You can’t eliminate dust mites completely, but you can sharply cut their numbers and the allergens they leave behind. The methods that work: wash bedding weekly in water of at least 130°F, put allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows, keep indoor humidity below 50%, vacuum with a HEPA filter, and remove bedroom carpet and clutter. Sprays, foggers and essential oils do much less, because dust mites live deep inside mattresses, pillows and upholstery.
Table of Contents
9 Methods That Work, in Order of Impact
1. Encase mattresses, pillows and box springs
Tightly woven, zippered allergen-proof covers trap the mites inside and stop you breathing in their allergens. This is the single most effective step for the bedroom.
2. Wash bedding hot every week
Wash sheets, pillowcases, blankets and duvet covers in water at least 130°F (54°C). If fabrics can’t take hot water, dry them on high heat for at least 15 minutes to kill mites, then wash to remove allergens.
3. Keep humidity below 50%
Dust mites absorb water from the air and dry out in low humidity. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioning, and check levels with an inexpensive hygrometer.
4. Vacuum with a HEPA filter
Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstery weekly with a HEPA filter or double-layer microfilter bag, so allergens aren’t blown back into the air. Allergy sufferers should wear a mask or leave the room during and for a while after vacuuming.
5. Replace bedroom carpet
Carpet holds huge numbers of mites. Hard floors such as wood, tile, vinyl or laminate with washable rugs are far easier to keep mite-free.
6. Dust with a damp cloth
Dry dusting spreads allergens into the air. A damp or microfiber cloth traps them.
7. Cut clutter and soft furnishings
Remove heavy curtains, horizontal blinds, piles of books and fabric-covered furniture from bedrooms where you can. Choose leather, wood or vinyl furniture and washable blinds.
8. Wash or freeze stuffed toys
Wash stuffed toys hot, or freeze them in a bag for 24 hours to kill mites, then wash to remove allergens. Keep them off the bed.
9. Upgrade air filters
Use a furnace or HVAC filter rated MERV 11 or 12, and consider a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom.
What Works Less Well
| Method | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Acaricide sprays and powders (benzyl benzoate, tannic acid) | Can reduce mites on surfaces briefly; don’t reach deep into mattresses. Use as an add-on only. |
| Lysol and disinfectant sprays | Labels claim to remove dust mite allergens from surfaces, not to kill mites inside bedding. See does Lysol kill dust mites. |
| Essential oils (eucalyptus, tea tree, clove, geranium) | Some kill mites in lab tests; limited real-world effect and can irritate airways. See essential oils for dust mites. |
| Foggers | Don’t reach mites inside fabric; not recommended. |
| Diatomaceous earth | Messy indoors and can irritate lungs; little benefit. |
| UV wands | Only affect the surface layer. |
| Steam cleaning | Kills mites in carpets and upholstery, but raises humidity; dry the area fully afterwards. |
Does Lysol Kill Dust Mites?
Lysol is a disinfectant, not a dust mite treatment. The EPA-registered label for Lysol Disinfectant Concentrate claims to remove dust mite debris and other allergens from the surfaces it cleans. It makes no claim to kill live mites, which live deep inside mattresses, pillows, carpets and upholstery where a spray does not reach.
If you use Lysol as part of your cleaning:
- Use it on hard surfaces such as nightstands, bed frames, windowsills and floors, and wipe away the dust it loosens.
- Don’t spray mattresses, pillows or bedding you sleep on. Wash bedding hot or encase it instead.
- Open a window, keep children and pets out until surfaces dry, and follow the label directions.
- Keep aerosol cans away from flames and heat, as the label directs.
- Stop if you start sneezing, wheezing or itching, and let someone without allergies do the cleaning.
Do Essential Oils Kill Dust Mites?
Some do in lab tests, but they work best as an add-on to hot washing, encasements and low humidity. Researchers have found that geraniol and citronellol, compounds in geranium and palmarosa oil, kill house dust mites on contact, and clove, tea tree and lavender oils have shown similar effects in lab tests. A 1997 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that soaking blankets in a mix of eucalyptus oil and detergent before washing killed most of the mites in them.
Oils have limits. They don’t remove the allergen in mite droppings, their effect fades as they evaporate, and strong scents can irritate the airways of people with allergies or asthma.
- Laundry: mix eucalyptus oil with liquid detergent, soak bedding for about an hour, then wash and dry as usual. Rinse well if the smell is strong.
- Sprays: test any oil and water mix on a hidden patch first, since oils can stain fabric.
- Safety: don’t put undiluted oil on skin, keep oils away from cats, and skip scented sprays in the bedroom of anyone with asthma.
Dust Mites in Specific Places
- Mattress: vacuum, then encase. Replace old mattresses and pillows if allergies persist.
- Pillows: use allergen-proof covers; wash pillows or replace them every one to two years.
- Couch: vacuum weekly; consider leather or washable slipcovers.
- Carpet: HEPA vacuuming weekly; steam clean occasionally and dry thoroughly.
- Pets: dust mites don’t live on pets, but pet dander feeds them. Wash pet bedding hot and keep pets out of the bedroom.
- Skin: dust mites don’t live on people or bite. Itchy skin comes from allergy. See dust mite bites.
Treating Dust Mite Allergy
If symptoms continue after cleaning up, talk to a doctor. Options include antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal sprays, saline nasal rinses and, for long-term relief, allergy shots or under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablets. See dust mite allergy.
Dust mite control essentials
- Allergen-proof mattress encasement the most effective single step
- Allergen-proof pillow covers for every pillow
- Dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50%
- Hygrometer to check humidity
- HEPA vacuum so allergens stay in the machine
- HEPA air purifier for the bedroom
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FAQs
Heat kills dust mites quickly: washing in water of at least 130°F or drying on high heat for 15 minutes or more. Freezing items for 24 hours also kills them.
Encase the mattress, pillows and box spring in allergen-proof covers, wash bedding weekly in hot water, keep humidity below 50% and vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Not completely. Dust mites live in almost every home, but encasements, hot washing, low humidity and HEPA vacuuming reduce them and their allergens to low levels.
Vacuuming removes some mites and allergens from carpets and furniture but doesn’t reach deep inside mattresses. Use a HEPA vacuum weekly as part of a wider plan.
Keeping relative humidity below 50% dries dust mites out and stops them from breeding.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic: Dust mite allergy diagnosis and treatment
- EPA: Lysol Brand Disinfectant Concentrate label (Reg. No. 777-94)
- Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (1997): A simple washing procedure with eucalyptus oil for controlling house dust mites
- Mite-control activities of active constituents isolated from Pelargonium graveolens against house dust mites
Facts in this guide are checked against the sources above and reviewed when they change. See how we research in our editorial policy.