Set your washing machine to its hottest setting. If the water isn’t hot enough, check your hot water heater. Most hot water heaters have an adjustable knob to change the maximum temperature. [2] X Research source If you can’t wash bedding in hot enough temperatures, throw them in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 °F to kill mites. Afterward, wash and dry the bedding so allergens are removed. You could also dry items in direct sunlight. Use a product that contains essential oils, like eucalyptus, cedar or tea tree oil to add to the wash’s effectiveness. [3] X Research source Using detergent plus bleach will remove most allergens and a significant amount of dust mites, even in cold or warm water. Items can be washed again to reduce mite levels further. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Know that live mites can be transferred from mite-infested items to mite-free items during washing. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Hot tumble dry items for an extra half an hour after drying or dry clean items to kill dust mites. This will not get rid of the allergen dust mites produce, however.
Vacuuming removes surface dust but can’t remove most dust mites and dust mite allergens. Mites are tiny enough to pass through the vacuum cleaner bag. However, vacuuming keeps dust down so these areas aren’t as attractive to mites. Get underneath and behind furniture to keep “dust bunnies” from forming. If you have severe allergies, leave the area being vacuumed and let someone else do the work. Stay away from the vacuumed room for about two hours to let everything settle. Keep your vacuum serviced so that it continues to work well. Use a water vacuum to keep mites inside the water container so you can dump the water into your toilet and flush it. You may wish to wear a mask when you vacuum to avoid inhaling allergens. Even if you don’t have allergies, it’s best to leave the house for about half an hour after vacuuming for the remaining dust and allergens to settle.
Mattresses covered in fitted sheets are protected from the accumulation of human skin scales on the surface. These sheets are usually also waterproof. [8] X Research source
Also, remove furnishings that collect dust, such as fabric curtains, horizontal blinds and upholstered furniture. Don’t forget to remove all rugs and mats from the home as they too harbor dust mites. Bare floors can be damp-mopped or cleaned with electrostatic cloths.
Keep stuffed toys off beds. Put any non-washable stuff toys that you keep in the freezer every couple of weeks to kill living dust mites.
