How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites In A Mattress
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Dust mites are everywhere. 4 out of 5 homes in the country have allergens related to dust mites in at least one bed. If you're allergic to dust or dust mites, knowing how to get rid of dust mites in a mattress is paramount.
In this article, I'll share insights on how to see dust mites on a mattress, how to eliminate dust mites on a mattress, natural ways to eliminate dust mites on a mattress, and practical tips to manage dust mites on your mattress. You'll also learn how long dust mites live in a mattress and my personal hack on how to reduce their lifespan.
Key Takeaways
- Thoroughly washing your mattress components (bedsheets, pillows, comforter, blanket, mattress cover, etc.) in hot water (at least 60 degrees Celsius) will rid dust mites from your mattress.
- If you can't wash the mattress components, place them in a freezer for 24hrs. Dust mites, just like in extreme temperatures, can't survive in freezing temperatures.
How Do You Know If Your Mattress Has Dust Mites?
You can know you have dust mites in your mattress, bed sheets, and pillows if you wake up with a runny nose, watery eyes, sinus pain, and itchy skin. Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or even a combination sleeper, these issues can affect you if your mattress has dust mites.
Proteins in dust mite feces can cause allergic reactions, especially in sensitive ones. Reactions can come from getting into contact with skin or from inhaling them.
Other visible symptoms of dust mites include blue-colored skin beneath the eyes, frequent awakening, and postnasal drip.
Do you want to know my two weird yet effective hacks of how to see dust mites on a mattress?
Although some might consider this advice a little overstretched, when I was grappling with dust mites on my mattress for the first time, I bought a cheap microscope (with a 10x magnification) from a thrift store, confirming my fears.
I've also used a home testing kit for dust mites which proved effective.
Also Read: How Long Do Lice Live on a Mattress
How Do I Get Rid Of Dust Mites In My Mattress? Step-By-Step Guide
Several steps are handy when it comes to how to get rid of dust mites in a mattress:
Remove All Your Bedding
Strip your bed of bed sheets, pillows, comforters, blankets, and mattress covers. Put them in a hamper or laundry basket for washing and heating.
Thoroughly Wash And Heat Your Bedding
Wash your bed components in hot water (at least 53 degrees Celsius) to kill dust mites completely (1). Make sure you follow every item's care instructions for proper cleaning.
I usually place my washed components in a dryer and set the highest temperature to eliminate remnants.
Vacuum Your Mattress
Once you're through with washing and heating your bedding, thoroughly vacuum the mattress. Pay close attention to areas that mites like to hide, such as the crevices and seams.
Extensively cover your entire mattress surface, both sides.
I like using a mixture of dry baking soda and Manuka essential oil as I vacuum my mattress to freshen and control odors. I begin by sprinkling some layers of dry baking soda evenly over my mattress’s surface. The versatile ingredient is a natural odor absorber which is handy at lifting away unwanted scent that might have collected over time.
Now, here's where my magical Manuka essential oil comes in. Manuka essential oil is my all-time favorite from New Zealand. It originates from the scenic lands of New Zealand. With its calming and refreshing properties, it is a must have in my mattress-refreshing routine. All I do is blend several drops of the oil into some baking soda. The combination fills the air with its delightful scent, that instantly uplifts my senses and gives the mattress some refreshing scent.
With my baking soda and Manuka essential oil mixture ready, I gently work it into the mattress fibers, making sure it's well distributed. Then comes the vacuuming stage. I methodically go over the entire mattress, using the vacuum cleaner to thoroughly draw out the baking soda, along with any lingering odors that dared to linger. The result is truly impressive - my mattress feels revitalized and smells absolutely amazing.
This practice of combining dry baking soda and the captivating essence of Manuka essential oil has become an integral part of my mattress care routine. Not only does it help maintain a clean and odor-free sleeping environment, but it also adds a touch of tranquility with the soothing fragrance of New Zealand's natural beauty.
Replace Your Bedding And Cover With Dust-Proof Cover
Before you put fresh bedsheets, replace your mattress cover with an allergen-proof or dust-proof cover. These are explicitly designed to prevent dust mites from getting into your mattress.
Ensure the cover is of top quality and snugly fits your mattress. Once you have the cover, you can return all your mattress components and enjoy a restful sleep without dust mites.
Note: If you’ve been wondering how to get pee out of a mattress or even other irritants such as blood stains or sweat, the above method will equally work.
How Long Do Dust Mites Live In A Mattress?
