Cleaning for Dust Mite Allergies and Asthma: An Irish Guide

The HSE recommends three things for dust mite allergies: wash bedclothes at 60°C every week, damp-dust weekly, and use allergy-proof covers on bedding. The Asthma Society of Ireland adds frequent hoovering with a HEPA-filter vacuum with good suction, fewer carpets where possible, and fewer soft toys. Keeping damp and mould under control matters too, because mould is another common trigger.

This guide covers cleaning, not treatment. If you or your child has asthma or allergies, follow the plan your GP or specialist has given you.

Why bedrooms come first

Most of the official advice on dust mites is about bedding, so the bedroom is the place to start. You spend hours with your face close to your pillow and duvet every night.

Bedding

• Wash bedclothes at 60°C every week, as the HSE recommends. Beaumont Hospital's allergy leaflet explains that washing fabrics at a minimum of 60°C kills house dust mites, and recommends choosing bedding that can take that temperature.
• Use allergy-proof covers on the mattress, pillows and duvet, as the HSE advises. Wash the covers as the maker recommends.
• Check labels when you buy. Choose pillows, duvets and children's bedding that can be washed at 60°C.
• Dry bedding thoroughly, outside when the weather allows, as the HSE suggests for washing, or in a vented dryer, rather than on radiators indoors.

The rest of the bedroom

• Damp-dust surfaces weekly with a barely damp microfibre cloth
• Hoover the floor, under the bed and the mattress with a HEPA-filter hoover
• Keep surfaces clear, so there is less to collect dust
• Store clothes in closed wardrobes and drawers, not on chairs
• Choose blinds or washable curtains, and wash or hoover them regularly
• Keep soft toys to a minimum, and choose ones that can be washed at 60°C
• Open the window for a while each day to let moisture out

Damp-dust, don't dry-dust

A dry duster or feather duster lifts dust into the air, where it hangs and settles again. A damp cloth picks it up. The HSE recommends damp-dusting and the Asthma Society of Ireland recommends damp-dusting surfaces too.

Use a microfibre cloth that is only slightly damp, fold it to a clean side as you go, and rinse it often. Wash cloths regularly, since microfibre needs laundering to avoid spreading dirt from one surface to another.

Work from the top of the room down: tops of wardrobes and door frames, shelves, then skirting, then the floor.

Hoovering with allergies

The Asthma Society of Ireland recommends frequent hoovering with a HEPA-filter vacuum with good suction. A few habits help:

• Keep the filter in good condition. Clean or replace it as the manual says, or it stops working well.
• Empty the bin outdoors if you can, straight into a bag.
• Hoover soft furnishings too: sofas, cushions, mattresses and curtains, using the upholstery tool.
• Open a window while hoovering.

Carpets, rugs and soft furnishings

The Asthma Society recommends reducing carpets where possible. Hard floors are easier to keep dust-free with a damp mop. If replacing carpets is not practical, hoover often with a HEPA hoover and have carpets and upholstery cleaned professionally from time to time. Our carpet cleaning guide explains the methods and drying.

Loose cushion covers, throws and washable rugs can go in the wash, at 60°C where the label allows.

Damp and mould are triggers too

Mould spores can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma symptoms, according to the HSE. The HSE recommends using an extractor or opening a window when cooking or showering, and drying washing outside where possible. Our mould and damp guide covers safe cleaning and prevention.

Products and scents

If strong smells from sprays, air fresheners or scented candles bother anyone in the house, a few simple swaps help:

• Use unscented or lightly scented products where you can.
• Choose liquids or wipes over aerosol sprays, so less ends up in the air.
• Ventilate while you clean and for a while afterwards.
• Never mix products: bleach with ammonia or acids releases toxic gases that can injure the lungs.

If you have pets, be careful with essential oil cleaners, which can be toxic to cats and dogs. See our guide to safe cleaning products around children and pets and our eco-friendly cleaning guide.

A weekly allergy cleaning routine

Task	How often	Source
Wash bedclothes at 60°C	Weekly	HSE
Damp-dust surfaces	Weekly	HSE
Hoover with a HEPA-filter vacuum	Frequently	Asthma Society of Ireland
Use an extractor or open a window when cooking and showering	Every time	HSE
Wash soft toys, cushion covers and throws	When they need it, at 60°C where the label allows	Beaumont Hospital

For a once-a-season reset, our deep cleaning checklist covers the high and hidden places dust collects.

Getting a cleaner to help

A regular cleaner can take on much of the routine, which also means someone without allergies is doing the dusty work. When you brief them, ask them to:

• Damp-dust rather than dry-dust
• Use your HEPA-filter hoover, and empty it outside
• Change the beds and put bedding on a 60°C wash
• Hoover mattresses and soft furnishings
• Avoid aerosols and strongly scented products
• Open windows while they work

Our cleaning brief builder writes this into a message you can send. Find regular cleaners or browse cleaners by county.