How to Get Mites Out of a Pillow-Top Bed

Vacuum your mattress using upholstery attachments to extract as many mites as possible. Vacuum every side of the mattress along with the bed frame and box springs. One time with the vacuum will likely not be enough; vacuum the mattress two to three times to begin, then vacuum once weekly to maintain mattress cleanliness. Empty the vacuum canister or dispose of the vacuum bag after vacuuming to dispose of mites. A vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is a high-efficiency particulate air filter, helps trap extra allergens such as dust and mites, making cleanup more effective.

Spray bedding with an anti-allergen spray to reduce dust and skin particles that dust mites feed on, which will reduce dust mite populations. Anti-allergen sprays contain enzymes that deactivate the substances in decaying mite parts, proteins or fecal matter that give rise to runny nose, watering eyes and sore throats commonly associated with dust mite allergies. These sprays are available in pet stores, drugstores or online.

Wash your bedding in hot, soapy water. Water below 130 degrees Fahrenheit must have borax or anti-allergen wash added to properly kill the mites. Wash all bedding including pillows, sheets, stuffed animals and any other items that regularly sit on the bed. Killing mites in these items prevents the spread of mites to the mattress. Dry the bedding in the dryer on the highest recommended setting the items can tolerate. Wash and dry the bedding on a weekly basis to keep mite population down.

Place your mattress and any bedding items that cannot be machine dried in direct sunlight. Sunlight kills dust mites and eliminates any moisture they need to survive. If you cannot move items outdoors, place them in direct sunlight from a sunny window or steam clean the items to kill mites.

Cover the mattress with a mattress cover that encloses the top and sides of the mattress. This suffocates mites and keeps them from spreading onto other surfaces.