How to Get Rid of Dust Mites if They Are Attached to You

The washing machine is good ammunition against dust mites.

Dust mites are present in your home by the millions. They survive by eating dead skin and hair and live in house dust. Their excrement is light enough to float into the air and is the most common trigger of asthma, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You can get rid of dust mites in several ways, including dry cleaning and air conditioning, and through the use of air purifiers and vacuums. You cannot see dust mites with the naked eye, and must use a 10X magnifying glass to observe them scurry all around you. If the dust mites are attached to you, the best method is washing yourself and your clothes.

Instructions

1. Take off your clothes and put them in your washing machine. Doing a wash will kill the dust mites and remove their residue.

2. Turn your washing machine to the hottest cycle. Washing in cold water will kill 90 percent of dust mites, but washing the clothing in 130 degrees Fahrenheit will kill all of the dust mites. If your clothing is not made to be washed in hot water, send the items to a dry cleaner or place them in your freezer for 24 hours.

3. Tumble-dry the clothes in the clothes dryer on the hottest setting your clothes can withstand.

4. Wash skin covered in dust mites with soap and hot water.

5. Dry your skin thoroughly with a clean towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent dust mites from building up in your home by washing your bedding in very hot water every two weeks and by reducing the temperature and humidity. Dust mites thrive in humidity.

References

• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Dust Mites
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Dust Mites
• Environment Health and Safety Online: Dust Mites
• University of Nebraska: Lancaster Extension: Managing House Dust Mites