For many people, dust mites are not a problem. They are usually problematic for people with asthma and allergies.
They can trigger dust mite allergy and worsen asthma or an existing allergy.
In large numbers, however, even a healthy person might experience allergy-like symptoms such as wheezing, itchy eyes, skin dermatitis, itchy nose, and a persistent cough especially when you get into bed or sit on the sofa, two places where dust mites like to live.
These microscopic pests are present in thousands on surfaces like carpeting, furnishings and the floor.
Because they mostly feed on your dead skin cells, your mattress has one of the highest levels of dust mite infestation in the house.
Over time, your mattress accumulates pounds of dead skin cells. That, combined with the warmth and humidity, makes your bed an appealing abode for these bugs.
A Simple Way to Reduce Dust Mites in Your Bed
Cleaning your bedding and vacuuming your mattress regularly will reduce the level of dust mite populations on your bed.
Airing your mattress often should also help.
If you are not sensitive to dust mites, this is enough to ensure you sleep peacefully without itchy eyes or a congested nose.
If you have kids, make sure their bedding and mattress are also cleaned often.
However, if you have asthma or allergies, I recommend using a dust mite cleaning spray to reduce dust mite even further and discourage more from setting up home on your bed.
You can get a synthetic dust mite spray at your local store or online, but we much prefer a natural alternative.
It’s cheaper, and it’s healthier for you and your family.
Making Your Own DIY Natural Mattress Cleaning Spray
This spray will not just reduce dust mites on your mattress; it will also tackle bacteria, viruses, mold, and bad smells.
Use it regularly to keep your mattress clean, healthy and fresh.
What You’ll Need
- Vinegar
- Peppermint essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- A spray bottle
Directions
- Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 cup cold water in the spray bottle. This creates a mild disinfectant that keeps away dust mites and other bugs.
- Add eight drops of each essential oil. Eucalyptus and peppermint are excellent at repelling bugs and disinfecting the mattress. Lavender is for freshening up and getting rid of stale odors.
- Mix the contents of the spray bottle.
To use the spray, first uncover the mattress. Get the sheets and pillows or pillow covers in the washer as you deal with the mattress.
Vacuum both sides of the mattress to remove dead skin cells and dust. Then apply your DIY natural spray all around the mattress and leave it to air dry ideally leaning against a wall.
Repeat this treatment every couple of months or so to keep the mattress clean.
Other Tips for Keeping Your Mattress Clean and Bug-Free
Buy a Dehumidifier
Too much humidity encourages microorganisms on your mattress and bedding. Mold, which can cause allergies and is potentially toxic, also loves humid environments.
If you live in a humid area, get a dehumidifier for your bedroom to keep the air at 50% humidity or less.
Buy an Air Purifier
An air purifier will not directly remove dust mites and dirt on your bed. But it’s effective against airborne particles.
This prevents more allergens from settling on your bed. It also helps capture some of the particles that go airborne when you plunk down on the couch or kick your bedding.
If you have allergies or asthma HEPA air purifier can be very helpful. It captures dust mites, dust, mold spores, and other allergens before they settle on your mattress.
Use Pest-resistant and Hypoallergenic Bedding
When shopping for new sheets, a mattress cover or a pillow, look for those that use dust mite, bedbug, and mold resistant fabrics.
Some are also labeled as hypoallergenic, meaning they keep away common allergens like dust mites.
These materials will not completely keep away allergens, but they will significantly reduce exposure.
We also recommend buying a natural or organic mattress such as the natural latex PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress. Natural mattresses offer better bug and allergen protection compared to synthetic foams.
Buy a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector provides effective physical protection to your mattress from dirt, dust mites and mold spores.
Most mattress protectors are easy to clean and use bug-resistant materials.
Look for a waterproof mattress protector. It ensures sweat and other fluids don’t reach the mattress where they could cause the development of mold and attract other microorganisms.
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