How to Remove Dust Mites in a Mattress

Prevent Allergic Reactions By Getting Rid of Dust Mites for Good

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 04/21/25
Reviewed by
Katie Berry
Katie Berry
Reviewed by Katie Berry
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for Housewife How-Tos. She is the author of several books about homemaking.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Vacuum hose with brush attachment passing over mattress with mites
Credit:

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
  • Total Time: 30 mins - 8 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0

Dust mites are everywhere in our homes, but they are found in the highest concentrations on surfaces that trap dust, like mattresses, curtains, and carpeting, all of which need deep cleaning. Unfortunately, that's also where we spend most of our time—bedrooms and living areas. Learn how to remove dust mites from mattresses so you can have some peace of mind while you sleep.

What Are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on the dead human skin cells we are constantly shedding. Unlike pests like lice or bed bugs, they are not parasites that bite, sting, or burrow into our skin. Though it's not unsafe to sleep with dust mites, they can disrupt sleep and cause discomfort. They may not cause any other health risks, but some people can have allergic reactions by inhaling the proteins in dust that comes from dust mite feces, urine, or decaying bodies. These pests are common in mattresses because there's a continuous source of food (skin flakes), warmth, and moisture.

Signs of Dust Mites in a Mattress

Even though dust mites are microscopic, there are ways to tell if you have dust mites sleeping in your bed, including:

  • Finding dust mite debris such as tiny black or brown specks on the mattress
  • Feeling itchy skin while you're in bed
  • Experiencing allergy symptoms while sleeping, such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, or breathing problems

How Often to Clean Mattresses for Dust Mite Removal

If your mattress is not encased in a dust mite-proof case and you suffer from allergic reactions, you should vacuum your mattress at least monthly to reduce the number of dust mites. If the mattress has a dust-proof cover that is cleaned frequently, then a twice-yearly cleaning should be all that is needed.

The 6 Best Steam Cleaners The Spruce Has Tested

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Vacuum with a hose and an upholstery brush attachment
  • Steam cleaner
  • Dust-proof mattress protector
  • Dust-proof pillow protectors
  • Soft-bristled brush or cloth

Materials

  • Baking soda
  • Laundry detergent

Instructions

Materials and tools to get rid of dust mites on a mattress
Credit:

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

How to Get Rid of Dust Mites in a Mattress

  1. Remove All of the Bedding

    Remove the bedcovers, sheets, pillowcases, mattress protector, and dust-proof cover from the mattress. If you have encased the bed pillows and box springs with a cover (and you should), remove them as well.

    Bedding and sheets removed from mattress for cleaning
    Credit:

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  2. Wash the Bedding

    To kill dust mites, put your bedding in the dryer for at least 15 minutes using your dryer's high-heat setting, which has a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. After killing the dust mites, wash and dry the bedding and dust covers as usual, using your regular detergent in warm water.

    Dust mite covered bedding placed in washer machine
    Credit:

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  3. Vacuum the Mattress

    Use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, hose, and an upholstery brush attachment to vacuum every surface of the mattress. Don't forget the sides and the box springs and vacuum or dust the bedframe as well.

    Tip

    To freshen and deodorize the mattress while you vacuum, sprinkle on dry baking soda. Work it into the surface of the mattress with a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth. Let it sit for at least an hour, and then vacuum the dust and dust mites.

    Top of mattress cleaned with vacuum hose and brush attachment
    Credit:

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  4. Replace the Protective Covers and Bedding

    When the bed is fully dry, replace the protective dust mite mattress cases and bedding.

    Protective cover wrapped around cleaned mattress to prevent dust mites
    Credit:

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

How to Prevent Dust Mites in Mattresses

  • Add mattress covers: Cover your mattress, box springs, and pillows with insect and dust-proof covers. The covers can be made from non-porous materials like vinyl or plastic or a more breathable material like microfiber polyester or nylon, or even cotton that is tightly woven.
  • Clean: Wash bedding at least weekly. If you don't want to wash your comforter or bedspread that frequently, you can place it in an automatic dryer on air-only to help remove dust and dust mites..
  • Declutter: Remove excess items from the bed. Stuffed animals and decorative pillows harbor dust mites.
  • Lower humidity: Reduce the humidity level in the bedroom to around 50 percent by using a dehumidifier, air conditioning, and running bathroom exhaust fans.
  • Lower temperature: Lower the temperature to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the bedroom. This won't prevent dust mites, but it will slow their breeding cycle.
  • Dry thoroughly: Allow the bedding to air and dry for a few minutes before you make the bed each morning.
  • Take up carpeting: Remove wall-to-wall carpeting and heavy drapes from the bedroom to reduce the level of dust in the room.
  • Choose correct pillows: Use hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses. Latex foam mattresses are less hospitable to dust mites than those with cotton padding. Use foam pillows instead of down or feathers.
  • Use HEPA filters: Upgrade your HVAC filters to HEPA filters. Replace or clean these filters regularly.
  • No pets: Ban pets from the bedroom. Dust mites thrive in animal dander.
  • Air purifier: Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to trap dust mites and airborne allergens.
  • Vacuuming: Always vacuum your bedroom regularly to control dust mites.
FAQ
  • What kills bed dust mites?

    Temperatures over 135 degrees Fahrenheit can kill dust mites. You can get that kind of high heat from a clothes dryer or by steam-cleaning your mattress.

  • What type of mattress is best to prevent dust mites?

    Hypoallergenic mattresses like latex can prevent dust mites. Or, use a fully enclosed and zippered mattress cover that keeps dust mites out of your mattress.

  • Do I need a new mattress if I have dust mites?

    Cleaning your mattress regularly is key to keeping you and your bed free from dust mites. However, if you have had your mattress for a long time, you may be sharing it with some dust mites.

  • Is there anything I can spray on my bed to remove dust mites?

    There are a few commercial spray-on products formulated to remove dust mites. Make a DIY version by mixing 2 teaspoons of essential oil with 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with water in a spray bottle. Choose essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, or lavender.

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Sources
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. What Are Dust Mites? The American Lung Association.

  2. Dust Mite Allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.