Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells and dust particles in your home. While they don’t directly cause health issues, their feces and body parts contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals. Getting rid of dust mites can help alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms. Here are 12 effective ways to reduce dust mites in your home.
1. Use Allergen-Proof Bedding
Your bedding is a haven for dust mites since they thrive on the dead skin cells you shed in bed. Encase your mattress and pillows in allergen-impermeable covers to deny them access to food particles. This forces them to eventually die off. Choose covers made of tightly woven fabric and ensure they completely seal off your bedding.
Wash bedding weekly in hot water (at least 130°F) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Replace pillows regularly as they accumulate dust mites over time. Using allergen-proof bedding can significantly cut down on the number of dust mites in your bedroom.
2. Wash Soft Furnishings Frequently
Dust mites accumulate in upholstered furniture, rugs, curtains, and other soft furnishings which provide ideal habitats for them. Frequently wash or dry-clean these items to remove allergens and disrupt dust mite populations. Washable fabrics can be laundered in hot water once a week.
For items that can’t be laundered, like couches and drapes, use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment regularly to suck up dust mites. Also, hang decorative curtains that can’t be washed often outdoors and beat them to dislodge allergens. Reducing dust buildup through frequent washing limits food sources and habitat for mites.
3. Use a Dehumidifier
Dust mites thrive in humid environments above 50% relative humidity. Using a dehumidifier helps maintain optimal humidity levels below 50% to make conditions less conducive for mite growth. Focus on using dehumidifiers in bedrooms and other rooms where you spend a lot of time. The reduced moisture makes it harder for mites to reproduce and survive.
Look for energy efficient dehumidifiers that don’t consume too much electricity while running continuously to control humidity. Clean and empty the water reservoir regularly to prevent mold growth. Monitoring humidity levels and keeping your home dehumidified can significantly lower dust mite populations over time.
4. Vacuum Regularly With a HEPA Filter
Frequent vacuuming removes dust mites and their debris from carpets, fabrics, and surfaces before they have time to accumulate. Using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter ensures the allergens get trapped inside the machine instead of recirculating into the air. Carefully vacuum floors, furniture, drapes, and upholstered items at least twice a week.
Pay close attention to beds, surrounding carpets, and fabric-covered furniture which tend to harbor the most mites. Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling stirred up particles while vacuuming. Dispose of the vacuum bag or contents after each use to get rid of trapped allergens. The combination of frequent HEPA vacuuming and dust-mite proof bedding can dramatically decrease exposure.
5. Use Allergen-Blocking Air Filters
Using high-quality air filters can trap dust mites and particles as they circulate through HVAC systems and portable air purifiers. Look for a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of 11 or higher which indicates the filter can effectively block mold spores, dust mites, pollen, and other microscopic allergens. Change furnace and AC filters every 1-3 months for optimal performance.
Portable HEPA air purifiers with large carbon filters adsorb airborne allergens in confined spaces like bedrooms. Position air purifiers close to beds and areas where you spend time and run them continuously. The purified air makes it harder for dust mites to circulate through the home.
6. Freeze Stuffed Animals
Stuffed toys provide the perfect dark, moist and warm environment for dust mites to thrive. To kill mites and remove allergens, seal washable stuffed toys in plastic bags and freeze them for 24-48 hours. The freezing temperatures kill dust mites by rupturing their cells through ice crystal formation.
As an extra precaution, wash and thoroughly dry stuffed animals on the highest temperature fabric setting before freezing. Keeping toys in the freezer ensures any surviving mites won’t repopulate. This tactic can be used for items like sneakers and pillows too. Just make sure to completely dry items first.
7. Clean With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural substance with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergenic properties. Add a few drops of 100% pure tea tree essential oil to water in a spray bottle. Use this solution to wipe down surfaces, mop floors, and clean soft furnishings to kill dust mites on contact. The strong scent also repels mites and deters them from congregating.
Mix 20-30 drops of tea tree oil into a bucket of water for cleaning large areas like carpets. Always spot test on an inconspicuous part of the fabric first and dilute as needed to avoid staining. The antimicrobial effects of tea tree oil make it harder for dust mites to thrive on surfaces in your home.
8. Use Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural mineral dust made up of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. The sharp edges of DE shred the outer waxy coating on dust mites causing them to dehydrate and die. Food-grade DE is non-toxic for pets and humans.
Lightly sprinkle a fine layer of DE onto carpets, beneath furniture, on drapes, and wherever dust accumulation is present. Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming up. Repeat weekly to disrupt the dust mite life cycle. Always wear a dust mask when handling DE to avoid inhaling the fine powder. The microscopic abrasive particles in DE can help eliminate mites.
