New research has revealed millions of Brits are at high risk of dust mites in their homes due to poor bedroom hygiene.
Online bed retailer Time4Sleep.co.uk conducted an independent survey into the nation's cleaning habits in aid of this week’s Allergy Awareness Week. The research found a huge 57%2 of Brits are failing to take precautions against dust mites in their homes, despite their potential to cause allergic reactions.
Overall, 59% fail to wash their bedding once per week3, as advised to reduce dust mites, and a staggering two-thirds of the nation (77%) wash bedding below the recommended 60 degrees. When it comes to taking care of mattresses, where dust mites like to reside, 1 in 4 (25%) respondents admitted to never vacuuming their mattress. A further 12% stated they had never turned theirs over.
Overall, 29% of Brits suffer from dust mite allergies, with allergies more common among women than men.
Jonathan Warren, Director at Time4Sleep, comments on the findings: “We were shocked to see how many people are placing their homes at risk of dust mites. Regular vacuuming and turning of your mattress can reduce your risk, plus keeping non-essential fabrics like throws and cushions down to a minimum, as these can be home to thousands of dust mites.
Anti-allergy mattress toppers, sheets and pillows can all help reduce the risk of dust allergies, as well as investing in a storage bed to keep clutter out of site and dust-free.” Victoria Kent, 26, from Leeds suffers from dust mite allergies and said: “Having an allergy to dust mites is very unpleasant. I get very red and itchy eyes, and I sneeze and feel wheezy as I also suffer from asthma.
To help prevent an allergic reaction to dust mites, I use bedding made from synthetic materials and wash it at 60 degrees. I also regularly vacuum my bedroom, to try and keep dust mites at bay.”
