Dusting…the endless battle. While dust sucks, what’s worse to me are the dust mites that come with it. I have a dust mite allergy, so keeping them under control is a must. Dust mites can cause an allergic reaction, especially in people with asthma. Thankfully there are naturally effective essential oils for dust mites.
Before we get into that, lets learn a few basics.
What are Dust Mites?
Here is a great description according to MayoClinic.org:
“Dust mites, close relatives of ticks and spiders, are too small to see without a microscope. Dust mites eat skin cells shed by people, and they thrive in warm, humid environments. In most homes, such items as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting provide an ideal environment for dust mites.”
Just reading that gives me the heebie jeebies. Dust mites do not bite, so that is a little relief, but some people suffer from dust mite allergies.
Dust mite allergy symptoms are similar to pollen allergies: itching, sneezing, red and watery eyes, runny nose.
Best Essential Oils for Dust Mites
Dust mites are a real problem for those who suffer from allergies. Luckily there’s an easy solution: essential oils! Essential oils such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and cedarwood oil have been shown to kill off dust mites without any toxic residue left behind like some other bug killers might leave behind.
1.) Clove
2.) Eucalyptus
3.) Tea Tree
4.) Lavender
5.) Lemongrass
6.) Peppermint
7.) Geranium
8.) Gernium Rose
9.) Cedarwood
10.) Palmarosa
You can read about studies done on essential oils and dust mites, click here and here.
Essential Oil Recipes for Dust Mites
Dust mites are one of the most common allergy triggers, and they can be a real nuisance. But don’t worry, there are plenty of essential oil recipes that can help you get rid of dust mites! Here we share some of our favorite recipes for dealing with these pesky critters.
DIY No Dust Mites Linen Spray
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 8 drops Lemongrass essential oil
- 6 drops Clove essential oil
- 6 drops Tea Tree essential oil
- 2 tablespoons grain alcohol
- distilled water
- 4 oz spray bottle
Directions: Add all ingredients into spray bottle, shake well. To use, shake well and spritz onto linen, pillows, and mattress. Let air dry.
DIY Eucalyptus Carpet Powder
Looking for a way to make your home smell fresh and clean? Check out this DIY eucalyptus carpet powder! This easy-to-make recipe is a great way to get rid of bad odors and keep your carpets smelling great. Plus, the eucalyptus essential oil in this recipe has antibacterial properties that can help keep your home healthy. So why wait? give this DIY carpet powder a try today!
- 10 drops Eucalyptus (globulus or radiata)
- 1/3 cup Baking Soda
Directions: Mix ingredients in a small bowl and then transfer to a shaker jar (like a recycled spice jar). Sprinkle onto carpet, let sit for 20 minutes then vacuum up. *Test a small spot first to make sure it doesn’t harm carpet. You could also use this powder on a bare mattress, let sit for 20 minutes then vacuum up. Read More about Scented Baking Soda.
Simple Ways to Decrease Dust Mites
I was surprised to learn this fact from WedMD: “Do not hire a duct-cleaning service. Dust mites do not live in working heating and air-conditioning ducts“. After learning more about dust mites, it makes since that they wouldn’t be up there.
Most people don’t realize that their home is filled with these tiny creatures and they’re not just on your bed. Dust mites can live in upholstery, carpets, and pillows too! On top of that, dust mites feed on skin cells which can lead to respiratory problems like asthma or sinusitis sufferers may experience during the springtime allergy season.
While it is impossible to totally eliminate dust mites, you can reduce the number with some simple solutions:
-Frequently vacuum your home (but not within 2 hours of bedtime)
-Wash bedding in hot water once per week, followed by hot dryer
-Keep mattress clean, when washing bedding spray down with the essential oil linen spray recipe from above or using one of the listed essential oils for dust mites in a spray blend
-Remove clutter and stuffed animals from bedrooms
-Dust house frequently (every few days), use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces, dry rags and dusters just spread the dust
-Clean or replace your furnace/air conditioner air filters at least once a month
-Avoid tapestries, fabric wall hangings, fabric curtains
-Opt for wooden floors or tile over carpet
Here is another great idea I found from doterra about adding a plant to your living space to improve the air quality:
“Try a Spider Plant: Do not let its name fool you, this plant is anything but creepy. Within two days the spider plant can remove almost 90 percent of toxins in your home. It gets rid of harmful substances like mold and dust allergens, but its real power is the ability to absorb formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.”
Best Essential Oils for Bug Bites
If you’re looking for some relief from pesky bug bites, check out these essential oils that are great for bug bites. So if you’re looking for some relief from your bug bites, give these essential oils a try!
–Tea Tree essential oil is a natural anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antiviral agent that is effective in treating a wide variety of skin irritations. It can help speed up the healing process. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a carrier oil and apply to insect bites to help soothe and disinfect the area.
–Lavender essential oil is one of my favorites – it helps soothe the skin and has a calming effect. Lavender oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic that can help to reduce swelling and pain from insect bites. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a carrier oil and apply to the bite site.
–Peppermint essential oil is another great choice – it’s cooling and refreshing, and can help reduce inflammation. Peppermint oil is a natural analgesic and cooling agent that can help to relieve pain and inflammation from bug bites. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a carrier oil and apply to the bite site.
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