If you find yourself waking up congested, sneezing, or with itchy eyes, you might not just be experiencing seasonal allergies — your bed could be playing a part. The culprit? Dust mites. These microscopic creatures live in our bedding, mattresses, and upholstery, and for many of us, they’re a major cause of allergy symptoms.
In this guide, we’ll explore what a dust mite allergy is, how to spot the signs, and most importantly, how to get rid of dust mites in bed — naturally and effectively.
What is a dust mite allergy?
A dust mite allergy is your immune system’s reaction to proteins found in the waste and body parts of dust mites. These allergens become airborne and can easily be inhaled, especially while you’re sleeping. For people with asthma, eczema, or hay fever, this can cause or worsen symptoms - sometimes significantly.
Common Dust Mite Allergy Symptoms:
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Nasal congestion or postnasal drip
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy skin or eczema flare-ups
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath (especially in asthma sufferers)
- Interrupted sleep or early morning symptoms
If you notice these symptoms are worse at night or first thing in the morning, mites on bedding could be the cause.
Why Your Bedding Matters
Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments — making beds, pillows, and duvets their ideal habitat. They feed on dead skin cells, and a typical mattress can house millions of them. So, if you’re not actively managing your sleep environment, your bed could be triggering your allergies every night
How to Get Rid of Dust Mites in Bed
Reducing dust mites doesn’t require harsh chemicals or endless cleaning. With a few smart changes, you can significantly reduce allergen levels and improve your sleep quality
1. Switch to Natural Wool Bedding
Wool is naturally resistant to dust mites and moisture-wicking — two qualities that make it far less hospitable for mites than down or synthetic fibres. It also helps regulate temperature and humidity, which are key in preventing mite build-up.
Woolroom bedding is scientifically proven to reduce dust mite allergens by up to 99%, offering a cleaner, healthier place to rest your head.
2. Wash Bedding Frequently at 60°C+
Dust mites don’t survive hot washes. Washing pillowcases, sheets, and duvet covers once a week at 60°C or higher can remove allergens effectively. Don’t forget to clean throws and cushion covers, too.
Woolroom offers washable wool bedding, so you get all the natural benefits of wool without compromising on hygiene.
3. Use a Dust Mite Mattress Protector
A tightly woven, breathable dust mite mattress protector acts as a physical barrier, preventing mites from settling into your mattress and multiplying. Choose one that’s washable and free from synthetic treatments to keep things natural.
4. Vacuum and Air Out the Room
Regularly vacuum mattresses, rugs, and carpets using a HEPA-filter vacuum. Open windows daily to ventilate the room and reduce humidity. Try not to make the bed immediately after waking — letting it air out helps moisture evaporate and reduces mite build-up.
5. Try a Natural Dust Mite Spray
Looking for extra protection? A dust mites spray made with essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, or lavender can help deter mites and freshen up your bedding naturally. Avoid chemical-heavy sprays that could irritate sensitive skin or lungs.
Long-Term Prevention of Mite Allergies
When it comes to creating a dust mite-free sleep environment, prevention is key. Natural wool bedding offers an effective, chemical-free solution. Here’s why it works:
- Naturally repels dust mites.
- Regulates body temperature and humidity.
- Breathable and hypoallergenic
- Ideal for sensitive skin or asthma sufferers
- Reduces the need for synthetic treatments or harsh cleaning products.
Explore our full hypoallergenic bedding collection to transform your sleep space today.
Living with dust mite allergies can be frustrating — especially when the triggers are hidden in your own home. But by making simple, sustainable changes to your bedroom routine and switching to natural wool bedding, you can dramatically reduce symptoms and sleep more soundly.
Remember: you don’t need to fight allergies with chemicals. With Woolroom, you can breathe easier, sleep better, and wake up feeling refreshed — all thanks to the natural power of wool.
Learn more about dust mites in your home. Watch our video with Dr. Christian Jessen and discover how you can overcome the little critters.