Every child has a comfort object that they hold onto—usually a stuffed animal. Unfortunately, that often means that taking away that object can be a traumatic experience. Getting that object away from their grip may be challenging, but since it’s important to clean your children’s stuffed animals, you will have to do it.
Another One Bites the Dust
Dust mites are the most prevalent cause of dust allergies. Warm, humid environments are ideal for dust mite growth and reproduction. They flourish in conditions with 75–80 percent humidity and temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to complications in the summer.
It’s common to see dust mite debris in bedding, flooring, and upholstery. Once the vacuuming, walking, or disturbing of the bedding has stopped, they will settle again.
Dust mites are a typical trigger of asthma attacks, especially for children. That’s why you have to thoroughly clean anything that may have them, and that includes your child’s stuffed animals.
Dusty Animals Lead to Stuffiness
Unbeknownst to you and your kiddo, their favorite stuffed animal can be a hotbed of germs. Other than making the stuffed animals look as good as new, cleaning them will keep them free from those devilish dust mites and germs. Doing this can keep allergies and sniffles at bay.
Confirm the Cause
See an allergist if you suspect you or your children are allergic to home dust. The allergist will ask in-depth questions about your lifestyle, work, and home surroundings, your medical history, the number of times you’ve had symptoms, and the severity of those symptoms.
In many cases, a skin test is the only way for an allergist to pinpoint the source of an allergic response. Skin tests include inserting extracts of common allergens, such as pet dander, into tiny, sterile needle holes in the skin and evaluating the response.
If you or your child are allergic to dust mites, you know that it’s time to start keeping their stuffed animals clean! This will keep everyone in the home safe.
Now that you know why cleaning your children’s stuffed animals is important, don’t hesitate to take them from their grasp to wash them thoroughly. Your sinuses will thank you!
