How to Get Rid of Dust Mites in Your House

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Cleaning specialist Elias Weston explains the best ways to kill and prevent dust mites

Co-authored by Elias Weston and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: March 22, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Removing Mites
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• Preventing Mites
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• What are dust mites?
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• Are you allergic?
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A

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Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that live all over your house, feasting on the dead skin cells in dust. Despite how small they are, their droppings can trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions, so it’s important to eliminate them before your symptoms get bad. We interviewed wikiHow’s cleaning and pest control specialists to teach you the best ways to get rid of dust mites and prevent future infestations. We’ll also explain what dust mites are and how to tell if you’re allergic to them.

How do you get rid of dust mites?

Cleaning specialist Elias Weston says the best way to remove dust mites is to regularly clean and vacuum your home. Wash your bedding in hot water, dust surfaces with a damp cloth, and get rid of any clutter. Use a dehumidifier, turn down the temperature in your home, and increase ventilation to prevent them.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Removing Dust Mites

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1. 
   1
   Dust with a damp cloth. Dust mites feed on dead skin, dander, and other things found in dust; therefore, where there’s dust, there are likely dust mites. According to house cleaning professional Kadi Dulude, it’s better to dust with a damp microfiber cloth than a dry duster. A dry cloth will simply stir up allergens and spread dust around the house.

   • Weston says that regular cleaning is one of the best ways to remove dust mites, so be sure to keep up with your dusting. It’s usually recommended to dust every 2-3 days.
   • Dust all hard surfaces in your home, including furniture, shelves, books, decorations, trinkets, pictures, fixtures, and other items that collect dust.
   • House cleaning professional James Sears adds that it’s important to clean your ceiling fans, too, as dust accumulates on top of the blades over time. Simply turn your fan off and wipe each blade with a wet microfiber cloth.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Elias Weston is a cleaning specialist and the founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, WA. He specializes in using green products and cleaning techniques.

   Kadi Dulude is a house cleaning professional and the owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. She has over 10 years of experience.

   James Sears is a house cleaning professional at Neatly, a cleaning company based in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA. He has 9 years of experience.

   Jon Gholian is a cleaning specialist and the founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning service based in New York City, New Jersey, and Miami.

   Scott McCombe is a pest control specialist and the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions, a pest solutions and animal control company in Northern Virginia.
2. 
   2
   Vacuum the entire house. Weston says vacuuming regularly is key to removing dust mites. Cleaning specialist Jon Gholian agrees: “Vacuum the carpets and cloth-covered furniture to get rid of as much dust as you can. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or a special double-thickness bag, which collects dust mite particles and pollen. Standard paper bag filters may allow the stirred-up allergens to escape back into the room.”

   • Gholian adds, “Consider wet-vacuum cleaning when possible. This can help remove allergens from carpeting because it actually washes the carpet.”
   • When vacuuming, pay particular attention to floors, baseboards, furniture, carpeting, rugs, and behind and underneath furniture.
   • Use upholstery attachments to get the seams, crevices, and corners of your furniture.
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3. 
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   Wash your bedding in hot water. “Dust mites can collect in hot and humid environments, which is why they’re commonly found in fibrous materials like bedding and carpet,” explains Weston. “Washing your bedding with hot water will kill any dust mites present.” Put all your pillowcases, sheets, blankets, and covers in the washing machine and wash them with hot water on a regular setting. Then, transfer them to the dryer and dry them on a hot setting.

   • What kills dust mites instantly? Dust mites are killed by high heat, so make sure your washing machine or dryer reaches between 130° and 140° F (54° to 60° C).
4. 
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   Wash any toys in your home. Weston says dust mites are attracted to stuffed animals because of their fibrous material. Collect all stuffed animals, toys, and other fabric items and wash them in the washing machine using hot water. Transfer the load to the dryer, and dry the items on high heat.
5. 
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   Clean curtains and drapes. Weston explains that dust mites are commonly found on curtains and drapes. Remove curtains and drapes from their rods or tracks, and check the care label for washing instructions. For washable curtains, remove any hooks or hangers, then wash the curtains in the washing machine with hot water. Transfer them to the dryer or hang them to dry according to the label.

   • Some curtains may be dry-clean only. Take the curtains to a dry cleaner to kill dust mites.
   • You can vacuum blinds and curtains using the brush attachment on your vacuum.
6. 
   6
   Spray your home with a disinfecting spray. Disinfectants like Lysol are ideal for killing dust mites and will make your home inhospitable to them. After your regular dusting, spray the disinfectant spray everywhere that dust tends to collect, including:

   • Corners
   • Baseboards
   • Floors
   • Shelves
   • Curtains
   • Near furniture
   • Does Lysol kill dust mites? Yes, Lysol can kill dust mites on contact when you spray it directly on surfaces. However, it doesn’t remove the allergens that trigger reactions, so you’ll need to use it alongside other cleaning methods.
7. 
   7
   Steam clean your carpets. In addition to vacuuming, Weston says, “If you have a lot of carpet or rugs in your home, steam cleaning them is a great way to get rid of dust mites. One way to do this is to hire a professional carpet cleaning service, or buy a steam cleaner and do it yourself.”

