Everyone knows it is important to wash bedsheets and covers, but most people overlook cleaning duvets and pillows, as these items can be a hassle to fit into a washing machine. However, it is essential to wash your bulkier bedding items due to dust mites, which are microscopic insect-like creatures that thrive in beds and burrow into fabric.
Dust mites multiply in a hot humid climate so are more likely to be a problem in summer, tending to settle on bedding to feed in dead skin cells people shed while sleeping. They will make a bed less comfortable by triggering allergic reactions or eczema, and you likely have them if you have been suffering from itchy skin or sneezing a lot at night.
If you wash your bedding once a week at 60C then dust mites will unlikely be an issue, but both duvets and pillows can be annoying to wash regularly as they take ages to dry and will drip water all over your home.
However, the experts at Fantastic Pest Control have shared there is a quick way to kill dust mites without taking the time to do laundry, and all you need is some eucalyptus oil.
They said: “If you’re wondering what kills dust mites fast, the answer is high temperatures and essential oils. Eucalyptus oil, in particular, is known for its quick action against mites, making it one of the most effective natural solutions available.”
Eucalyptus oil comes from the leaves of eucalyptus trees in Australia, and are often used as a natural insect repellent due to its antimicrobial properties.
When sprayed on a bed it will help freshen up and disinfect the fabric which will help get rid of dust mites festering in a duvet or pillows. It also gets rid of any other bacteria on your bed which the dust mites eat, so will cut off their food source so they will not come back.
This is a natural way to get rid of dust mites without having to do loads of laundry this summer, so you will get a good night’s rest in a clean and germ-free bed.
How to kill dust mites naturally without a washing machine
All you need to do is place 20 drops of eucalyptus oil in a empty spray bottle, then fill it up with water and screw on the lid.
If you have any white vinegar in your kitchen then you can also add it to your spray bottle as it is naturally antibacterial and will also help kill dust mites.
Then, shake the spray bottle well and lightly spray on your duvet, pillows and mattress. Do this once a week or on nights when it is particularly hot and humid and your bed will be completely free of dust mites.
However, it should be noted that eucalyptus oil should not be used around dogs or cats as it can be toxic to them, and instead try steaming your bedding to get rid of these pests for good.