How to Control Dust Mites in Bedding

Dust mites, which are microscopic organisms that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, often propagate in sheets, pillows, blankets, comforters and mattresses. Since dust mites survive by eating the dead skin cells we shed every night in our sleep, they can usually be found in large numbers in our bedding. By taking a few simple precautions, you can keep their numbers under control.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mite encasing
• Synthetic pillows, blankets and comforters
• Damp mop

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Instructions

• 1

  Control dust mites in your bedding by washing all sheets, pillowcases and associated bedding in hot water at least once a week. Temperatures of at least 130 degrees must be reached during a normal hot-water cycle of your washing machine in order to kill a significant percentage of dust mites.

• 2

  Use plastic dust mite encasing on your bedding to control dust mites. A dust mite encasing is a plastic or vinyl slip that covers your mattress and box springs. More modern versions of the dust mite encasing are covered with cotton cloth on one side in order to be more comfortable, and to make less noise when you move around in your bed.

• 3

  Replace all down pillows with ones made of synthetic batting materials. Dust mites can live for years from the cell tissue contained in goose down and feathers.

• 4

  Switch out all wool and cotton blankets and comforters with ones that are also made from synthetic materials.

• 5

  Ignore what your mother taught you and leave your bed unmade after you wake up in the morning. Leaving your sheets and pillows exposed to cool, dry air can significantly reduce the dust mite population in your bedding. Dust mites prefer warm, humid conditions, and making your bed as soon as you leave it every day can provide such an environment for them.

• 6

  Clean the floor underneath your bed with a damp mop, as opposed to a broom. A broom will simply stir up the dust mite population, and allow them to drift through the air onto your bedding more easily.

• 7

  Wash all stuffed animals on a regular basis. Some studies have shown that stuffed animals are often filled with dust mites, especially if a child has been sleeping with a favorite stuffed animal for years.