   • Cleaning specialist Erik Bakirov agrees that steam cleaning is a good idea. He adds, “It should not be the regular steamer that you steam clothes with; it should be a professional-grade, industrial steamer.”
8. 
   8
   Freeze items that can't be washed. There are some items that you won't be able to machine wash to kill dust mites. Instead, freezing these items can kill any lingering dust mites. Transfer each item to a separate plastic bag and seal the bag tightly. Then, place the item in the freezer and leave it there for 24 hours. Good candidates for freezing include:

   • Pillows
   • Special toys
   • Delicate fabrics
9. 
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   Use eucalyptus oil. Certain essential oils, and eucalyptus specifically, are effective at killing dust mites. There are a few ways you can use eucalyptus around the house to make your home unfriendly for dust mites, including:

   • Add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to your washing machine, especially when you're using a cold or warm water setting.
   • Pour about 30 drops of eucalyptus oil into a spray bottle and fill the bottle with water. Use the spray around the house, including on your bed, furniture, pillows, toys, carpets, and other areas where dust mites live.
   • Do you have other tips for getting rid of dust mites? Share them in our “What are effective ways to kill dust mites?” forum!
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Prevent Dust Mites

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1. 
   1
   Dust regularly. Regular dusting with a damp cloth is a great way to reduce dust in the house and eliminate food sources for dust mites. Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to avoid spreading dust and other allergens around the house.

   • For the best results, dust your entire house on a weekly basis, or every 2-3 days if you have children, pets, or allergens.
2. 
   2
   Wash linens and bedding regularly. Because linens and bedding are such a hot spot for dust mites, it's important to keep them clean. Weekly washing in hot water that's between 130° and 140° F (54° to 60° C) will help to control dust mites in your bedroom. Be sure to wash:

   • Sheets
   • Pillowcases
   • Duvet covers
   • Blankets
3. 
   3
   Get rid of clutter. Pest control specialist Scott McCombe says “the removal of dust and dust-collecting items” is essential for preventing dust mites. Clutter and unnecessary items around the house attract and trap dust, which creates a feeding frenzy for dust mites. While it’s not possible to completely get rid of dust, reduce it by throwing out, selling, or properly storing items like:

   • Books
   • Decorations and ornaments
   • Picture frames
   • Trinkets
   • Home accessories
   • Decorative pillows
4. 
   4
   Reduce humidity levels in the house. Dust mites are attracted to humidity, so McCombe recommends keeping your humidity low. The easiest way to decrease the humidity in your house is with a dehumidifier. You can also decrease the humidity by opening windows on dry days. Always use fans and vents when cooking, showering, or doing other activities that create steam.

   • By reducing the humidity in your house, you will create an environment that's not ideal for dust mites, and you will slow down how quickly they reproduce.
   • Install a hygrometer to keep an eye on the humidity, and keep the level below 50 percent.
   

   Adjust the temperature in your rooms. "I was able to implement specific recommendations to treat my dust mite problem. Turning down the temperature in rooms allowed me to see great improvements." - Eloise S.

   Wash your bedding. "I decided to get new mattress along with a dust cover. The salesman suggested I wash it weekly along with the sheets, which really worked." - Florence N.

   Try at-home remedies. "Using eucalyptus oil to reduce the spread of dust mites was helpful. Using a damp cloth was a good addition to furniture polish and dry dusting." - Judith L.

   Do a deep cleanse. "I washed everything from my bedroom in hot water. Before, my sinuses were constantly swollen and nasal passages clogged before. After the thorough washing, I slept much better. My nasal passages were open and sinuses no longer as swollen." - Ginger P.

   Eliminate problem sources. "Using a dehumidifier and a damp cloth with alcohol were great help. This helped me identify that my cloth furniture and carpet were contributing to my problems!" - Tonee J.

   We want to hear from you! Advice from our readers makes our articles better. If you have a story you’d like to share, tell us here.
5. 
   5
   Use mattress and pillow covers. McCombe recommends using allergen-proof bedding to protect your bed from dust mites, bed bugs, and allergens. Covers made from plastic or hypoallergenic fabric will encase your mattress or pillows to prevent dust mites from getting in and to protect you from allergens that are already present.

   • To keep these covers clean, wipe plastic ones with a damp cloth and wash fabric ones weekly.
6. 
   6
   Groom pets regularly. Pet dander is another huge food source for dust mites. To reduce dander in the house, take your dogs and cats outside daily for a thorough brushing. Give dogs monthly baths to reduce dander and fur around the house.

