How to Remove Dust Mites From Carpet

Dust mites live in carpet.

Dust mites are a reality in all homes. These microscopic bugs are not harmful to most of the humans they share space with, as they don't burrow into the skin, live in hair, bite or cause any kind of disease. However, if you suffer from a dust-mite allergy, sneezing and a runny nose are common reactions, in addition to respiratory problems. Dust mites cannot be removed completely from your home, but you can reduce their population by removing dust mites from carpet.

Things You'll Need

• Paddle
• Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
• Air purifier with HEPA filter
• Steam cleaner

Instructions

1. Close all windows. This might sound counterintuitive, but airing out your home does not remove dust mites. In fact, it can let more in or let in other allergens, such as pollen. Open windows also can increase humidity in your home, and dust mites thrive in humid areas.

2. Take any carpets that can be removed outside. Place them over a clothesline and use a paddle to beat them repeatedly. This loosens and removes dust mites from inside the carpet fibers.

3. Vacuum all of your carpets using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. All carpets should be thoroughly vacuumed, including underneath furniture, at least once a week.

4. Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter in any room that contains carpet. The air filter removes dust mites from the air as they are unsettled from carpet.

5. Steam clean all of the carpeting in your home each spring. This also removes dust mites, helping to keep their numbers low.

References

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: UNL Extension in Lancaster County
• Mayo Clinic: Dust Mite Allergy