How to get rid of dust mites with a steam cleaner

You can't see them and you can't feel them, but they're almost always there. Dust mites live in every home. For most people, that's not a problem. But if you suffer from a blocked nose, sneezing or itchy eyes, they can become a nuisance. The good news is you can tackle them without chemicals. A steam cleaner is perfectly suited to removing dust mites. In this blog, you'll find out why and how to go about it.

Why is a steam cleaner suitable for dust mites?

Dust mites are microscopic creatures, around 0.3 millimetres in size. They feed on skin flakes and thrive in warm, humid conditions. It's not the mites themselves but mainly their droppings that cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to them.

Why is steam so well suited to this? Mites don't cope well with heat. Steam is much hotter than a wash programme or a damp cloth. It penetrates the fabric and does its job without any cleaning products.

Where do dust mites usually live?

Anywhere skin flakes and warmth come together. The most common spots are:

• Mattress and bedding
  You spend around eight hours a night here. That makes it the biggest breeding ground in your home.
• Sofa and upholstered furniture
  Dust sinks deep into the upholstery.
• Carpets and rugs
  Deep-pile types in particular hold on to dust for a long time.
• Pillows, duvets and cuddly toys
  Soft, warm and often used, but rarely washed.
• Curtains
  They trap dust and rarely end up in the washing basket.

How to remove dust mites with a steam cleaner

We'll use a mattress as the example. It works the same way for a sofa. You'll need the triangular brush with the white microfibre cloth. You can do this with the TS3 Edge, the TS2 Performance and the TS Compact Handheld Steam Cleaner.

1. Check that steaming is allowed. Make sure your mattress or sofa is suitable for steam cleaning. Not sure? Ask the shop or the manufacturer.
2. Vacuum first. This removes loose dust so the steam can do its job better.
3. Fit the attachments. Click the extension tube onto the steam gun, then click the triangular brush onto the extension tube.
4. Give it a quick blast. Steam briefly into the sink to clear any excess condensation. That keeps the cloth dry enough later on.
5. Wrap the white microfibre cloth around the brush. Don't do this with bare hands while you're steaming. The cloth holds heat well, which makes it ideal for fabric surfaces.
6. Choose the dry setting. The TS3 Edge has a dry setting. Use it for mattresses and sofas. The steam stays hot but carries very little moisture.
7. Test on a hidden area. Start on a small patch and check the fabric can handle it.
8. Steam slowly back and forth. Keep moving and don't steam one spot for too long. That way, the surface gets nice and hot without getting too wet.
9. Let it dry properly. Open a window or air the room before you make the bed again.

Please note: the microfibre cloth can still be hot after steaming. Handle it with care. The cloths are washable at 60 degrees, with liquid detergent and no fabric softener.

What about rugs?

You can steam most synthetic, short-pile or flatweave rugs. The fibres are short, so moisture doesn't soak in as deeply and the rug dries faster. Does your rug have a special coating? Check the manufacturer's recommendations first.

Stop dust mites coming back

Steaming helps, but mites will come back if conditions stay right for them. A few simple habits will keep them under control:

• Wash bedding regularly at 60 degrees. Once a week is a good rule of thumb.
• Air your bedroom every day. Open the window for a while and shake out your duvet.
• Keep humidity low. Mites love moisture. Below 50 per cent, they find it far less comfortable.
• Vacuum often, ideally with a HEPA filter. That way, the dust doesn't keep floating around.
• Cut down on dust traps. Think deep-pile rugs, heavy curtains and lots of scatter cushions in the bedroom.
• Wash soft toys and pillows. Can't wash them? You can steam them instead, as long as the label allows it.
• Steam your mattress and sofa a few times a year. It takes very little time and makes a big difference.

Symptoms that won't go away? Talk to your GP. Steaming is a practical addition to a clean home, not a medical treatment.