When I found out how common dust mites are in our homes, I was horrified! Dust mites are miniscule creatures, and are invisible to the naked eye. They feed on the dead skin cells that we shed. Yuck!
Fortunately, they aren’t harmful to humans, but their faeces and dead body parts can trigger allergic reactions, ranging from mild to severe and include symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing.
Dust mites are not just found in mattresses. They can be found in carpets, curtains, and other soft furnishings. However, mattresses are a common breeding ground for dust mites due to the warm and humid environment.
While it’s difficult to eliminate dust mites completely from your mattress, using a dust mite spray can help a lot. With a regular application, you should find your allergy symptoms reduce.
Heads up: I sometimes use affiliate links. When you click these links and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. It won't cost you anything but it helps me to run this site.
Why use a homemade mattress spray?
Of course, you can buy preparatory mattress sprays. But here on SparklingPenny, we prefer homemade solutions!
Here are some reasons why making your own is the way to go:
- It’s natural. Commercial cleaning products can contain harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin and respiratory system. By making your own mattress spray, you can control the ingredients and ensure that they are safe and natural.
- It’s cost-effective. Homemade mattress sprays are much cheaper than store-bought alternatives. You can make them with ingredients that you already have at home.
- It’s easy to make. You don’t need any special skills or equipment to make a homemade mattress spray. All you need is a spray bottle and a few simple ingredients.
How to make your homemade mattress spray
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own DIY mattress spray:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 8 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 8 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 8 drops of lavender essential oil
- Spray bottle
You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store or online. When purchasing essential oils, make sure to choose high-quality oils that are 100% pure and organic. This will ensure that you’re getting the most potent and effective oils for your spray.
The acid in the vinegar is known to kill dust mites by reacting with the alkaline exoskeleton of the dust mite.
The Peppermint and Tea Tree essential oils are known to kill dust mites. Lavender essential oil is a great one for aiding sleep, and is also known to repel and kill dust mites.
To make the spray, simply combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to mix.
Warning: Essential oils can be toxic to pets. I recommend leaving them out if you have furry friends living in your home. Here’s more on that.
How to use
- Start by vacuuming your mattress. Use a good vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, so the dust (along with dust mites) doesn’t get sent back into the air as you clean.
- Shake the spray bottle well to ensure the ingredients are mixed.
- Spray a light mist over the entire surface of your mattress. Be sure to cover all areas, including the sides and corners.
- Allow the spray to dry completely before making your bed. This should only take a few minutes.
- For best results, repeat every two weeks or as needed to keep your mattress fresh and clean.
This spray can also be used on other surfaces around your home, such as carpets, upholstery, and curtains. Just be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that the spray won’t cause any damage or discoloration.
If you have a severe dust mite allergy, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or allergist for additional advice and treatment options.
How to prevent dust mites from thriving in your home
To prevent dust mites from taking up residence in your home, there are several things you can do:
- Regularly wash bedding. Make sure to wash your bedding and linens regularly. This includes your sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters. Use hot water and a high heat setting in the dryer to kill any dust mites that may be present.
- Vacuum your home frequently. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, so you don’t send dust back out into the air as you use it.
- Keep hard surfaces dust-free with my homemade dusting spray and a microfiber cloth.
- Use covers. You can also use dust mite covers on your pillows and mattresses. These covers are designed to prevent dust mites from entering your bedding and can be easily washed and reused.
- Keep your home’s humidity levels under control. Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so using a dehumidifier can help to reduce their numbers. Aim for a humidity level of around 50% or lower.
Read this next: