Dust mites can live for up to two-three months in a mattress. During that time, they breed and lay eggs, creating a larger infestation. Dust mites feed off of dead skin cells, so they’re most common in areas that are warm, dark and humid.
Placing a mattress in direct sunlight or using a dehumidifier can help reduce the number of dust mites. Additionally, using mattress and pillow covers that act as a barrier against dust mites can be beneficial.
In addition, regular vacuuming and washing of bedding and linens can help reduce the number of dust mites in the mattress. However, the most effective way of getting rid of dust mites is having the mattress professionally cleaned as this will kill any living mites.
How do you know if you have dust mites in your mattress?
Dust mites are microscopic, so it can be hard to tell if you have them in your mattress. However, there are some telltale signs to look for to help you determine if you may have them. First, you should look for signs of discoloration on your mattress.
Dust mites can cause the fabric on your mattress to appear yellow or brownish. You should also look for tiny dark specks on your mattress, as these may be a sign of mite feces or bodies. Additionally, if you notice a musty smell coming from your mattress, this could also be a sign of dust mites.
Lastly, if you notice swollen eyes, sneezing, or an itchy rash when you wake up in the morning, this could also be a sign of mites as well. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to contact a professional for help in dealing with the problem.
Can you get dust mites out of a mattress?
Yes, you can get dust mites out of a mattress. The best way to do this is to use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum the entire surface of your mattress, paying special attention to seams and crevices where the dust mites may be hiding.
Additionally, you can use a damp cloth to lightly spritz the mattress with a mixture of distilled white vinegar and warm water, and then use a dry cloth or towel to wipe away the solution. This can help to reduce the number of dust mites in your mattress.
Additionally, sprinkling baking soda onto the mattress can also help to reduce the number of dust mites present in the mattress. After sprinkling the baking soda, you may want to use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda.
It’s also important to ensure that the mattress is kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area in order to reduce the number of dust mites that can accumulate in the mattress.
What kills dust mites in bedding?
Dust mites can be a problematic pest to get rid of in bedding. Luckily, there are various treatments that can effectively kill and eradicate dust mites from bedding. One of the most common and effective means for killing dust mites in your bedding is to wash the bedding in hot water and detergent.
Heat has been found to effectively kill dust mites and their eggs. It is recommended to wash bedding on the hot cycle, using the maximum water level, and a detergent containing enzymes, such as Tide or Cheer Free and Gentle.
After washing, the bedding should be completely air-dried on the highest possible temperature setting.
Another method that can be used to kill dust mites in bedding is to freeze them. Freezing bedding to -18°C or lower can effectively kill dust mites and their eggs. All bedding should be put into air-tight containers before freezing and freezing should be done in batches to make sure the material is exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period of time.
Using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust mites in bedding is also effective. Vacuuming can remove the dust mites, their allergens and the feces that they leave behind. Generally, it is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to ensure the best results.
Vacuuming should be done regularly, at least once a week, to manage dust mites in bedding.
Furthermore, bedding can be treated with chemical mite sprays and dust mite encasements. Spraying bedding with a pesticide or acaricide can kill both dust mites and their eggs. Products like anti-allergy fabric sprays may contain chemicals such as 3-phenoxybenzyl, which are fatal to dust mites.
Dust mite encasements are special anti-allergy mattress, pillow and duvet covers that are tightly woven and prevent dust mites from entering, while still permitting air to pass through them.
In conclusion, there are many methods that can be used to kill dust mites in bedding. Washing the bedding in hot water and detergent, freezing the bedding, vacuum cleaning and treating with a chemical mite spray or dust mite encasement are all effective measures for eradicating dust mites from bedding.
