How to get rid of dust mites from your mattress

Dust mites are microscopic pests that thrive in warm, humid environments—like your mattress. While invisible to the naked eye, they can significantly impact sleep quality and trigger allergies, asthma, and skin irritation. Learning how to clean a mattress from mites is crucial for maintaining a healthy sleep environment.

This guide will walk you through effective, practical steps to reduce dust mites and keep your mattress fresh, hygienic, and allergy-friendly.

What are dust mites and why do they live in mattresses?

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on dead human skin cells and thrive in warm, humid environments. Mattresses provide the perfect conditions - constant body heat, moisture, and a steady food supply - making them a preferred breeding ground.

While dust mites themselves don’t bite or sting, their waste and body fragments are potent allergens. Prolonged exposure can trigger sneezing, runny nose, coughing, asthma flare-ups, and skin irritation. For those with allergies, asthma, or eczema, - especially children - dust mite allergens can worsen symptoms, disrupt sleep, and reduce overall wellbeing.

What are the signs of dust mites in your mattress?

Dust mites are invisible, but their presence often shows up through how you feel - especially after a night’s sleep.

If any of these signs sound familiar, it's worth looking more closely at the physical symptoms associated with dust mite buildup:

• Frequent morning sneezing or nasal congestion: Allergic responses often peak after a night of exposure to dust mite allergens.
• Watery, itchy eyes or post-nasal drip: These are common signs of environmental allergies worsened by close contact with mite-infested bedding.
• Itchy or inflamed skin: Dust mites can aggravate eczema or trigger skin irritation, especially in children.
• Worsened asthma symptoms: Difficulty breathing or nighttime wheezing may indicate allergen buildup.
• Unexplained fatigue: Disrupted sleep from allergens can lead to feeling tired even after a full night in bed.

How do you clean your mattress from dust mites and allergens?

To clean a mattress from dust mites, wash all bedding in hot water, vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA-filter vacuum, and steam clean to kill hidden mites. Use baking soda or natural sprays as extra protection, and maintain a clean, clutter-free bedroom to prevent reinfestation.

Below are six detailed steps you can follow to remove mites and maintain a healthier sleeping environment:

Step 1: Strip and wash all bedding

Start by removing everything from your bed sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and even plush toys. Wash all fabrics at a high temperature (minimum 60°C) to kill dust mites.

For specific care instructions, follow guides on how to wash duvets and how to wash your king size bed cover.

Step 2: Vacuum the mattress thoroughly

Once your bedding is clean, focus on the mattress. Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration or one specifically designed for allergen removal. Electrolux cordless vacuum cleaners are particularly effective for deep-cleaning and trapping mites.

Make sure to clean seams, crevices, and under the bed. For best results, see this guide on how to use your vacuum cleaner effectively.

Step 3: Steam clean the mattress

After vacuuming, proceed to steam cleaning. The high heat from a steam cleaner can penetrate deep into the mattress layers, killing mites and neutralizing allergens. Make slow, overlapping passes and avoid over-wetting the fabric. Allow the mattress to dry completely before making the bed again.

Step 4: Apply dust mite treatment

With the mattress clean and dry, apply a natural treatment to help repel mites. Sprinkle baking soda evenly and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming again. Alternatively, mist with a diluted tea tree oil spray for an antimicrobial boost. These methods help keep your mattress fresh and extend the effectiveness of your deep clean.

Step 5: Regularly wash and dry stuffed animals and pillows

Dust mites love to hide in soft, absorbent materials like pillows and toys. Make a habit of washing these items weekly or bi-weekly. To minimize mite accumulation, wash these items on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.

Step 6: Keep the bedroom clean and clutter-free

Finally, ensure your bedroom stays tidy and well-ventilated. Reduce surfaces that collect dust and allergens by minimizing clutter and regularly dusting and vacuuming.

These steps, when practiced together, provide a thorough defense against mattress mites and support a healthier, more restful sleep for the whole household.

Cleaning different types of mattresses from mites and allergens

How to clean foam mattresses from mites

Foam mattresses, especially memory foam, offer superb comfort but also provide the perfect hiding spot for dust mites due to their porous nature. Cleaning them requires special care to avoid damaging the material.

Use gentle techniques for delicate foam

Memory foam shouldn't be soaked or aggressively scrubbed. Instead, start with light surface vacuuming using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter - Electrolux cordless vacuum cleaners are well-suited for this task thanks to their effective suction and allergen control.

Practice smart moisture management

Spot clean visible stains with a damp cloth and a mild, foam-safe detergent. Avoid oversaturating, as excessive moisture can degrade foam and encourage mildew. Let the mattress air dry completely in a well-ventilated space.

Incorporate preventive protection

Use waterproof and dust mite-proof covers to protect your foam mattress long-term. These breathable covers create a barrier without compromising comfort, minimizing future infestations and allergens.

How to clean spring mattresses from mites

Spring mattresses have built-in air circulation, which can help reduce moisture and deter mites. But proper cleaning is still essential.

Vacuum thoroughly to remove surface allergens

Begin by vacuuming the entire mattress using a model with strong suction and HEPA filtration. Focus on seams, tufts, and edges—these areas tend to trap dust and mites. Electrolux cordless vacuum cleaners are a great choice for efficient, deep cleaning.

Use steam carefully to sanitize

If your mattress label allows, lightly steam the surface to kill mites and neutralize allergens. Be careful not to soak the padding—steam in overlapping strokes and let the mattress dry fully in a ventilated room.

Maintain freshness with regular rotation

Rotate your mattress every few months to prevent uneven wear and allow better airflow. Periodically air it out near a window or under a fan to keep moisture and mites under control.

How to prevent dust mites from returning

Once you've done a deep clean, consistency is key to keeping dust mites at bay. Here are practical habits that help maintain a mite-free mattress:

• Invest in dust-mite-proof bedding: Use allergen-blocking mattress and pillow protectors to shield against mites.
• Maintain room humidity below 50%: Mites thrive in humidity—use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to create a less hospitable environment.
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water: Regularly washing your bedding items can prevent dust mites on your mattresses.
• Vacuum and dust your room frequently: Use HEPA vacuums and clean under the bed and furniture where mites hide.
• Minimize clutter: Dust collects easily on books, toys, and piles of clothes—keep surfaces clear and organized.
• Let sunlight in: Direct sunlight helps kill mites naturally. Open curtains regularly to brighten your space.

Together, these steps not only reduce mite recurrence but also promote cleaner air and better sleep quality.

Breathe easier with the right tools and routines

Eliminating dust mites isn’t just about one-time cleaning - it’s about ongoing prevention and smart maintenance. With tools like the Electrolux cordless vacuum cleaner, especially models featuring the BedProPower™ Plus UV nozzle, you can effectively capture particles as small as 1.0 micrometre—comparable in size to common bed mites.