9. Utilize Sunlight’s Heat
Dust mites thrive in temperatures between 68°F and 77°F. Allowing sunlight to heat up rooms and surfaces can raise temperatures above this comfort zone and dehydrate mites. Remove drapes, blinds, and window dressings to maximize light exposure. Open blinds and shades during the day to let sunlight stream in.
Also, leave bedding uncovered during the day to allow the heat of the sun to warm up the bed and bedding enough to kill mites. The boost in UV exposure and heat makes conditions inhospitable for dust mite populations. Just take care not to fade fabrics and furnishings over time.
10. Use Essential Oils
Many plant-based essential oils have miticidal effects due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, clove bud, tea tree, and lemongrass can all kill dust mites with topical application or diffused aromatherapy. The strong scents also deter mites from congregating.
Add a few drops of oil onto cotton balls and place them inside vacuum canisters, storage containers, wardrobes, drawers, etc. Refresh weekly. You can also dilute oils and use them to wipe down surfaces. Diffusing pure essential oils regularly adds miticidal compounds into the air to reduce dust mites.
11. Clean Mold and Reduce Humidity
There is a direct correlation between high indoor humidity and dust mite populations. Mold growth also thrives in humid conditions. Since mold emits allergy-causing mycotoxins, it’s important to promptly clean any mold you see and maintain humidity under 50%.
Fix water leaks, dry out flooded areas, and remedy condensation issues. Ventilate rooms and circulate air daily. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and minimize moisture. Reducing overall humidity inhibits dust mites and mold growth, leading to fewer allergens.
12. Hire Professional Carpet Cleaning Services
Thorough, professional grade carpet cleaning is necessary to remove deep-seated dust mite allergens trapped in fibers. While regular vacuuming helps, shampooing by experts cleans carpets at a deeper level. Many companies use powerful truck-mounted extraction systems and allergen-binding cleaning solutions.
Opt for green carpet cleaners that use non-toxic products to avoid chemical residues. Look for hot water heat extraction systems that wash and then vacuum up the grime for the best results. Professional carpet cleaning performed 1-2 times per year can dramatically reduce dust mite populations and allergens in your carpeting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Rid of Dust Mites
Here are answers to some common questions about eliminating dust mites from your home:
How long does it take to get rid of dust mites?
It can take 2-3 months of consistent dust mite reduction efforts before you see a noticeable decrease in their presence. Keep using multiple tactics simultaneously to disrupt their life cycle. It also takes time to clear out the allergen particles already present in your home before improvements become evident.
What temperature kills dust mites?
Dust mites start dying at temperatures above 130°F (54°C). Washing bedding on the highest heat setting and drying on high heat ensures enough heat to kill them. Steam cleaning carpets and upholstery also utilizes high enough heat. Freezing temperatures below 32°F (0°C) sustained for over 24 hours can also eliminate dust mites.
Can dust mites make you sick?
Dust mites themselves don’t directly cause illness since they don’t bite or transmit diseases. However, the proteins found in their fecal matter and shed skins can trigger allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, and respiratory symptoms in people sensitive to the allergens. Reducing exposure provides relief for those with dust mite allergies.
What are the symptoms of dust mite allergy?
Common dust mite allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, irritated sinuses, dark circles under the eyes, eczema flares, trouble breathing, chest tightness, and exacerbated asthma. Reactions are usually worse at night since people are exposed to dust mites in bedding for prolonged hours.
Should you refrigerate pillows to kill dust mites?
Yes, refrigerating pillows can help kill dust mites and remove allergens. First, wash and thoroughly dry your pillow to remove dust and dirt particles. Then seal the pillow in an airtight plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. The cold temperature kills mites by dehydrating them. Keeping frequently used pillows in the refrigerator regularly can help reduce exposure.
Conclusion
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive on the dead skin cells and environmental debris inside your home. While not directly harmful, proteins found in their waste matter and body fragments trigger allergic reactions in many people. Making your home less hospitable for dust mites through regular cleaning, maintenance, and preventative steps can provide allergy relief.
Focus on addressing dust mites in spaces where you spend the most time, especially the bedroom. Utilize a multi-pronged approach such as encasing bedding, washing fabrics routinely, controlling humidity, vacuuming diligently, and applying chemical-free miticidal agents. With diligent and persistent efforts using various tactics, you can successfully minimize dust mites and keep them under control long-term. The reduction in allergens and symptoms makes the effort well worth it.