How to get rid of dust mites naturally

January 29, 2024

What are dust mites?

Dust mites are microscopic, spider-like creatures that commonly inhabit household environments, such as bedding, furniture, and carpets. They feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets, thriving in warm, humid environments. Invisible to the naked eye, dust mites are known to be major indoor allergens, their droppings and decaying bodies often triggering allergic reactions and asthma in many individuals. They do not bite or transmit diseases, but their presence can significantly impact indoor air quality and health, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Where Are Dust Mites Most Commonly Found

Dust mites are most commonly found in environments where we spend a lot of our time, as they feed on the dead skin cells that humans and pets shed. Their favorite habitats are typically warm, humid areas with plenty of food sources. Common locations include:

Bedding: Mattresses, pillows, duvets, and bed linens are prime spots for dust mites due to the warmth, moisture, and abundant food source from human skin flakes.
Upholstered Furniture: Sofas, armchairs, and other upholstered pieces provide a suitable environment for dust mites, especially in the crevices and beneath cushions.
Carpets and Rugs: The fibers in carpets and rugs trap skin flakes, providing an ideal feeding ground for dust mites.
Curtains and Drapes: These often overlooked areas can harbor dust mites, as they accumulate dust and skin cells over time.
Stuffed Toys: Plush toys, especially those frequently used and left on beds, can become infested with dust mites.
Closets: Clothing and other stored items in closets can accumulate dust and provide a haven for dust mites.
Air Ducts and HVAC Systems: Dust and skin flakes can accumulate in these systems, spreading dust mites throughout the home when the system is active.
Pillows and Cushions: Non-upholstered cushions and decorative pillows also attract dust mites.
Pet Bedding: Similar to human bedding, pet beds can be a hot spot for dust mites, given the dander and hair pets leave behind.

Can You Completely Get Rid Of Dust Mites?

Completely eradicating dust mites from an indoor environment is extremely challenging, if not impossible, due to their tiny size and ability to thrive in common household fabrics and environments. However, while total elimination is difficult, you can significantly reduce their numbers and minimise their impact.

What Kills Dust Mites Naturally

We've compiled a list of natural methods for eliminating dust mites to provide dust mite allergy solutions and have also addressed several myths about what kills dust mites naturally. Our guide details effective natural techniques for killing dust mites:

Extreme Temperatures:

Heat: Laundering your bedding, curtains, and clothing at temperatures between 54°C to 60°C helps eliminate dust mites and their waste. Ensure that items are completely dry after washing, as the dryer's heat also helps in killing any remaining mites.
Cold: Freezing non-washable items for 24 hours can kill dust mites. This method is suitable for items like plush toys or delicate fabrics.

Use a Steam Cleaner: Steam cleaning can reach temperatures between 200°F and 250°F (93°C to 121°C), which is effective in killing dust mites on items like couches, beds, and carpets.
Sunlight Exposure: Direct sunlight can help kill dust mites. Exposing bedding, rugs, and other items to sunlight can reduce the mite population.
Essential Oils: Certain essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, and peppermint have properties that can kill dust mites. You can add them to laundry or use them in a spray for surfaces (always dilute with water). A mixture of tea tree oil with distilled water and eucalyptus oil can be used as a spray to kill dust mites. This natural remedy can be applied to beds, pillows, and chairs.
Diatomaceous Earth: This fine powder can dehydrate dust mites, leading to their death. Sprinkle it on carpets, mattresses, and other areas, leave it for a few hours, and then vacuum it up. Please read instructions when using around pets.
Baking Soda and Vacuuming: Sprinkling baking soda on affected areas and vacuuming after a few hours can help reduce dust mites. The baking soda absorbs moisture and can dehydrate the mites.
Vinegar: While it doesn't kill dust mites directly, cleaning with a solution of vinegar and water can help remove the allergens they produce.
Reducing Humidity: Dust mites need a certain level of humidity to survive. Using dehumidifiers to keep the indoor humidity below 50% can create an unsuitable environment for them.
Air Purifiers: Air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture dust mite particles and reduce their presence in the air.
Replace Carpets With Hard Flooring: Carpets are a breeding ground for dust mites. Replacing them with hard flooring like linoleum, laminate, or tile can reduce their habitat.
Frequent Cleaning: Regularly cleaning and wiping down dusty areas, cleaning dust behind beds, fan blades, vents and other areas.
Vacuuming with HEPA filter vacuum: Vacuuming rugs, carpets, and fabric furniture with a HEPA filter vacuum can significantly reduce dust mites. This type of vacuum cleaner is more effective at trapping small particles, including dust mite allergens.
Use Hypoallergenic or Anti-Allergy Covers: These dust mite covers for pillows and mattresses can significantly reduce the presence of dust mites by creating a barrier that prevents them from penetrating the fabric.

Are Dust Mites Easy To Get Rid Of?

Getting rid of dust mites involves consistent and dedicated effort, as they thrive in the common household environment. While completely eliminating them is nearly impossible due to their microscopic size and prevalence, significantly reducing their numbers is achievable. Key strategies include regular cleaning with a HEPA filter vacuum, washing bedding and fabrics in hot water, maintaining low indoor humidity levels, using allergen-proof covers for bedding, and possibly replacing carpets with hard flooring. Additionally, reducing clutter and using air purifiers with HEPA filters can help. These measures, when applied regularly, can effectively control dust mite populations and alleviate associated allergy symptoms, but they require ongoing effort to maintain their effectiveness.