The mites They can be a real problem for some people. Are responsible for many cases of allergies and they are difficult to eliminate, since They are part of the dust (from which they feed and in which they leave their particles) and are in those places where there are scales of human skinlike the bed (in the sheets, pillows or mattresses).

In fact, the bed is one of the places where the most mites accumulate and the most difficult it is to eliminate them. Frequent cleaning is essential to remove them from beddingbut there are some tricks that can make the job easier.

Why do mites cause allergies?

The mites They are microscopic arachnids (between 0.2-0.5 mm) in whose bodies, feces and urine there are some specific proteins that cause allergies in some people.

When allergic people inhale these particles, your immune system overreacts and treats these substances (which are normally harmless to most people) as a threat. This is when symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, itchy throat or ears, cough, itchy eyes, conjunctivitis, wheezing or breathing problems are triggered.

The problem is that Mites are present in all homes, especially in beddingupholstered furniture and carpets, where they are more difficult to remove. This constant exposure can cause sensitization and persistent allergic reactions.

Does the trick of freezing sheets work?

iStockPhoto. Regina Fatkulina

To eliminate bed mites, it is essential to wash all its components well: the mattress, bedding and pillows. Regarding bedding, in addition to wash it frequently (at least once a week at 60°C) There is a trick that is useful to kill mites: put it in the freezer. And as stated by the Spanish Society of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Pediatric Asthma (SEICAP) “mites are also eliminated by cold”.

A 2017 study published in the scientific journal The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology It was found to be a useful strategy to eliminate these microscopic allergens. The researchers They frozen a sample of a type of dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) and their eggs at -15 °C (the temperature at which domestic freezers are usually set) and found that, Within 48 hours, both the mites and their eggs had died.

Although 24 hours was enough to kill many of the mites and eggsthe best results were obtained by increasing the time to two days, so this is the most advisable time to freeze bedding.

In this particular study, another of the most common dust mites, the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinusbut the authors assure that in previous studies, samples of these mites exposed to the same temperature died in just 30 minutes.

To freeze sheets, place them in a bag.and once 48 hours have passed, wash them at 60°Csince the dead mites (which can also cause allergies) will still be on the clothes.

Freezing is a measure especially indicated for pillowsa supplement in which it is usually more difficult to get rid of mites. The SEICAP suggests that, although it may be an impractical measure due to its size, Placing the pillow in a bag in the freezer will kill the mites, which should then be vacuumed up..

Other keys to keeping the bed free of mites

For minimize mites in bedIn addition to frequently cleaning bedding and freezing it from time to time, take note of these recommendations:

• Catches dust: removes dust from the bedroom (and the entire house) with a damp cloth or catch it. Don’t shake it with a rag or duster, as this will only cause it to move. It is also not advisable to use a broom, it is better to opt for one. mop or vacuum cleaner with water filter or HEPA filter (which retain mite particles).
• Minimize the number of objects: in the bedroom of a person with a dust mite allergy, there should be few objects, so that they do not trap dust. In particular, you must eliminate all objects that are difficult to clean or that may accumulate a lot of dust (carpets, decorative objects, thick curtains, upholstered headboards, fabric armchairs or chairs, stuffed animals…).
• Use mattress and pillow protectors: the anti-mite covers are made with a very tight weave that prevents the passage of mite particles to protect the mattress. An alternative may be a plastic cover that covers the mattress from above and below.
• Avoid humidity in the bedroom: Mites live best in humid areas. If environmental humidity decreases, it is more difficult for mites to reproduce.

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