How to Naturally Eliminate Dust Mites and Bedbugs from Your Mattress

1. Strip and Wash Bedding

• Remove all sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and blankets.
• Wash all bedding in hot water (130°F or higher) to kill dust mites and bedbugs.
• Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure all pests and eggs are destroyed.

2. Vacuum the Mattress Thoroughly

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap tiny particles.
• Attach the upholstery tool and vacuum all sides of the mattress, paying extra attention to seams, edges, and crevices.
• Vacuum the surrounding bed frame and under the bed as well.

3. Steam Clean the Mattress

• Use a high-temperature steam cleaner to kill bedbugs, dust mites, and their eggs.
• Slowly run the steamer over the entire mattress surface, ensuring the steam penetrates deep into the fabric.
• Allow the mattress to air-dry completely before proceeding.

4. Apply Baking Soda

• Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress.
• Let it sit for 1–2 hours to absorb odors and moisture while naturally deterring pests.
• Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.

5. Use Essential Oils

• Mix 10–15 drops of tea tree oil, lavender oil, or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle.
• Lightly mist the mattress and let it air dry. These oils are natural repellents and also leave a fresh scent.
• Avoid soaking the mattress to prevent moisture buildup.

6. Encase the Mattress

• Invest in a high-quality dust mite- and bedbug-proof mattress encasement.
• Cover your mattress and box spring to seal out pests and prevent them from nesting inside.

7. Control Humidity

• Keep your bedroom’s humidity level below 50% using a dehumidifier.
• Dust mites thrive in humid conditions, so lowering humidity can significantly reduce their numbers.

8. Regular Maintenance

• Wash bedding and vacuum the mattress at least once a week.
• Rotate and flip your mattress every 3–6 months to ensure even wear and reduce nesting spots.
• Keep clutter around the bed to a minimum to eliminate hiding spots for bedbugs.

Natural Preventative Measures

Sunlight Exposure

• Place your mattress in direct sunlight for 3–4 hours to kill bedbugs and dust mites.
• Sunlight dries out moisture that pests thrive on.

Diatomaceous Earth

• Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the mattress, bed frame, and nearby areas. It dehydrates and kills bedbugs and dust mites naturally.
• Vacuum it up after 24 hours.

Vacuum Regularly

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter weekly to remove dust, mites, and debris from your mattress, carpets, and upholstery.

Freeze Small Items

• For smaller fabric items like pillowcases or stuffed toys, place them in a sealed bag and freeze for 24 hours to kill dust mites and bedbugs.

When to Seek Professional Help

If bedbugs persist despite natural remedies or if the infestation is severe, contact a professional pest control service for heat treatments or other specialized methods. Early intervention prevents them from spreading further.

Why Natural Remedies Work

• No Harsh Chemicals: Safe for children, pets, and those with allergies.
• Eco-Friendly: Minimizes your environmental footprint.
• Cost-Effective: Uses household ingredients and tools you likely already have.

By following these steps and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you can effectively eliminate dust mites and bedbugs naturally and keep your mattress fresh and clean! 🛏✨