Can Ironing Kill Dust Mites? [Solved and Explained!]

All of you may be a bit tired of dust mite problems. Once you face it, it’ll be tough for you to solve this crisis.

You may be searching online to find a perfect solution to destroy them. Unfortunately, finding a proper way is challenging. Luckily, you’re in the right place. Cheers!

Can ironing kill dust mites? Ironing at extremely hot temperatures can kill dust mites. This tiny creature can’t survive at such temperatures. So, ironing can be one of the easiest ways to remove dust mites. For better results, wash your garments before ironing them.

Are you curious to know more? Stay with me. 

Temperature to kill dust mites

This disgusting creature is a common problem for most people. That’s why everybody wants to find out an effective solution to destroy it. 

One of the most effective ways to kill dust mites is ironing. Remember, you should set your iron at a temperature of at least 130 degrees F or 54.4 degrees C to do this.

In addition, if you wash or steam garments at such temperatures, you’ll get better results.

How to kill dust mites by ironing

Both dry and steam irons can kill dust mites. However, steam iron is more effective in this case. Before doing it, check the clothes tag to know the highest heat that your fabric can endure. Otherwise, extreme heat will burn your favorite dress.

To remove dust mites from clothes, you need to wash them first. After that, iron garments at high heat. 

Some delicate and synthetic fabrics can’t tolerate high heat. In such situation, you may seek another way to remove dust mites. To know more about these methods, read the whole article!

Will high heat affect my fabric?

Some fabrics can’t endure high heat. Therefore, those fabrics may be affected in such settings. However, you can solve this problem using a use a pressing cloth. Remember, pressing cloth isn’t essential for all garments. Just use it for ironing-

• Silk
• PVC
• Leather
• New synthetic fabric

Pressing cloth will protect their surface from high heat. For other fabrics, it isn’t mandatory to use pressing cloth. However, if you use, you’ll get better results. 

I prefer to use pressing cloth in all situations. You need not buy it from markets. Search your kitchen or laundry room, and you may find one.

Are dust mites harmful?

Dust mites aren’t parasites. They don’t bite or sting and cause no harm to us. However, they can trigger an allergic reaction in many people. So, health hazards of dust mites are-

• Asthma
• Allergy
• Allergic rhinitis
• Persistent sneezing
• Cough
• Facial pressure or severe asthma attack.

So far, you’ve learned that ironing can kill dust mites. Are you curious to know about other methods to control mites? Let’s dive in!

How to control dust mites

Regularly wash clothes

Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and bed covers in hot water. Humid and warm is heaven to dust mites. However, they can’t endure very high heat.

Therefore, wash bedding, pillows with water having temperature of 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Suppose you use cold water, it’s OK. Now, put the washed items in dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 F.

Keep closet clean

Always keep drawers clean and check them every month. Sometimes, you may notice dirty and stinky clothes. If so, clean those as soon as possible. 

You may use vacuum cleaner to clean it properly. However, I suggest you manually clean it. It’s not that difficult. Moreover, vacuum cleaners are somewhat costly. 

Use protective covers

If you’re a lazy person like me, you may not prefer to wash garments regularly. Then, buy protective covers for your beddings, mattresses, or pillows.

You can buy those protective covers cheaply online. If you want my advice, check this one.  

Lower the temperature

Dust mites get a pleasant environment to grow up if your indoor temperature hovers between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. 

By reducing the indoor temperature, you can control them. Try to keep the temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remember, if you can’t keep the indoor temperature low, it won’t kill dust mites. Most importantly, take special care for summer times. During this season, dust mites grow unprecedentedly. 

Reducing humidity levels

In your warm and humid home, you may observe more dust mites. So, buy a dehumidifier to reduce humidity effectively. 

There are many humidifiers in the market. You don’t need to spend too much money. I’ve been using one for the last five years for home use that is under $50. 

However, you may utilize the following ways to lower the humidity.

• Keep your windows open.
• Use fans and vents for better airflow.
• Air conditioner to control humidity.
• Use Air purifier.

Use Air purifier

One of the most practical ways to control dust mites is to maintain dust levels in your house. An air purifier can-

• Improve indoor air quality.
• Remove large dust particles.
• Hamper the growth of dust mites indirectly.
• Protect health of family members.

So, install one purifier in every room for better results. For better performance, you can use purifier with HEPA filter. It can effectively remove 99% of dust, measuring higher than 0.3 µm. 

Clean floor

As your carpet is the most favorite nesting place for mites, clean them once in a while. I recommend you use a microfiber or spin mop. But don’t forget to use a mixture of hot water and disinfectant. Soak mop in this solution and clean the floor. 

If you want, you can use vacuum cleaner. Some of those use ultraviolet rays to remove the dust particles from your home. 

