How to Kill Dust Mites with Tea Tree Oil
Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that concentrate in bedding, carpets, fabric and flooring. Dust mites gather and multiply in humid and dusty environments and feed upon the skin cells of people and animals. A dust mite infestation can lead to allergy and asthma symptoms and skin irritations.
You can reduce or eliminate the incidence of dust mites by vacuuming, dusting and wiping down surfaces daily. Using tea tree oil is a nontoxic and natural method of reducing dust mite populations.
Things You Will Need
- Vacuum cleaner
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Water
- Large bucket
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Towels
Tip
Run a large HEPA air filter throughout the day to reduce dust. Dust mites infiltrate and reproduce in humid weather. Reduce humidity by installing a dehumidifier. Open blinds and shades because direct sunlight kills dust mites.
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Pour six tsp. tea tree oil and two tsp. liquid laundry detergent into a large bucket. Add hot water to the bucket, leaving enough room to fit all your bed linens inside.
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Remove all your bed linens and soak them in the bucket for one hour.
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Put the linens in the washing machine. Add laundry detergent and two to three drops of tea tree oil per load. Set the machine to the highest temperature possible, because heat kills mites. Put your clothes in the dryer and also set your dryer to the highest possible temperature. Do not put bedding back on your mattress until you have sanitized the mattress.
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Empty the dust out of your vacuum cleaner. Clean your vacuum cleaner with warm soapy water and paper towels to remove dirt, dust and mites. Apply three to four drops of tea tree oil to the canister or bag of your vacuum cleaner. Vacuum your mattress, carpets, couches, curtains and upholstered furniture.
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Apply tea tree oil to a towel and wipe down your mattress and any other belongings that might harbor dust mites. Let the tea tree oil dry for a couple of hours and then re-vacuum all areas. You can use fans to speed up the drying process.
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Place drops of tea tree oil around your bed boards, behind furniture and in cracks and crevices where dust tends to accumulate. Tea tree oil repels and kills mites.
The Drip Cap
- Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that concentrate in bedding, carpets, fabric and flooring.
- Add hot water to the bucket, leaving enough room to fit all your bed linens inside.
- Put the linens in the washing machine.
- Apply three to four drops of tea tree oil to the canister or bag of your vacuum cleaner.
- Tea tree oil repels and kills mites.
References
Writer Bio
Taylor DiVico is a professional songwriter, content writer, fiction novelist and poet with more than 15 years of experience. DiVico holds a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Rhode Island and an M.S. from Syracuse University.
Photo Credits
- sick woman with a laptop image by forca from Fotolia.com
- sick woman with a laptop image by forca from Fotolia.com
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