Dust and dust mites are a fact of life. There is no way to completely eliminate exposure to either. However, there are many ways to limit the amount of dust and dust mites that accumulate in a household. These include:

• Keep indoor relative humidity below 50 percent. Because dust mites have no means of drinking, they depend on the atmosphere for moisture and thrive only in warm, humid conditions. Using air conditioning and dehumidifiers can help reduce humidity.
  
  
• Use HEPA filters and other air filters that can be attached to a furnace or placed in a room to capture allergens and keep them from circulating in the air. It should be noted, though, that some experts question whether the relatively modest effectiveness of these filters justifies their expense.
  
  

  

• Frequently wash and/or replace air filters for heating and air conditioning systems to prevent the spread of dust and other allergens throughout the home.
  
  

• Thoroughly dust and vacuum the home at least once a week. It is especially important to clean bedrooms frequently because they are a haven for dust mites.
  
  

• Wear a filtering mask when dusting or vacuuming. Better yet, have a nonallergic individual clean the home.
  
  

• Use special filters on vacuums (such as HEPA filters or multi-ply exhaust bags) that reduce the amount of mite waste that is recirculated in the air. After vacuuming an area, stay out of the room for 20 minutes. This allows dust and other allergens to settle.
  
  

• When dusting, use damp mops and cloths to pick up all excess dust. Dry cloths should not be used to dust because they stir up allergens. 
  
  
• Talk to your physician about the potential benefits and risks of specialty cleaning solutions containing benzyl benzoate or tannic acid. Benzyl benzoate kills dust mites and helps remove their waste from carpets, usually for at least six months. It comes in a moist powder than is sprinkled onto carpets and allowed to dry for eight to 12 hours. Then, it is vacuumed up. Tannic acid kills dust mite allergens when sprayed on carpets and upholstered furniture, but does not kill the dust mites themselves. It must therefore be used much more frequently. There are risks associated with use of these chemicals, including the chance of irritation that may mimic allergy symptoms. Therefore they should only be used as directed, with caution and after discussing the matter with a physician.
  
  
• Wash bedding (including pillows) at least once a week in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius). This will kill most dust mites that are present. Bedding that is not washable can be dry cleaned or left overnight in the freezer to kill dust mites. Also, use synthetic bedding materials, as dust mites prefer wool, feathers and cotton.
  
  
• Use allergen-impermeable covers on mattresses, pillows and box springs. These completely encase the mattresses and pillows and prevent mites and their waste particles from getting into the air. Tape over zippers.
  
  
• Keep pets out of the bedroom at all times. Dogs and cats attract dust mites like magnets.
  
  
• Use washable materials such as role-type shades for window coverings. Those who use curtains should choose lightweight materials, which hold less dust. Vacuum window treatments often and wash them every six weeks.  
  
  
• Dry laundered sheets, blankets and rugs in the sun. Sunlight destroys dust mites. However, this is not a good idea for people who also have allergies to outdoor allergens such as pollen.
  
  
• Frequently wash pets’ sleeping cushions and encase them in allergen-proof covers.
  
  
• Avoid clutter. Do not keep large stores of books and newspapers, which collect dust. Also, avoid storing items under the bed.
  
  
• Use plastic bags to cover clothes in closets, reducing dust accumulation. Closet doors should also be kept closed.
  
  
• Try to limit the use of carpets and rugs, especially in the bedroom. Hardwood floors, tile and linoleum are easier to clean and keep dust-free. Low-pile carpets are preferable to deep-pile carpets. Frequently steam-clean carpets. Better yet, use throw rugs, which can be easily washed in hot water.
  
  
• Consider leather upholstery, which is less attractive to dust mites than upholstered furniture.
  
  
• Keep toys out of a child’s bedroom, as they are likely to accumulate dust. Avoid stuffed toys and store all toys in closed containers, such as a toy box.
  
  
• Eliminate sources of other allergens that may end up in dust, such as molds (which can be reduced by fixing any leaks or other ongoing sources of water) and cockroaches (which need both food and moisture to survive).