However, I recommend you keep your floor clean by using mop. Moreover, it’ll help you to burn some calories. Stay fit! 

Remove Carpet

Remove your fancy carpet from home. Instead, get used to using vinyl or tiles floor. It’s another way to control dust mites. Moreover, tiles can improve the overall looking of your home.

Cleaning tiles floor is super easy. Even a regular mop can do this job effectively. You don’t need to buy fancy vacuum cleaners, those are very expensive.  

Steaming

Just like ironing, steaming can effectively fight against these tiny creatures. Ironing over-sized items, bedding, and carpets is too tricky. It’s time-consuming and tough to do.

In contrast, vertical steaming them is nothing but a matter of seconds. Just stand 2-3 inches away from items and start steaming. Never forget to use very high temperatures. Kill those bitches, right now!

Sunlight

Sunlight is the best natural way to remove dust mites. As dust mites can’t endure UV rays, line drying clothes can be adequate. 

Moreover, line drying will-

• Protect garments from high temperature.
• Never fade clothes.
• Removes dust mites and other tiny particles effectively.
• Keeps cloth fresh.

Chemicals to kill dust mites

Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an effective tool to fight against dust mites.

• First, take five teaspoons of rubbing alcohol.
• Mix this alcohol with one gallon of water.
• Use this mixture on beddings, carpets, and clothes. 

To protect clothes from damage, test this mixture on a small area to observe the reaction. If you notice fading, don’t use it.

Lastly, take extra precautions in handling rubbing alcohol. It may damage your skin in the long run. 

Moreover, if you drink rubbing alcohol, it could be dangerous. So, keep it away from your kids. For emergency, call 911 and visit the nearest hospital.

Homemade dust mite spray

Rather than using chemicals to kill dust mites, prepare a homemade spray to kill those. Designing such a spray is super easy and cost-effective. Moreover, it is safer for kids and other family members. 

Ingredients

1. Distilled water (one cup)
2. Distilled white vinegar(one cup)
3. Peppermint Essential oil (5 drops)
4. Lavender essential oil (5 drops)
5. Tea tree essential oil (5 drops)
6. Eucalyptus essential oil (5 drops)
7. Spray bottle(one )

Use this mixture to moist your garments a bit and line dry later. Essential oil won’t hamper your clothes a bit. So, use them without any doubt. Moreover, it’ll remove bad odor and keeps garments fresh. You may enjoy the new smell of your clothes. 

I use this essential oil formula for my home. It is hugely influential as dust mites can’t endure the smell of essential oil and vinegar. Great!

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is used as a source of silica that is used for various treatments. It’s a powder that can eliminate dust mites. Just spread this powder on dust and wait until it dies. After that, vacuum clean those areas to remove powder and kill mites.

It’s safe, cheap, and not toxic. However, you should wear goggles as it may hurt your eyes. Moreover, it may harm the respiratory system of your pets. Please, don’t make your pet sick! If you want my suggestion, check this one.

Frequently asked questions

Can dust mites live in clothes?

Dust mites are tiny creatures that live on dead skins of humans. We, humans, shed almost 1/5 ounces of dead skin every day. Another favorite food of mites is dead skin of animals. 

As dead skins stay on carpets, beddings, mattresses, and rugs, these are the favorite living places of mites. As long as the environment is warm and moist, mites stay in there. 

Therefore, if you want to control mites, lower the temperature. Most importantly, keep your home and closet clean. Wash garments regularly with hot water or iron them in extremely hot settings. 

Does washing at 60 degrees Celsius kill dust mites?

Yes, it’ll kill mites. One of the most effective ways to destroy dust mites is washing garments with hot water. You should use at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit or 54 degrees Celsius. 

However, some garments can’t endure high heat. So, take extra precautions against them. For the betterment of those garments, you should-

• Wash with mixture of hot and cold water to prevent fading.
• Line dry them. 
• Use vacuum cleaner that uses UV rays. 
• Use distilled white vinegar.
• Utilize essential oil.
• Vertical steam them at reasonable temperatures that the garment can endure.

Does Lysol spray kill dust mites?

Lysol is a powerful cleaner and disinfectant. It can keep your garments away from dust mites. So, you can use Lysol to kill them.

However, Lysol may contain some harmful elements like alcohol. So, you shouldn’t use it on your beddings, carpets, or stuffed toys of your kids. Instead, use homemade spray to kill dust mites effectively. It’s way more effective than using Lysol.

Last few words 

I always believe that prevention is better than cure. So, wash your garments regularly and keep your house clean. Rather than depending on chemicals, adopt natural and harmless ways to kill dust mites.

Do you have anything in mind? Never forget to comment.

Goodbye, dust mites!