I'm a laundry expert and your pillows carry dust mites, dead skin, and bacteria – here's how to clean them | The Sun

YOUR pillow might be full of dust mites and you wouldn’t even know it.

It’s a disturbing and even gross thing to think about but there are ways to get rid of the creepy crawlies while still getting a good night’s sleep.

Most people believe their pillows last a long time, but forgetting to clean their bedding could be affecting your sleep and overall health.

Dust mite allergies can give you symptoms such as chapped lips, swollen eyes, itchy skin and a stuffy nose, according to reports.

It’s easy to mistake these for seasonal allergies when in reality, your pillow could be the source.

Dust mites love pillows and bedding because of the warmth, moisture from human sweat and food provided by dead skin cells and dander.

More Cleaning Tips

I’m a decluttering expert – mess in your home could be costing a lot of money

They breed quickly and hide in mattresses, blankets and pillows.

GET RID OF DUST MITES

To get healthier sleep, it’s important to routinely clean and protect your bedding.

Regular washing can help get rid of dust mites and larvae but another odd chore is to freeze your pillows for 24 hours, experts have said.

According to Mayo Clinic, doing this will kill all living dust mites.

Most read in Fabulous

ROYAL ANGER

Harry's 'bizarre language' leaves Palace ‘ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS’

PLAY DAY

Mum-of-22 Sue Radford reveals EPIC pink playhouse she bought her kids

MEGGING A MESS OF IT

Meghan watches on as Prince Harry's polo team suffers defeat

BUG OFF

This 65p plant hack will banish pesky flies from your home this summer

Dust mites can survive being washed, but freezing the pillow will kill them and make your washing more effective, Dust Mite Solutions reports.

Once they’re dead, a good washing will rinse away all the dead mites and their larvae.

If you’ve noticed that your pillow feels heavier than when you first purchased it, the website says it’s time to wash it. Just be sure to freeze it overnight before doing so.

Read More On The Sun

Cops hunt suspect after multiple shots fired at mall forcing customers to flee

Martha Stewart claims Kardashians ‘hardly ate’ lunch at Kris Jenner’s home

Even if you don’t have allergies, dust mites can still irritate your skin and cause breathing, eye and nose problems.

Also, note that dust mites can’t be seen with the naked eye and they don’t actually bite you. Instead, they only eat skin cells that you naturally shed.

    Source: Read Full Article