How to Clean Dust Mites

Controlling Dust Mites

Wash your bedding weekly with hot water. Once a week wash all of your bedding in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit or 55 degrees Celsius. The hot water will kill any dust mites that might be living on your bedding. If you have wool or feathered bedding that cannot be washed, replace it with synthetic items that are machine washable.

Remove dust with a damp mop or rag. Making sure your house is as dust-free as possible will help you keep dust mite populations at bay. Dry mopping or cleaning with a dry rag will only stir up dust and other allergens. Instead use a wet mop or rag to remove dust from your home. Dust and mop your home at least once per week.

Steam clean carpets and furniture. Dry vacuuming will not pick up dust mites from your carpets. Whenever possible, steam clean the carpets in your home. The heat from the steam will kill the dust mites, making steam cleaning a highly effective method. Steam clean your carpets and furniture at least 3 times per year.

Vacuum with a HEPA filter or double-layered microfilter bag. Try using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. You can also use a vacuum with a double-layered microfilter bag. These types of filters trap particles that might otherwise pass through a vacuum cleaner's exhaust. Vacuum your home weekly, or more often in high traffic areas.

Exercise caution with chemicals. Ascaricides are a type of chemical that is sometimes used to kill dust mites. Many experts, however, argue chemicals are not effective enough to justify the expense and hassle of using them.

Preventing Dust Mites

Keep the humidity level in your house below 50%. Dust mites thrive in places with humidity levels higher than 50%. You can help keep dust mite populations at bay by making sure you monitor your home's humidity level. Try installing a humidity monitoring device in your home, such as a hygrometer. Consider using a dehumidifier or running the air conditioner to help control humidity levels.

Let the sun shine in. Sunlight can help keep dust mite populations at bay. Keep your curtains and windows open. You can also hang bedding or place furniture outside to expose it to sunlight.

Replace wall-to-wall carpets. Carpet is a breeding ground for dust mites. If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpets with bare floors. For example, you can remove the carpet from your child's bedroom and replace it with linoleum, tile, or wood.

Put dust-proof covers on your mattress and pillows. Using protective covers on your mattress and pillows can help you limit your contact with dust mites. Choose covers that are allergen proof. Make sure you launder the covers frequently.

Avoid upholstered furniture. You can help control dust mites in your home by removing upholstered furniture. Instead of upholstered furniture, opt for furniture made from wood, plastic, leather, or vinyl. These materials can be easily and frequently wiped down to prevent the accumulation of dust.

Opt for washable curtains. Heavy draperies can be difficult to clean and can harbor dust mite populations. Choose curtains made from washable materials, like cotton, and make sure you launder them at least several times each year.

Choose rugs you can easily clean. Go for smaller rugs that can be easily laundered. For example, choose several small rugs made of cotton or a synthetic material that can be thrown in a washing machine. Avoid large area rugs that are difficult to clean.

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