How to Kill Dust Mites in Pillows

Dust mites are one of the most common allergens, and ironically dust mites live in one of the worst possible places for people with allergies--in your bedroom pillows. For the 7 to 9 hours each night that you sleep, your face is pressed against the very allergen that triggers symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, stuffed sinuses and a sore throat. Killing dust mites isn't easy, and bedroom pillows provide an excellent environment for the dust mites. Killing dust mites in bedroom pillows is crucial, however. People who are allergic to dust mites will not find relief unless their pillow is allergen-free. Read on to learn how to kill dust mites in pillows, and get a good night's sleep without being troubled by allergens.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large plastic zipper bags
• Washer
• Dryer
• Tea tree oil
• Hypoallergenic pillow covers

1. Wash your pillows, 2 per load, in hot water with a very small amount of detergent and 10 drops of tea tree oil per load. Be sure to wash the load on your longest cycle, and at the hottest water temperature possible.

2. Dry your pillows in a dryer on the hottest setting possible, 2 pillows per load. Pillows take a very long time to dry in the dryer, so be prepared for an hour or more of drying time on high.

3. Set the pillows outside on a blanket in direct sun for as long as possible. If you have seasonal allergies, do not do this during high pollen or ragweed time.

4. Place the pillows in large plastic zipper bags, or any airtight bag. Leave the pillows in these bags for more than 48 hours. The pillows must be completely dry before taking this step.

5. Cover the pillows with hypoallergenic pillow covers. Some people choose to double-cover their pillows for maximum impact.

6. Repeat these steps every 2 weeks for best results. Consider investing in multiple sets of pillows and covers, so that one set can be used while the other is being washed, dried and sunned.

[jpersing]

on 5/19/2009 Thanks for these step-by-step way of killing dust mites in pillows. This will surely lessen my allergies. 5*