To get rid of dust mites, wash bedding weekly in hot water of at least 130°F (54°C) to kill mites and remove allergens, encase mattresses and pillows in allergen-proof covers, and keep your home’s relative humidity below 50% with a dehumidifier or AC. Vacuum carpets and upholstery weekly with a HEPA-filter vacuum, and steam clean or freeze items that can’t be hot-washed. You can’t eliminate dust mites entirely, but consistent cleaning keeps their numbers — and the itching, sneezing, and wheezing they cause — well under control.
May 20, 2026
How To Get Rid of Dust Mites Step-by-Step
How do you get rid of dust mites naturally?
You can reduce dust mites naturally without professional cleaning services — it just takes a consistent routine. The core methods all work by removing the mites’ food (shed skin), denying them the humidity they need, or killing them with heat or cold.
Wash bedding and linens weekly
Washing sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and covers every week is the single most effective habit. Use hot water — at least 130°F (54°C) — to kill mites and rinse away the allergens in their waste, then dry on high heat. Cooler water won’t do the job.
Vacuum and dust regularly
Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery weekly with a HEPA-filter vacuum, focusing on the spots where dust settles. Dust hard surfaces with a damp or microfiber cloth so you trap particles rather than scatter them into the air.
Reduce humidity and moisture
Dust mites can’t drink — they absorb moisture from the air — so they thrive in humidity above 50%. Run a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep relative humidity below 50%, open windows for fresh air on dry days, and make sure your vents work properly. A cheap hygrometer from the hardware store lets you check the level.
Use allergen-proof covers
Encase pillows and mattresses in allergen-proof covers. These create a tightly woven barrier that keeps mites from settling into your bedding and feeding on skin flakes, reducing the risk of dust mite allergies. Wash the covers regularly to keep them effective.
Freeze or heat-treat infested items
For items you can’t hot-wash, temperature extremes work:
- Seal infested bedding, blankets, or stuffed toys in a bag and freeze for at least 24 hours to kill the mites (note: freezing kills them but doesn’t remove the allergens, so wash or wipe afterward).
- Or heat-treat by washing in 130°F water, or running items through the dryer on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
Clean carpets and upholstery
To deep-clean soft surfaces and cut down dust mites: vacuum thoroughly first, then use a carpet or steam cleaner to deep clean, treat any stains, and let everything dry completely before use — lingering moisture only invites the mites back.
How do you get rid of dust mites in a mattress?
Dust mites love the warm, cozy spaces we spend the most time in — and your mattress is their favorite. A few targeted steps reclaim your bed.
Encase the mattress and pillows
Zip your mattress and pillows into dust-mite-proof covers. The barrier traps any mites already inside and stops new ones (and their allergens) from getting in.
Wash bedding frequently
Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in hot water of at least 130°F (54°C), using a gentle detergent free of perfumes and dyes, and dry on high heat to kill any survivors.
Vacuum and steam clean the mattress
Vacuum the mattress surface with a HEPA-filter vacuum, working into the seams and crevices, then go over it with a handheld steamer — the hot steam kills mites the vacuum leaves behind.
Use sunlight and fresh air
On dry days, open the windows and, if you can, hang bedding outside. Dust mites dislike dry, bright conditions, and the combination of UV light and airflow helps kill those hiding in your sheets, blankets, and pillows.
Consider professional mattress cleaning
If a regular routine isn’t enough, professional mattress cleaning uses specialized equipment to remove deep-seated dust mites, allergens, dirt, and odors — a good option for stubborn cases or severe allergies.
How do you get rid of dust mites in the house?
Dust mites are invisible to the naked eye and don’t bite, but they can trigger allergies, aggravate asthma, and irritate sensitive skin. Beyond the bedroom, a few whole-home habits keep them in check.
Reduce dust and clutter
Clear out unnecessary items and keep surfaces clean so dust has fewer places to gather. Decluttering makes every other step easier and removes the hiding spots where mites accumulate.
Use air purifiers
An air purifier filters airborne particles like dust mite debris, pollen, and pet dander. Place one in commonly used rooms such as the living room or bedroom to improve air quality and reduce allergy triggers.
Wash soft furnishings regularly
Curtains, cushions, and other soft furnishings harbor mites too. Vacuum them weekly with a HEPA filter, wash removable covers and curtains in hot water every couple of weeks, and steam clean carpets and upholstery periodically to kill mites and lift allergens.
Keep humidity low
As in the bedroom, keep whole-home humidity below 50% with a dehumidifier and good ventilation. This is one of the most powerful long-term controls, since mites simply can’t thrive in dry air.
How do you get rid of dust mites on skin?
Dust mites don’t bite, but contact with them and their allergens can cause rashes and itchiness. A few habits reduce the chance of skin irritation.
Shower regularly
Showering — especially before bed — washes mites and allergens off your skin and hair, so you don’t carry them into a freshly cleaned bed.
Use dust-mite-proof bedding
Allergen-proof bedding puts a barrier between you and the mites. Wash bedding regularly in hot water, encase your mattress, pillows, and box spring in allergen-proof covers, and avoid down-filled comforters and pillows, which can harbor more mites.
Limit contact with allergens
Wash bedding and stuffed animals often in hot water, vacuum carpets and upholstery with a HEPA filter, and minimize dust-trapping curtains and rugs where you can.
Use hypoallergenic skincare
If you’re prone to allergies, hypoallergenic cleansers and moisturizers are formulated without common irritants, helping keep skin calm without exacerbating allergy symptoms.
Seek medical advice if needed
If you suspect a dust mite allergy, see a healthcare professional. A doctor can accurately diagnose it and recommend treatment, which is especially worthwhile for persistent symptoms.
FAQ
How do you know if you have dust mites?
Dust mites are microscopic, so you can’t see them — but you can infer their presence:
- Allergy symptoms: sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy skin, or asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness — often worse in the morning or in dusty rooms.
- Environment: warm, humid homes without protective covers on mattresses and pillows are very likely to have them.
- Test kits: home dust mite test kits let you send a sample to a lab for a definitive answer.
What kills dust mites instantly?
- High heat: washing fabrics in hot water (at least 130°F / 54°C) or steam-cleaning mattresses, upholstery, and carpets kills mites on contact.
- Freezing: sealing non-washable items in a bag and freezing for 24 hours kills mites (then wash or wipe to remove allergens).
- Dust mite sprays: several products are made specifically to kill mites — follow the label.
- Diatomaceous earth: sprinkled where mites live, food-grade DE can reduce their numbers — apply carefully, as the dust can irritate if inhaled.
What causes dust mites?
Dust mites occur naturally in nearly every home. Their populations grow with:
- Food source: they feed on the dead skin flakes we shed, which collect in bedding, upholstery, and carpet.
- Humidity: they thrive above 50% relative humidity, absorbing moisture from the air.
- Warm temperatures: they prefer 68–77°F (20–25°C).
- Soft surfaces: beds, upholstered furniture, and carpets trap skin flakes and give mites a safe habitat.
Reducing humidity, decluttering, using protective covers, and frequent hot-washing of fabrics are the most reliable ways to keep their numbers down.