   • Pets can also suffer from dust mite allergies, so keeping them cleaner is beneficial for you both.
7. 
   7
   Use an air purifier. According to Dulude, “Air purifiers don’t clean your home from dust, but they can help keep it at bay and reduce the amount of dust and allergens in your air.” Sears recommends purchasing an air purifier with a filter and setting it up in the room in which you spend the most time.
8. 
   8
   Turn down the temperature. Dust mites also love high temperatures. The ideal temperature for them is between 68° and 77° F (20° and 25° C). In winter, set your thermostat to below 68° F (20° C), and even cooler in the bedroom if that's comfortable. In summer, use fans, windows, and air conditioning when necessary to keep your house cooler.
9. 
   9
   Increase the ventilation in your house. Better ventilation means lower humidity, more airflow, and less dust, and all of these are good for controlling dust mites. Improve ventilation by opening windows, using ceiling and portable fans, and by making use of vents in the house, such as in the kitchen and bathroom.

   • Additionally, Sears says, “Remove and replace all of the air filters of your HVAC system on a regular basis.”
10. 
    10
    Replace dust-collecting fabrics with easy-to-clean items. Board-certified allergist Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI, says dust mites are attracted to curtains, drapes, and upholstered furniture, so replacing them could help prevent dust mites. For instance, replace curtains with plastic blinds or wooden shutters, and fabric cushions and pillows with leather or pleather ones. Not only are these items easier to clean, but they also won't attract dust mites the way fabrics do.
11. 
    11
    Get rid of carpeting. If you really want to prevent dust mites, Dr. Khadavi says to get rid of your carpet. While regular vacuuming and washing can reduce mite numbers, getting rid of the carpet altogether will be more effective, as carpets and rugs are among the worst places in your house for harboring dust mites. When possible, remove carpeting and replace it with:

    • Tile
    • Hardwood
    • Laminate
    • Cork
    • Concrete
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Section 3 of 4:

What are dust mites?

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1. 
   Dust mites are microscopic spider-like creatures that feed on dead skin cells. Dr. Khadavi says that dust mites are “little insects [that] live in carpets, rugs, mattresses, and pillows.” They’re invisible to the naked eye, and they’re found in nearly all homes. Dust mites absorb moisture from the air, so they thrive in humid areas.

   • Dr. Khadavi adds that, typically, “if [you’re] having allergies in the home, it’s usually from dust mites.”
   • Since you can’t see dust mites with the naked eye, it can be difficult to tell if you have them. Allergies are a good sign, but you can also purchase a home dust mite test kit to know for sure.

Section 4 of 4:

How to Tell if You Have a Dust Mite Allergy

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1. 
   You may be allergic to dust mites if you have allergies year-round. Weston says, “Unlike bed bugs and other pests, dust mites don’t leave small bites on your body. Instead, they can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, congestion, and skin rashes. If you have continuous allergies throughout the year, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about treating your symptoms.” Here’s a list of symptoms to look out for:

   • Sneezing
   • Runny or stuffy nose
   • Itchy, red, or watery eyes
   • Itchy nose, roof of mouth, or throat
   • Postnasal drip (mucus running down your throat)
   • Cough
   • Facial pressure and pain
   • Swollen, discolored skin under the eyes
   • If you have asthma, you may also experience trouble breathing, chest tightness or pain, a whistling or wheezing sound when breathing out, or trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath or coughing.
   • Your doctor may do an allergy skin test or blood test to determine if you have a dust mite allergy. If you do, they’ll likely prescribe allergy medicines.
   • It’s not the mites themselves that cause the allergies, but rather the proteins found in their decaying bodies, feces, or urine.
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Join the Discussion...

What are effective ways to kill dust mites?

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist

Here are some of my best tips to get rid of dust mites in your home:

• Damp-mop hard floors (tile or hardwood, for example) once a day.
• Dust and vacuum once or twice a week to remove the buildup of allergens.
• Use a dry cloth to wipe hard surfaces such as countertops, tables, and other furniture.
• Vacuum the carpets and cloth-covered furniture to get rid of as much dust as you can. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or a special double-thickness bag, which collects dust-mite particles and pollen. Standard paper bag filters may allow the stirred-up allergens to escape back into the room.
• Consider steam cleaning your carpets when possible. In addition to cleaning the carpet, the heat of the steam kills dust mites.
• Safety tip: Dusting and vacuuming stirs up dust, making the air quality worse until the dust settles. Wear a mask if you do the cleaning yourself, and if possible, try to have someone without allergies do the cleaning.

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• Question

  How can you get rid of dust mites in your bed?

  

  Scott McCombe
  Pest Control Specialist

  Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.

  

  Scott McCombe

  Pest Control Specialist

  Expert Answer

  Start by washing your sheets in hot water that's at least 130°F to kill the mites. Then vacuum or steam your mattress.

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