4 Responses

1. *•.♡Cyn♡.•*

   March 21st, 2010 at 3:29 pm

   1

   When I first moved to Japan I was told about dust mite problems and given a handout about things to do in this case and also in the case of mold. I’ve never had the problem myself so I can just tell you a few of the main points. The dust mite itself is not harmful to us, the skin that it sheds in carpets, mats, futons…causes reactions as well as their feces, things like that and of course you get the mold and the mildew growing there as well. If you cleaned the dust mites out thoroughly you still may have a mold and mildew problem. That is also very common in Japan. If you can’t afford to have your pillows and mats professionally cleaned, you may want to go to a coin laundry and use the GIANT machines they have to wash and then DRY everything VERY WELL that fits in the machines. This step is important. It should help. You’ll want to do a major cleaning job every 6 months or so and use an antiseptic spray on everything. If you try to use your own vacuum make sure it has a "hepa filter" and remember the suction may not be strong enough, so it’s possible you’ll only bring allergens to the surface. The stronger the better in this case. Other tips:
   Replace your pillows once a year or put it in the freezer for an hour to kill dust mites.
   Do not use a steam vac because it causes mold.

   ♡Wish I could have been more help, good luck and I hope you can get everything taken care of. Have you tried to ask the owner of the house for help? Please try to ask, many times they will share the cleaning costs with you and maybe try to help you out. It’s worth a try.♡ EDIT: If the children have stuffed/plush dolls they all need to be cleaned or washed and dried very well also.

2. genandex

   March 21st, 2010 at 3:29 pm

   2

   are you sure it is a dust and mite allergy? dust and mites have always been around (during human evolution). perhaps it has to do with something else like diet, air pollution, ..stress?

3. mkcandyrocky

   March 21st, 2010 at 3:29 pm

   3

   Clean up your house more often and if necesary tell the owner of your house..

   I suppose you are not owner since it’s really expensive in Japan….
   of course monthly fee is expensive too but
   believe me buying a house is way far more expensive

   I lived in Tokyo for like 10 years ago..
   (now i’m back to Korea..)
   and in my memory.. Tokyo was a big city
   with great security.. and beautiful environment..
   although,, there were certainly too many homelesses
   taking part in public area..

   I wish my English were better.. to explain more details..
   since I am a Korean… it’s too hard

4. yozora

   March 21st, 2010 at 3:29 pm

   4

   I’m surprised! Getting rid of dust and dust mites should be easy with a vacuum cleaner now that you’ve got rid of the carpets!

   Maybe you should buy a better vacuum cleaner, one specially designed to stop dust & dust mite eggs blowing out the back! They should be easy enough to spot, even if you can’t read Japanese, because they often have a picture on them of a cartoon dust mite being destroyed, or a no-dust-mite sign – like a no-smoking sign only with a bug!

   Also, make sure you air your futons and duvets as often as possible! And if you have any padded seats, throw them out. Remove any shelves or other furniture where dust gathers.

   And use the vacuum on high when vacuuming the tatami mats!