How to Kill Dust Mites in a Duvet

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that love your bedding. While invisible to the naked eye, they can trigger allergies, asthma, and eczema, particularly in Australia’s humid climate. The good news is, with a few practical steps, you can dramatically reduce their numbers and create a healthier sleeping environment.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to kill dust mites in a duvet, how to tell if your bedding has mites, and whether dry cleaning or other treatments work.

How Do I Know if My Bedding Has Mites?

You can’t see dust mites without a microscope, but your body may give you signs they’re there. It is important to remember that not everybody reacts to dust mites. The best way to check this to discuss it with your GP. 

While the only sure way to know if there are dust mites present is with a microscope, there are signs to watch for:

• Sneezing or runny nose when you wake up
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Congestion or wheezing at night
• Skin rashes or eczema flare-ups
• Waking up tired or unrefreshed

Dust mites thrive in warm, humid bedding. If you haven't washed your duvet or doona in a while, there’s a good chance they’re living in the fibres.

Tip: Use an allergy-proof duvet cover to block mites from your quilt and wash it regularly.

How Do You Kill Dust Mites in a Duvet?

1. Wash on Hot

The most effective way to kill dust mites in a duvet is by washing it in hot water above 60°C. This temperature kills mites and washes away their allergenic waste.

• Use hot water (check your doona’s care label first)
• Choose an allergy-friendly laundry detergent
• Tumble dry on high heat, or dry in full sun where possible

2. Use Dust Mite Proof Covers

Prevention is better than cure. A dust mite-proof doona cover acts as a barrier, preventing mites from entering the fibres of your duvet. Look for covers that are:

• Tightly woven (pore size under 10 microns)
• OEKO-TEX® certified or made from natural hypoallergenic materials
• Fully zippered to seal your quilt completely

3. Freeze Small Items

If you have smaller bedding like pillow protectors, freezing them for 24 hours can kill dust mites. This method isn’t practical for duvets but is useful for soft toys or cushions.

What Kills Dust Mites on Fabric?

Here are some safe ways to kill dust mites on fabric:

Method	Effectiveness
Washing above 60°C	✔ Kills dust mites and washes allergens
Steam cleaning	✔ Kills mites with heat
Tumble drying hot cycle	✔ Kills mites (check care label)
Freezing (24 hours)	✔ Kills mites in small fabrics
Sunlight	✔ Helps dry out moisture (partial kill)
Dust mite sprays	✔ Can help reduce allergens short term

 

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, as they may damage fabrics and are unnecessary for mite control.

Does Dry Cleaning a Duvet Kill Dust Mites?

Dry cleaning may reduce dust mites but isn’t as effective as hot water washing.

• The dry-cleaning solvents don’t always reach temperatures high enough to kill mites.
• The mechanical agitation and drying process may remove some allergens.

If your duvet is dry clean only, it’s still worth doing regularly, but pair it with a dust mite proof cover for best results.

How Do You Kill Bed Bugs in a Duvet?

Bed bugs and dust mites are two different pests. 

The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the size. If you can see them, it is not a dust mite. 

If you have a bed bug infestation:

• Wash your duvet in hot water above 60°C.
• Tumble dry on the hottest setting.
• Steam clean your bed frame and surrounding areas.
• Vacuum your mattress seams and skirting boards.
• Consider professional pest control if the infestation is severe.

Bed bugs hide in crevices, while dust mites live in the fibres and feed on dead skin cells. Killing one doesn’t guarantee killing the other, but hot washing and vacuuming help reduce both.

Does Dettol Kill Dust Mites?

Dettol products are excellent for general hygiene: sanitising laundry and surfaces that trap dust and allergens. 

• It may sanitise the surface and kill some bacteria, but dust mites live deep in fibres.
• Heat and thorough washing remain the most effective methods.
• Dust mite sprays designed specifically for allergens are a safer option.

Extra Tips for Keeping Dust Mites Out of Your Duvet

✔ Wash Regularly

• Wash your duvet cover weekly.
• Wash the actual duvet every 3-6 months (or dry clean if required).
• Vacuum your mattress and under the bed fortnightly.

✔ Keep Your Bedroom Cool & Dry

• Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50%.
• Ventilate the room during the day.
• Avoid excessive heating during winter.

✔ Choose Hypoallergenic Bedding

• Opt for bamboo, cotton, or specially treated microfibre doonas.
• Avoid feather and down quilts that trap dust mites.

✔ Add Extra Layers of Protection

• Mattress protectors
• Pillow protectors
• Anti-allergy sheets

These work together to create a complete barrier against dust mites in your bed.

✔ Reduce Dust Collectors

• Replace carpet with hard flooring if possible.
• Keep curtains, rugs, and soft furnishings clean.
• Minimise clutter where dust can settle.

Final Thoughts: How to Kill Dust Mites in a Duvet

How to kill dust mites in a duvet?

• Hot washing at 60°C+ is the most effective method.
• Use dust mite proof covers as a preventative barrier.
• Maintain a cool, dry bedroom environment.
• Regular cleaning and smart bedding choices keep your bed healthier.

Following these steps won’t completely eliminate dust mites—no home is truly mite-free—but it will significantly reduce their numbers and your allergy symptoms.