Note: Cold washing removes 90% of dust mite allergens as they are water soluble but the dust mite can live through a washing cycle at less than 55c.
Results: Washing clothing and bedding in water alone, detergent, or detergent plus bleach removed 60% to 83% of the live mites. Washing removed more mites from some items than from others.
Likewise, clothing might be a vehicle for transporting and dispersing mite allergens. Recommendations for killing mites include washing clothing and bedding weekly in hot water (55°C [130°F]).
Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers in hot water that is at least 130 F (54.4 C) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. If bedding can't be washed hot, put the items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 F (54.4 C) to kill the mites.
The researchers found that washing laundry in hot water -- 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 ºC) or higher -- kills all house dust mites, compared with just 6.5 percent of dust mites in laundry washed at 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 ºC), or warm water.
Particularly with cold or warm-water washing, many mites die by drowning or are simply washed out of the substrate while still alive. In contrast, many newer washing machines are water-conserving front-loaders, in which the item is repeatedly wetted and spun, without it staying submerged in water.
If you're concerned your mattress has dust mites, you can clean it. One simple step is to remove any detachable covers and use an upholstery attachment to vacuum the mattress and all of its crevices.
Both steam cleaning and dry cleaning will take care of surface soil, but dry cleaning will not kill dust mites. Also, steam clean chairs, sofas, couches and carpets. Steam clean carpets and rugs on a regular basis. Once again, it will at least kill the mites even if it doesn't eliminate the allergens.
Essential oils contain compounds that repel or kill insects, including dust mites. The best essential oils for getting rid of dust mites are clove, rosemary, and eucalyptus oil.
Dust mites don't drink water; they absorb it from the air around them. They live in bedding, pillows, clothes, soft furnishing, curtains and carpets which are easy to burrow down into and hold moisture well. Dust mites don't bite but they are allergenic.
Wash Your Bedding
One of the best ways to get rid of dust mites is to wash all your bedding—including sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and duvet covers—on a hot cycle of at least 130 degrees. 1 If you are unable to wash your bedding in hot water, place them in the dryer for 15 minutes at 130 degrees.
The best way to remove dust mites from your home is by steam cleaning carpets and furniture, and regularly removing dust with a damp mop or rag. You should also wash your bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites, especially if you struggle with allergies.
Hot washing or steaming If you cannot afford to buy a full set of allergy-proof bedding, the BAF also advises parents to 'hot wash' bedding. Washing bed linen at 40 degrees Celsius or less may get rid of the allergens in your child¿s bedding, but it will not kill all the house dust mites.
Wash all bedding that is not encased in barrier covers (e.g. sheets, blankets) every week. Washing at 60 degrees centigrade or above will kill mites.
Joining you in bed are countless dust mites and bacteria, not to mention lots and lots of your own dead skin. Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, says you should wash your sheets at least every two weeks — maybe more, depending on factors like whether you live in a warm climate and whether your pet sleeps in your bed.
Encasement material to stop house dust mites from entering a pillow, mattress or duvet, can be made from plastic, vapour-permeable materials, finely woven fabrics, or nonwoven synthetics. Pore size is important when considering the material.
Since dust mites are so minuscule, you need a magnifying instrument to see them, such as a microscope. When you put them under the glass, though, you'll see that these critters look very similar to little multi-legged arachnids, like spiders. Let's not forget that dust mites are descendants of the arachnoid species.
Keep your mattress and pillows in dustproof or allergen-blocking covers. These covers, made of tightly woven fabric, prevent dust mites from colonizing or escaping from the mattress or pillows. Encase box springs in allergen-proof covers. Wash bedding weekly.
Tea Tree Essential Oil is a natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and deodorizer. Eucalyptus oil, in specific concentrations, has been scientifically proven to kill 99.99% of dust mites. If you are into natural cleaning options and remedies, this is definitely a good place to begin at killing off dust mites.
These particles are called dust mite allergens, and most allergic people react to them. Unfortunately, although a dust mite may live for only 2-3 months, dust mite allergen particles continue to cause allergy symptoms even after the mite that produced them has died.
Get a dust mite cover – plastic covers will make certain that someone's mattress is not infested. Use dust mite sprays – There are many different dust mite sprays available that you can spray over your bedding products. These won't be enough to completely eliminate the problem, but they can help.
Dust mites do not bite you or carry diseases, but their presence in your home, or even worse the bed where you sleep each night, can cause severe allergy issues including: Nasal congestion. Coughing or itchy throat.
Using a vacuum with a high-power or Boost mode will deliver the suction you need to remove as many mites, skin flakes and allergens as possible.