How to Make Dust Mite Spray

April 26, 2024 Tracey Bailey

It seems to be the sneezy season of dust mites all year round in Australia! If you're like me, someone in your household is constantly sniffling, sneezing, or suffering from eczema or asthma. Dust mites are likely to be part of the reason. Even if you are not overtly suffering, you're no doubt keen to maintain a clean living environment and reduce these tiny pests as much as possible.

Dust mites are common cause of allergy and asthma symptoms in around one third of people. These allergen mites thrive in warm, humid conditions, feasting on dead skin cells and nesting in your bedding, carpets, and upholstery. The health implications can be significant, ranging from mild allergic reactions to severe asthma attacks.

Given the frustrating health impacts, many of us seek effective solutions to get rid of house dust mites. While some commercial chemical sprays are available, I prefer natural alternatives that use essential oils in the ingredients.

Here we cover how to make your own to use at home and take with you when you travel:

QUICK ANSWER

To make a natural dust mite spray at home, combine eucalyptus, clove and lavender essential oils with white vinegar and water. Spray lightly over mattresses, bedding, curtains and other dust mite-prone fabrics, always patch testing first. Full recipe and instructions below.

How to make dust mite spray with essential oils

Creating your own dust mite spray using essential oils is a natural and effective way to help control dust mites in your home. But, what ingredients kill dust mites? Not all essential oils are created equal in their effectiveness against dust mites. The potency and success of these natural remedies depend largely on the type and concentration of the oils used. Among the standout options, Eucalyptus essential oil and clove oil have been shown to be particularly effective in killing dust mites. These oils, when used correctly, offer a powerful and natural weapon in the fight against dust mite allergens.

Will vinegar and water kill dust mites?

With high enough concentration, vinegar by itself may work. But, it is important to know that white vinegar purchased at the supermarket is only about 3% to 5% concentration (it is mostly diluted with water to begin with). In this recipe, the vinegar is mostly used to help disperse the essential oils.

Here's our simple recipe for how to make dust mite spray for your mattress, couch, sofas, curtains, bedding, and other dust mite hangouts (always patch test first of course):

Ingredients:

Water: 1 cup cooled boiled water (removes chlorine and other contaminants)
White vinegar: 1 cup (helps to dissolve essential oils and has natural disinfectant properties - see alternatives to vinegar below)
Eucalyptus oil: 15 drops (as a potent dust mite killer)
Clove oil: 10 drops (for its acaricidal properties)
Lavender oil: 10 drops (adds a pleasant scent and helps repel mites)

Equipment:

Glass spray bottle: we choose a glass spray bottle as glass is resistant to essential oils. Essentials oils like eucalyptus can dissolve plastic over time.

Instructions:

Add the oils: Add into the spray bottle the eucalyptus, clove, and lavender oils. This mixture harnesses the acaricidal properties of each oil (acaricidal means a pesticide that kills mites and ticks).
Add the vinegar & water: add the white vinegar and then the water into the bottle. The vinegar helps to emulsify the oils in the water, allowing for a more consistent mixture.
Shake: Close the bottle and shake well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. Also shake well before every use.
Usage: Spray the mixture lightly on bedding, curtains, and other areas where dust mites are likely to live. Do not saturate the fabrics; a light mist is sufficient.
Repeat: For best results, use the spray regularly, such as weekly, to help keep dust mite populations under control.

Prefer a ready-made dust mite spray?

If you'd rather skip the measuring and mixing, read What Is the Best Dust Mite Spray? to see what we look for in a natural bedding spray and our recommended ready-made option.

Alternatives to vinegar for a dust mite spray

If you prefer not to use white vinegar in your dust mite spray, there are several alternatives that can help dissolve essential oils and offer additional benefits:

Rubbing alcohol or witch hazel: Both of these can serve as effective alternatives to vinegar. They help in dispersing the essential oils evenly and also have disinfectant properties. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, reducing the wetness left on fabrics. If using these, you do not need to use as much because they are concentrated and not already diluted like white vinegar - just use two tablespoons per cup of water.
Vodka: A clear, odourless vodka can be used as a base for the essential oils. It has similar dispersing and quick-drying properties as rubbing alcohol, and it won't leave a residue or smell once it evaporates.
Hydrosols: These are floral waters that are byproducts of the distillation process of essential oils. Hydrosols like rose water or lavender water can add extra anti-mite properties and a pleasant fragrance to your spray.
Distilled water: If you're only looking for a diluting agent without additional properties, distilled water alone can be used. It lacks the dispersing properties of alcohol or vinegar, so you’ll need to shake the mixture well before each use.

For your home made dust mite spray, choose the alternative that best suits your needs based on the properties you want to add to your dust mite spray. Each alternative provides a slightly different benefit and can be tailored to your preferences or what you have on hand.

Can I use this dust mite spray on my mattress?

Yes. Lightly mist the DIY spray over your mattress and other fabric surfaces where dust mites live. Do not saturate the fabric, and always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Eucalyptus and clove are the key essential oils in our recipe, but you could also use tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties for a mattress spray.

Can I use homemade dust mite spray on a dog bed?

Making a dust mite spray for dog beds is a great way to ensure your furry friend's sleeping area is clean and free from allergens.

Adapt the recipe above, but exclude clove oil, which can affect dogs and cats. Clove oil and Tea tree oil should never be applied in an undiluted form on cats and dogs, or ingested by them. Thus it is best not sprayed on their bedding, which they may lick.

Ensure your dog does not have allergies to any of the oils used. While eucalyptus and lavender are generally safe for dogs, each pet is different, and it's good to confirm before regular use.
Always spot test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of the bed to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or adverse reactions.

Can I use neem oil in a dust mite spray?

Yes. Neem oil is another natural option traditionally used for its insecticidal properties and to deter mites and other pests. It disrupts the life cycle of mites, preventing their reproduction and growth. Neem oil can help prevent dust mite infestations and can also treat existing populations.

If you want to use pure neem oil, remember that it is concentrated and needs to be appropriately diluted before household use.

Want to know more about neem beyond dust mites? Read our guide to what neem oil is good for and how to use it.

What else can help with dust mites naturally?

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is another option for dust mites and other small pests. This fine powder is made from fossilised diatoms; its microscopic sharp edges damage the mites' protective outer layer, causing them to dehydrate and die.

To use, lightly sprinkle over mattresses, pet beds, carpets or upholstered furniture, leave for several hours or longer, then vacuum thoroughly, preferably with a HEPA-filter vacuum. Repeat if needed.

Always use food-grade diatomaceous earth, avoid inhaling the fine dust, and keep the area well ventilated during application and clean-up.