]

"Either find a covered spot, like a covered porch outside, or set up a drying rack outdoors when there is no precipitation in the air. For instance, you don’t want it to be snowing or foggy.

"Then, all you have to do is place fabric items outdoors in the freezing temperatures for a while.

- Place pillows on the drying rack or on chairs on your porch.
- Drape comforters on a drying rack or over the back of chairs.
- Gather up pet toys or kids toys in a breathable basket (like wicker or canvas, not hard plastic) and place them outdoors.

How long do you keep items outside in the cold temperature to kill dust mites?

"Opinions vary, but a minimum of 24 hours seems to be the rule of thumb, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you can only manage 8 hours or so, it’s better than doing nothing at all. Ideally, 48 hours would be the perfect time frame for killing dust mites.

"Keep in mind, the freezing temperatures need to be sustained for the entire time. It can’t be 32 degrees in the morning and then warm up to 45 degrees all day for this to work."

Learn more:
https://www.getgreenbewell.com/how-to-kill-dust-mites-naturally-with-cold/

#SolarPunkSunday #HomeHealth #Pillows #Comforters #Health #PlushToys

How to Kill Dust Mites Naturally with Cold

Easy ways to kill dust mites naturally using cold winter weather. Give your family a nontoxic, allergy-free house with this free green cleaning hack for a healthy home.

Get Green Be Well
Show threadDNAvinciMar 2

@DoomsdaysCW
This is broadly known in Finland.
It is called Snow Washing.
There is quite a lot written on the subject!

It can be done either in an evening or a workday 8 hour block.
The general consensus is that -20C is good, but -30C is a mini holiday where everyone quickly rolls their couch outside.
-20C is desirable because there is absolutely zero risk of getting your things wet, even if you pick up fistfuls of snow and lightly rub them. You can even take your leather jacket out!

Show threadDoomsdaysCW
@dnavinci I posted about snow washing last week, but thanks for the tips!
Mar 2 at 1:58pmWeb
Show threadDNAvinciMar 2
@DoomsdaysCW
Haha, sorry! I realized I popped up without reading the article and then I skimmed it to make sure I didn't just tell you the contents of the article!
Cheers!
Show threadDoomsdaysCWMar 2
@dnavinci Oh hey, I didn't even think about dragging out the couch! I love the idea!
Show threadDNAvinciMar 2

@DoomsdaysCW
Couch. Mattress. Favorite chair.

But the little old ladies live and die by the dozens of runner carpets that cover the wood floors.

They think American wall-to-wall carpets are impractical and a bit gross because they can't be washed in this way, or at any of the spacious outdoor public carpet washing stations (really wide platform with pierced pipe running the length) that dot city parks and playgrounds

Show threadDoomsdaysCWMar 2
@dnavinci American wall-to-wall carpets are not only gross, they are coated with PFAS. We're not too smart, it seems.
Show threadDNAvinciMar 2
@DoomsdaysCW
Hadn't thought about the PFAS. I could have guessed it if I thought about it.
Yuck.
Show threadClimate Jenny 2.1Mar 2
@DoomsdaysCW @dnavinci Can confirm they are gross; didn’t know they are literally toxic. If I had a pile of money I would get it ripped out.
Show threadDoomsdaysCWMar 2
Yeah, we have some upstairs. I even cover them with smaller rugs. And yeah, it ain't cheap to have them removed (plus, who knows what shape the floor underneath is). @ClimateJenny @dnavinci
Show threadClimate Jenny 2.1Mar 2
@DoomsdaysCW @dnavinci Encapsulation under another layer of rugs might help. Like asbestos — just contain it.
Show threadDNAvinciMar 2
@ClimateJenny
My initial reaction was that the comparison to the inhalation risk of asbestos was a little gauche, but after a quick search, I guess that's not much of an exaggeration!
Should respect my fellow biodiversity peeps a little more!
@DoomsdaysCW
Show threadDoomsdaysCWMar 2
@dnavinci And no need to apologize! I always appreciate folks chiming in, especially when they share tips and tricks!