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.
Wash bedding regularly
This includes linens, bed coverings, your washable mattress cover and a washable pillow cover (or the whole pillow, if possible)—preferably at high heat. A temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes kills dust mites, according to one study.
Just like hot temperatures, freezing cold temperatures also kill dust mites. For more delicate fabrics or items that cannot be washed (such as silk or lace) freeze them. Place the items in a clear plastic bag and put them in the freezer for 24 hours. This will kill the dust mites completely.
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. Add 20 drops of oil to four ounces of witch hazel, and spray your mattress, couch, drapes, and other dust mite hangouts.
Combine two cups of water with two tablespoons of tea tree oil and two tablespoons of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray this solution around your home on your upholstery, bedding, carpets, and rugs at least once per week to keep dust mites at bay and make you home smell fresh.
Clean your bedroom floors weekly.
If possible, remove carpet. Dust mites can't grow on hard surfaces like wood floors. If you can't remove carpet, be sure to vacuum weekly with a CERTIFIED vacuum. Also have your carpets professionally cleaned by a CERTIFIED company a few times per year.
Three most important functions to human life are heartbeat, breath and sleep. An active allergy to house dust mites (HDM) can interfere with breath and sleep. Wheezing, sneezing or itching, caused by an allergic reaction, is a known risk to sleep.
Dust mites occur naturally and can appear in nearly all homes. Humidity is the most important factor in determining whether a house has high levels of dust mites. This is because dust mites do not drink water like we do; they absorb moisture from the air.
Dust mites live and multiply easily in warm, humid places. They prefer temperatures at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity of 75 to 80 percent. They die when the humidity falls below 50 percent.
If you're wondering “Does baking soda kill dust mites?” the answer is yes! Baking soda is a pretty potent weapon against dust mites in your bed. Using it is a simple process as well. Add a little bit of essential oil to the baking soda and then spread it across the top of your mattress, then vacuum.
Because dust mites are found wherever humans and their skin cells are, you can't really eliminate them completely. You can, however, take steps to reduce their numbers and impact in your house and on your health.
Spray Lysol on dust surfaces to kill dust mites
After cleaning dust surfaces with a vacuum, apply and spray Lysol on your furniture and fabrics.
Though too small to see with the naked eye (only about . 33 millimeters long), dust mites are easily visible through even a cheap microscope. You can pick up an inexpensive microscope from any store that sells toys, a hobby store, or a thrift store and use it to discover whether your home has dust mites.
Common signs of a dust mite allergy are sneezing, coughing, postnasal drip, runny or stuffy nose, itchy. and watery eyes, red, itchy skin, and itchy throat.
The CDC's top recommendations for avoiding dust mites includes using an allergen-proof mattress and pillowcase covers in addition to washing your sheets weekly.
Predators. The predators of dust mites are other allergenic mites (Cheyletiella), silverfish and pseudoscorpions.
Tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils are known natural repellants. Mix two teaspoons of essential oil, two teaspoons of white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spray your furnishings every 2-3 weeks will help keep these pests away.
Allergies often get worse at night as laying down increases congestion and common allergies like dust mites thrive in your bedroom. To reduce symptoms, try showering before bed, washing your bedding regularly, and sleeping with your head elevated.
Although they may “hitchhike” on clothing, dust mites do not live on people. They feed primarily on dander, flakes of dead skin that fall from people and animals.
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.
There's nothing nicer after a long day than snuggling up with the perfect pillow that envelops your head in comfort. But you know who else loves pillows? Dust mites. To a dust mite, your pillow is heaven, filled with the tasty dead skin cells that they love to feast upon.
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.
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.
Fortunately, an air purifier is great for dust removal, including dust mite allergens, and can help you breathe easier. An air purifier also prevents sickness by killing harmful airborne germs. Being exposed to dust mites at home on an ongoing basis can have a dramatic impact on your health.