How to Rid Your Mattress of Dust Mites

D•ust mites are microscopic arachnids that thrive in the dead skin cells shed into your mattress every night. While you cannot eliminate them entirely from a home, you can drastically reduce their population to stop them from triggering allergies or affecting your sleep quality. A clean mattress is the foundation of a healthy bedroom environment. Taking control of your sleep surface is a straightforward process that relies more on mechanical removal than harsh chemicals. By following a consistent routine of heat and agitation, you strip away the food source for these pests and physically remove them from your bedding. Done well, this process leaves your bed feeling fresh and breathable again.

1. Kill Mites With Heat. Remove every sheet, pillowcase, and mattress cover. Wash them immediately in water set to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to kill existing mites.
2. Extract Deep Debris. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter and an upholstery attachment. Work in overlapping rows across the entire top surface, including the seams and tufted areas.
3. Powder to Absorb. Sift a thin, even layer of baking soda across the entire mattress surface using a mesh strainer. Let it sit for at least four hours to absorb odors and moisture.
4. Remove All Powder. Once the baking soda has sat, vacuum the mattress again using the upholstery tool. Ensure you remove all powder residue from the crevices.
5. Flip for Full Coverage. If your mattress is double-sided, flip it over and repeat the entire vacuuming and baking soda process on the other side.
6. Seal Against Reinfestation. Place an allergen-proof, zippered mattress encasement over the cleaned mattress. This acts as a barrier that prevents future mites from penetrating the mattress core.