How to Kill Dust Mites on Stuffed Animals

Kill dust mites quickly and easily with hot water.

Dust mites are extremely small bugs that can cause allergic reactions in people. These creatures live and breed in dark areas of the home as well as carpet, furniture and stuffed animals. Take proactive steps to thwart reinfestations in your home. Use an allergen cover for your child's bed to provide a good barrier between your child and a bed that is possibly riddled with dust mites. A last-ditch approach to getting rid of dust mites in your child's room is replacing the carpet as well as the bed mattress.

Things You'll Need

• Clothes dryer
• Hot water
• Steam cleaner

Instructions

1. Soak the child's stuffed animals in hot water, which will kill most of the dust mites buried into the fabric.

2. Dry the stuffed animal using a regular clothes dryer. Use the hottest setting on the dryer to ensure all the dust mites have been killed.

3. Wash stuffed animals regularly to avoid continual infestations. Use a steam cleaner on furniture with fabric coverings as well as the carpet.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when using hot water to soak the stuffed animals.

References

• Dust Mites Center: Your Child's Hidden Threat -- Dust Mites and Stuffed Animals