How to Get Rid of Dust Mites in a Mattress

Dust mites can be found all throughout our houses, but they’re more common on surfaces that retain dust, such as mattresses, drapes, and carpeting that can’t be cleaned regularly. Unfortunately, we spend most of our time in bedrooms and living rooms.

Dust Mites: What Are They?

Dust mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the dead skin cells we shed regularly. They are not parasites that bite, sting or burrow into our skin like lice or bed bugs. Inhaling proteins in dust from dust mite feces, urine, or rotting carcasses, on the other hand, can cause responses.

Dust mites flourish in warm, humid habitats, such as the ones we have in our mattresses. Frequent cleaning, such as washing bed sheets once a week, selecting smart bedding choices, and thorough cleaning can all assist in getting rid of dust mites in a mattress.

How Often Should Dust Mites in a Mattress Be Removed?

If you have allergies and your mattress is not enclosed in a dust mite-proof casing, you should vacuum your mattress at least once a month to reduce the number of dust mites. If the mattress has a dust-proof cover that is cleaned regularly, then only twice-yearly cleaning is required.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Vacuum with a hose and an upholstery brush attachment
• Steam cleaner
• Dust-proof mattress protector
• Dust-proof pillow protectors
• Soft-bristled brush
• Materials
• Baking soda

Instructions

Continue reading below for easy-to-follow instructions on how to remove dust mites.

Remove All Of The Bedding From The Room.

Remove the mattress protector, bedcovers, sheets, pillowcases, and the mattress protector and dust-proof cover. Remove the bed pillows and box springs if you’ve covered them with a cover (which you should).

Wash Bedding

Wash the bedding and dust coverings in warm water with your regular detergent. Dry for at least 10 minutes in an automated dryer at a high temperature to guarantee that all dust mites have been exterminated.

Mattress Vacuuming

Vacuum every mattress surface with a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, hose, and upholstery brush attachment. Don’t forget to vacuum or dust the sidewalls, box springs, and bedframes.

Replace the Protective Covers and Bedding

When the bed is fully dry, replace the protective dust mite mattress cases and bedding.

Pro-Tip

Sprinkle some dry baking soda on the mattress while vacuuming to freshen it up. Work the baking soda into the mattress’s surface with a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth. Allow for at least one hour of drying time before vacuuming away the dust and dust mites to help minimize odors.

Tips to Keep Mattress Dust Mites Under Control

• Use pest and dust-proof covers on your mattress, box springs, and pillows. Non-porous materials such as vinyl or plastic, as well as more breathable fabrics such as microfiber polyester or nylon, or even tightly woven cotton, can be used to make the coverings.
• The bedding should be washed at least once a week. You can use an automatic dryer on air-only to remove dust and dust mites if you don’t want to wash your comforter or bedspread often.
• Remove anything that isn’t needed off the bed. Dust mites can be found in stuffed animals and colorful pillows.
• Using a dehumidifier, air conditioning, and bathroom exhaust fans, reduce the humidity level in the bedroom to roughly 50%.
• In the bedroom, set the temperature to at least 68 degrees. Dust mites will not be prevented, but their breeding cycle will be slowed.
• Allow the bedding to air and dry for a few minutes each morning before making the bed.
• To lessen the dust in the bedroom, remove the wall-to-wall carpeting and heavy draperies.
• Pillows and mattresses that are hypoallergenic should be used. Dust mites don’t like latex foam mattresses as much as ones with cotton padding. Instead of down or feathers, use foam pillows.
• Upgrade your HVAC filters to HEPA filters and replace or clean them regularly.
• Ban pets from the bedroom. Dust mites thrive in animal dander.

If you have any questions on adequately cleaning your mattress or other household items, give Kimberly's Kleaning Service a call by dialing 702-263-0468 and speaking to one of our team members. We will happily take care of the dirty work for you.