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Ironing or "vacuum-bagging" dust mites

August 13, 2003

If I put pillow cushions etc. into a garbage bag and pull a vacumn on these items will the dust might die or can it live through a vacumn condition. -- RTC, Wisconsin

I've not seen any data about ironing clothes to cure dust mites. I doubt that it would be possible to apply the heat long enough to kill them. Most of the material I've seen indicates a 20 minute wash in 120 to 130 degreee heat is needed. The University of Nebraska has cites research that indicates it takes several hours of heat in a dryer to kill dust mites in blankets. Even if you were able to kill the dust mites by ironing them, the allergen would still be present.

Vacuuming is a good way to help eliminate dust mites. I've not heard of putting pillows in a garbage bag to vacuum them, but vacuuming mattresses, cushions, furniture, etc. directly is an excellent step to help control dust mites. The vacuum would likely be a lot more powerful for deeper cleaning if applied directly. However, to be effective, it must be a thorough vacuuming. The University of Nebraska recommends at least 20 minutes for vacuuming a mattress.

Placing items outside in freezing temperatures will also kill dust mites. But it will not get rid of the mites. Washing in hot (120 - 130F) water or vacuuming for 20 minutes not only kills the mites, but it removes them.

Using an additive such as de-Mite will control mites also, and it is effective even in cold water. The de-Mite kills the mites and the cold water rinses away the allergen.

For more information on de-mite, click here.

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