Two of my kids have dust mite allergies. They both suffer from it differently; my son’s symptom is an itchy nose, but my daughter gets itchy eyes. It’s important I keep their linens and mattress clean and take some preventive measures to eliminate dust mites. It’s not uncommon to find dust mites in the cleanest of homes and surprisingly they don’t just hide in dust.
Dust mites are microscopic, virtually invisible insects. They live on animal and human skin scales and thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity. Their droppings contain a protein-like substance which is known to trigger asthma, eczema and other allergies. Scary fact ~ there can be up to 10,000 of these little insects per square meter in an average home (I shudder at the thought).
Dust mites like to hide in places like:
- Soft teddies
- Doonas/Quilts
- Sheets
- Sheepskin/ woollen underlays
- Mattresses
- Pillows
- Curtains
- Carpet
- Floor rugs
A little gross right!! So this is why it’s important that I keep all their mattresses fresh and clean. In the past I have used Bosisto’s Dust Mite Spray which has been great, however now I am using my own natural DIY Mattress Spray.
READ MORE: Labels I use around my home and on my spray bottles.
To naturally deter dust mites from mattresses, to reduce dust mites and keep the mattress fresh.
- Remove all linens from the bed and wash. I add a few drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil to the wash.
- If possible, open the windows in the room to let in the fresh air.
- While the linens are being washed, spray the DIY mattress spray onto the bed. This will absorb odours, help deter dust mites and leave the mattress smelling fresh.
- Leave the mattress as long as you can to absorb the spray and air dry. I like to leave mine for a few hours.
- Vacuum the top and sides of the mattress to remove dust, dirt, dust mites, dead skin cells, hair etc.
The ingredients I use in my Natural DIY Mattress Spray
This is my natural DIY Mattress Spray; so easy to put together and being that I love essential oils I have everything to make this recipe here at home. The essential oils I use are common oils I use frequently, more details below. I love this recipe as it uses all natural ingredients, and please don’t be deterred by the vinegar, the smell will disappear very quickly.
SPRAY BOTTLE – these can be found at chemists, hairdresser supply shops, Kmart or most grocery stores.
VINEGAR – mild natural disinfectant and helps deodorise fabrics.
EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL – has purifying properties that can be beneficial for the skin and for cleansing surfaces and the air.
LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL – is well known for its natural antibacterial properties and I also like to use it in the mattress spray to promote peaceful sleep.
PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL – repels bugs naturally
I made your mattress spray yesterday, as I have a toddler and preschooler who have had accidents while toilet training and OMG I was amazed!! It absorbed all the odour and left their mattresses smelling lovely! Thank you
Natural DIY Mattress Spray
Print ThisYOU WILL NEED
- 500ml spray bottle (approx doesn't need to be exact ml)
- 1 cup cooled boiled water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 8 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions
- Pour water and vinegar into spray bottle.
- Add essential oils.
- Shake bottle to combine.
- Spray Natural DIY Mattress Spray direct onto the mattress and allow to sit for a few hours.
Notes
Remember to shake the bottle before each use.
HOW TO BUY ESSENTIAL OILS
PURCHASE WHOLESALE 25% OFF – Create a wholesale account. There’s no minimum spend and there’s never any obligation to make another purchase if you don’t want to. You do NOT need to place an order every month or on-sell to friends or family, you simply get to save 25%. Click here to get 25% off.
PURCHASE FROM MY SHOP – Some of these oils are available in my shop here.
11 comments
Thanks Kat, I have been wanting to make a spray for my youngest daughters room, she has allergies, it makes her sneeze. Loving these DIY recipes you are sharing, I’d love to see more.
Oh wonderful Jackie. So glad my DIY spray will help your daughter
Hi, Jackie! Please let me know when this spray takes away your daughter’s allergies. 🙂
Hi Kat, I am slowly changing over to more natural products to use around the house. Do you use a glass container or plastic for this particular spray? In fact I would love to know what kind of bottles you use in which area of the house. I’ve heard that the essential oils permeate the plastic and that it is best to use glass. What are your thoughts?
Hi Kat! I love how easy and simple this is! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe with us! Can’t wait to try it! <3
Hi Kat ?
I too am wondering about spray bottles- plastic or glass? And if you have any tips on trigger sprays that last longer than a week? The vinegar seems to be destroying them quite quickly ?????
Thanks, love your page!!
Asha
Hi Ashlea, I use plastic. I am also trying to locate some quality spray bottles to recommend to all readers.
Thank you so much for sharing. I have terrible itchy watery eyes and I think after reading this I may be allergic to dust mites. I know I’m allergic to dust. I have all these oils at home so I’m going to make a bottle up. I’m also going to invest in new pillows and linen, and hopefully all of these will help me! My eye’s are sore from me itching them constantly and blood shot.
Sorry to hear your eyes are suffering but I hope with the help of my post and your new linen you find a solution and enjoy a restful night sleep without the sore eyes.
Hi Kay
My husband is asthmatic and some scents can set him off. Lavender is one of them. Is the lavender scent strong in this mix? I would like to try this as all of us have allergies and I think it may help keep the sneezing to a minimum!
Thanks
Can I use this on other places like furniture, pillow?