Does Lysol Kill Dust Mites?

Having a dusty home is not only unappealing, but it can also negatively impact your indoor air quality and lead to a wide range of health issues. If you’ve ever had persistent allergies or continuously deal with asthma symptoms while in your own home, there’s a good chance dust mites are to blame. Unfortunately, dust mites are incredibly common, which makes it very important to know how to get rid of them.

Yes, Lysol spray can kill dust mites. The ethanol and ammonium-based compounds in Lysol disinfectant spray are toxic to dust mites. Immersing dust mite-infested furniture and fabrics in Lysol spray will kill them almost immediately. There are also natural alternatives to killing dust mites. Make sure you clean and rid your home of the allergens themselves.

In this article, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about how to kill dust mites with Lysol spray. We’re also going to talk about what else you can do to eliminate these pests as well as how to identify and deal with all the issues they bring with them. Let’s get started.

Before we talk about how to kill dust mites, it will be helpful to know what they really are. Dust mites are microscopic pests that populate in dusty areas where they can feed on dead skin cells. They are most commonly found in carpeting, bedding, mattresses, pillows, furniture, and stuffed animals.

Despite the similarity in name, dust mites are not the same as termites. They are also not parasitic, meaning they will not bite or sting you. They do, however, generate some of the most common allergens through their fecal pellets and body fragments.

It sounds gross, but dust mites are everywhere. In fact, approximately four out of five homes across the country have dust mites in at least one room. They cause allergies that range from mild to severe, including:

Lysol spray may not be the most natural method of killing dust mites, but it is effective. Dust mites cannot simply be vacuumed up or washed away. Exterminating them requires chemicals, or high levels of heat. Lysol spray is a good choice because it’s very affordable and found in most US stores.

Before applying the Lysol spray, wash all your bedding or curtains in hot water. Steam cleaning the carpets before spraying when possible is also a good idea. These measures will kill some of the dust mites, and bring others out from hiding.

Now you can apply the Lysol disinfectant spray. Follow the directions on the can carefully.

Not all ingredients in Lysol disinfectant spray are organic, which means you may not want to use it everywhere throughout your home. This includes in the bedroom, which is coincidentally where you can find the largest populations of dust mites.

That said, you can still wipe down surfaces like the bed frame and dressers in your bedroom with Lysol wipes. You can even use Lysol on wooden surfaces, though you probably should dilute it with water with older wood.

While you can kill the majority of dust mites by simply spraying them with Lysol or other sprays, you still need to eradicate the allergens they leave behind. That means getting rid of dust mite waste, too.

After you clean the area, vacuum everything to remove the dead dust mites and any waste they left behind. The best way to do this is with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) vacuum.

The most important thing to remember is not to wait for dust mites to become an issue. The best way to keep dust mites out of your home is to clean regularly even when they aren’t present. This includes dusting, vacuuming, and changing HVAC air filters.

Another way to keep dust mites out is to lower the humidity levels in your home by using air purifiers and humidifiers. You can also cover your bedding with dust mite covers for additional protection.

Related Questions

Are dust mites harmful to humans?

Dust mites usually will not bite a person, and if they do, it won’t cause you any serious pain. They hardly ever find themselves crawling on people, though they can get on your clothes. That said, they are indeed harmful since they bring with them high levels of allergens that can negatively impact your health over time.

How long do dust mites live?

Dust mites don’t have a terribly long lifespan, but they do reproduce rather quickly. Most dust mites will live for between 65 and 100 days and the average female will usually lay 60 to 100 eggs.

Does Febreze kill dust mites?

Recent studies have shown that Febreze Allergen Reducer can cut down the amount of allergens produced by dust mites by approximately 75%. That said, it isn’t the best product to kill the dust mite itself.

If you are looking for an easy way to rid your home of dust mites, Lysol disinfectant spray is a great tool to have on your side. However, it should not be the only tool in your toolbox. Lysol spray can kill dust mites on contact, but you still have to get rid of their bodies and any waste left behind.

For this step, you’ll need a vacuum—preferably a HEPA vacuum—so you can completely clear your home from all harmful allergens. In lieu of Lysol spray, you can use organic alternatives for your bedding to ensure your health, safety, and comfortability while you sleep going forward.