The life cycle is between 65-100 days. Depending on the moisture conditions and environment, females can live for up to 70 days as they lay numerous eggs. The copious amounts of eggs laid during the extended period prolong growth and sustain their presence, making it challenging to kill dust mites on a mattress.
What Can Kill Dust Mites Naturally?
You can get rid of dust mites from your mattress naturally by these methods:
Using Diatomaceous Earth
While it might sound a bit out there, this method efficiently removes dust mites. Diatomaceous earth is a natural fine powder made from silica rock. All I do is sprinkle it on my bed and mattress to kill them.
How does it work? The powder pierces their exoskeleton as the tiny critters pass through it, killing them almost instantly.
Pro Tip: The rule of thumb is to leave it as long as possible (I leave it for the whole day). In the evening, I vacuum it up thoroughly. Be sure to use a vac that doesn't have a filter to avoid the powder clogging it up.
I've found diatomaceous earth to be safe for my family and pets. By the way, it also works miracles in killing bed bugs and fleas.
Tree Tea Oil
A natural anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial tree tea oil works incredibly well to kill dust mites.
Pro Tip: I usually mix two cups of distilled water with two tablespoons of eucalyptus oil and two tablespoons of tea tree oil in a spray bottle. A dark spray bottle is the best to prevent light from spoiling the oils.
I then spray the solution liberally onto the mattress, bed, and bedding once or twice every week. On top of killing the mites, the solution makes my home smell nice too.
Using Essential Oils
Essential oils contain compounds that kill or repel insects and bugs, including mites. Eucalyptus oil, rosemary, and clove are some of the best essential oils to help you naturally eliminate dust mites from all mattresses including firm mattresses.
A study established that clove was the most effective, followed by Chenopodium, mattery, eucalyptus, and rosemary (2).
Using An Air Purifier
Installing a portable electric air purifier is handy for removing microscopic dust mite corpses and droppings that might be present in the air when you fluff pillows or roll around your bed.
Controlling Humidity And Heat
Dust mites are in environments with room temperatures between 24-27 degrees Celsius and humidity levels around 70-80%. These conditions are favorite for their breeding.
Investing in a dehumidifier is necessary for your bedroom, especially in the summer and if you lack an air con. Always maintain heating at 21 degrees Celsius and below. Air your rooms to keep low humidity levels to discourage breeding.
Does your bedroom badly suffer from condensation? Are you finding it practically hard to air your bedroom? If yes to these two situations, put a dehumidifier on a timer and let it run for one hour every morning after leaving for work.
Natural Methods for Dust Mites Elimination In Your Mattress
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Diatomaceous Earth | Fine powder made silica rock. It pierces dust mites exoskeleton, instantly killing them. |
| Tea Tree Oil | This is a natural anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties that’s effective against dust mites. |
| Essential Oils | Clove, rosemary and eucalyptus oils have compounds that kill or repel dust mites. |
| Air Purifier | An air purifier is a portable electric gadget that can help get rid of dust mites from the air. |
| Controlling Humidity and Heat | Maintaining humidity and room temperature levels helps deter dust mite breeding. |
Also Read: How to Dispose of a Mattress
Tips To Prevent Dust Mites On Your Mattress
After learning how to kill dust mites on a mattress, it is equally important to learn how to prevent them from getting to your mattress.
Always Cover Your Mattress With A Dust-Proof Cover
An effective way of protecting your pillows, box springs, and best mattress in Canada from dust mites is to cover them with dust-proof covers made of non-porous materials such as plastic or vinyl. More breathable fabrics like nylon, microfiber polyester, or tightly woven cotton can also work.
Use Hypoallergenic Mattresses Or Pillows
I've noticed that latex or foam mattresses tend to be less accommodating to dust mites than those with cotton padding. Rather than feather or down pillows, consider using foam pillows.
Avoid Having Pets In Your Bedroom
We all love our furry friends and adore their companionship, but unfortunately, dust mites flourish in animal dander. Dander and pet hair accumulate on carpets, furniture, bedding, and mattresses in the bedroom. All these can make it a tall order to keep your bedroom allergen-free and clean.
Avoid Heavy Drape And Wall-Wall Carpeting In Your Bedroom
Heavy drapes and wall-to-wall carpeting are magnets for allergens, pet dander, pollen, and dust particles. By avoiding these dust-trapping materials in the bedroom, you'll drastically reduce the dust that circulates the room, thus leading to a cleaner and fresher space.
Air Your Mattress And Wash Your Beddings Often
At least 2-3 times monthly, remove all mattress protectors, pillowcases, blankets, and sheets to clean them in hot water thoroughly. High temperatures not only kill dust mites effectively but also get rid of their allergenic proteins and feces from the fabric.
