How to Remove Mites & Mite Feces From Clothing

Although you can't see them, dust mites may be living in your clothes and causing irritation.

Dust mites are tiny creatures that you cannot see with the naked eye. Although you are not able to spot them, these mites inhabit various areas of your home, potentially causing allergic reactions in people living in your house. Dust mites love to live in cloth and eat dead skin cells, so your clothing can make the perfect habitat. Removing dust mites and the irritating feces they leave behind from your clothing is not difficult.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Anti-allergen detergent

Instructions

1. Gather clothes that you suspect are covered in dust mites and their feces. Clothing that has been sitting for a long time, especially in an open area, are the most likely candidates.

2. Wash the clothing in the washing machine at a hot temperature, at least 130 degrees F, to kill the mites and remove their feces. For the best results, use detergent formulated to reduce allergens.

3. Toss your clothing in the dryer on a hot setting for about 20 minutes. You can do this step alone if you don't have time to wash. The heat of the dryer works to kill and remove dust mites from fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Dust mites thrive in humid conditions, so keep your home at a low humidity level to prevent infestations.

• Wash clothing and bedding often to prevent reactions caused by dust mites.

• Vacuum often to reduce the number of dust mites in your home.

References

• North Dakota State University; Keep Your Home Healthy; Kenneth Hellevang; 2004
• University of Rochester; Online Medical Encyclopedia; Dust Mites