Clean kids toys
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No parent wants their child to have to struggle daily with allergies and asthma. Unfortunately, the things

that cause both of these conditions can be right in your own home. It's important to keep your home clean; toys kids use every day, such as stuffed animals, can be the carriers of dust mites. 

Dust mites are tiny insects that are imperceptible to the naked eye, but they can leave tiny pellets of feces on a stuffed animal that will aggravate allergies. 

Methods To Get Rid Of Them 

There are three accepted methods for getting rid of dust mites; freeze them, heat them, or oil them. 

The freezing method is easy enough. Place the toy in a plastic bag in your freezer. Freeze for 16 hours. Remove, and wash and dry thoroughly according to laundry care directions. 

The heating method uses your own clothes dryer to kill mites. Set the dryer to high heat and dry the plush animal for 20 minutes. Remove and wash and dry, using a warm wash setting. Check the tag on the animal before doing this, since some stuffed animals will fall apart in the washer or dryer. 

The oiling method uses a eucalyptus oil blend. Eucalyptus oil is a natural way to kill insects. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a teaspoon of liquid detergent. Mix together, and let stand for 10 minutes. Add to 1-1/4 gallons of water. Soak the animal in the water one hour, then rinse and dry well for 2 days. 

Given the amount of time most mothers have to do household chores, the best method may be one of avoidance. If your child has serious asthma, make a concerted effort to keep your home clean. Toys kids play with, especially soft plush animals, should be kept to a minimum to cut down on the number of dust mites.