I've always used a gentle, hypoallergenic laundry detergent to reduce potential irritants.
As you do that, air your mattress in the sun to breathe. Dust mites do not like fresh air and sunlight because they dry out the mattress, thus reducing moisture which the microscopic pets don't like.
Also Read: Can You Steam Clean A Mattress?
My Experience With How To Get Rid Of A Dust Mites In A Mattress
A few years ago, I found myself constantly waking up with irritated skin and a persistent stuffy nose. Initially, I thought it was just allergies, but the symptoms seemed to worsen whenever I was in bed.
The concern led me to the rabbit hole of some extensive research and I discovered that dust mites could indeed be the culprit behind my discomfort. Determined to reclaim my peaceful sleep, I embarked on a mission to tackle this microscopic nuisance and that is how I learnt everything there is to it about how to get rid of dust mites in a mattress and which I’ve shared with you in this guide.
I hope my step-by-step and easy-to-follow guide works for you like it did for me.
Ineffective Methods of Getting Rid of Dust Mites
Some ineffective methods should be avoided when trying to get rid of dust mites, which include soaking in cold water, not using a HEPA filter when vacuuming, and not addressing other allergen sources.
Soaking in Cold Water
Dust mites need at least 53 degrees Celsius to be neutralized when washed. Washing the bedding in colder water isn’t hot enough to kill the dust mites, allowing some to linger even after washing the sheets. This can lead to a continued allergen problem.
No HEPA Filter
Dust mites are microscopic at a maximum of one-third of a millimetre. This means they can slip past any loose weave filter. When vacuumed without a HEPA filter, they will disperse back out in the air, not fixing the allergen issue. Use a HEPA filter instead, which is fine enough to trap dust mites.
Not Addressing Other Allergen Sources
Dust mites live in various warm, fibrous sources like curtains, carpets, bedding, and mattresses. Not addressing these other sources can cause dust mites to migrate to your bed more quickly. Instead, vacuuming the carpets and occasionally washing the curtains can minimize the dust mite levels in your room overall.
When cleaning out my room of dust mites, I had made the mistake of only cleaning the bedding and mattress. There’s carpet in my room, along with heavy curtains that love to catch dust. After cleaning, I noticed my allergy symptoms come back quickly, within a few days. I knew I couldn’t clean my bed so frequently.
That’s when I realized the dust mites might have been traveling from the curtains to my bed. After giving everything, including the curtain and carpets, a thorough cleaning, my sinuses were clear for a lot longer. Before, I woke up with a stuffy nose and congestion every morning, but after cleaning, I could breathe normally and rest better. I could finally get out of bed like a regular, healthier person. I could get my life back on track without worrying about my allergies interfering.
This all happened before I launched Comfy North four years ago and before I learned more about how to take care of a mattress. Since then, I’ve learned the nuances of getting rid of dust mites and how to care for a mattress so I can help you avoid the same mistakes I made long ago.
FAQs
Does A Removable Dust Mite Mattress Cover Help With The Problem Of Dust Mites?
Yes, removable dust mite mattress covers help with the problem of dust mites. Several years back, research established that asthmatic children required less medicine when they slept on mattresses with dust mite covers (3).
What To Spray On Mattress For Dust Mites?
You can spray different solutions on your mattress to eliminate dust mites. The rule of thumb is to spray gentle, allergen-neutralizing solutions or treatments.
Where Do Dust Mites Come From?
Dust mites are naturally occurring critters that flourish in warm, humid environments. They prefer habitats where dead skin cells and dust are highly likely to accumulate, such as carpeting, furniture, beds, pillows, and bedding.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get rid of dust mites in a mattress shouldn't be challenging if you have the correct information. By following the insights I have shared in this primer, you'll get rid of the tiny critters and even prevent them from getting to your mattress.
Still have questions about how to get rid of dust mites in a mattress? Alex Savy, the Co-Founder and Chief Editor at Comfynorth has reviewed countless sleep products with over 4 years in the industry and can help you find what you’re looking for. Reach out through email at [email protected]. When emailing Alex, include your full name and phone number or email address.
References:
- Effects of laundry detergents on Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Euroglyphus maynei (June 2002) Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12086365/
- Acaricidal activities of some essential oils and their monoterpenoidal constituents against house dust mite (November 17, 2006) Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1661675/
- Effect of mattress and pillow encasings on children with asthma and house dust mite allergy (January 2003) Retrieved from https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749%2802%2991267-4/fulltext