Get Rid of Dust Mites with Essential Oils
Dust mites cause allergies. Let’s get rid of them!
Dust mites live in fabrics, feeding on dust and dead skin cells. They’re one of the leading causes of respiratory allergies, and can worsen issues like asthma.
And do you know what dust mites can’t stand? Geraniol & eugenol!
Research on natural ways to get rid of dust mites
A 2008 study showed that geraniol—which is a naturally occurring molecule in some plant oils—was more effective than DEET against house dust mites. Geraniol shows up in Palmarosa and Citronella Java essential oils.
And a 2003 study concluded that eugenol—a molecule that shows up in Clove Bud oil—could actually kill adult dust mites.
Research like this is so promising for people who struggle with dust mite allergies!
Of course, regularly washing your linens and other fabrics with hot water is still a key factor in dust mite control, as is frequent vacuuming. But now you have another tool in your arsenal! Mist your upholstery and linens with this spray to get rid of dust mites, especially between washing sessions. It can truly calm allergy symptoms.
If you’d also like more immediate relief from allergies, try this inhaler recipe from our YouTube channel. It’s called “I want to feel better NOW!” and it includes oils that help calm inflammation and clear congestion. Using this inhaler delivers relief right to the “scene of the action”—your respiratory system!
Geraniol & Eugenol Dust Mite Spray
2 fl oz (60 ml) Water
5 ml Solubol (dispersant)
10 drops Citronella Java Oil (Cymbopogon winterianus)
10 drops Clove Bud Oil (Syzygium aromaticum/Eugenia caryophyllata)
10 drops Palmarosa Oil (Cymbopogon martinii var motia)
Directions:
Make this blend in a 2 oz (60 ml) PET plastic bottle with a spray cap.
Pour 5 ml of Solubol in the bottle and fill the rest up with water. Add the essential oils, close the cap, and shake well.
Now spray your linens, blankets, pillowcases, upholstery, and carpets as needed!
Why do we need Solubol?
The Solubol in this recipe distributes the essential oils through the water. Even though this isn’t meant for skin application, it’s still possible that your skin could come into contact with the blend on your linens or upholstery. Solubol helps protect your skin from irritation.
Go natural, and stay healthy!
This recipe is safer and more natural than harsh pesticide dust mite sprays. Instead of containing harmful chemicals that can stress your immune system (and even cause more allergies), it actually supports your health.
Palmarosa, Citronella Java, and Clove Bud essential oils have relaxing, mood-boosting effects that can calm anxious feelings. They support immune health and reduce the presence of germs.
And they create a floral, smooth, spicy-sweet scent that’s so comforting when you tuck yourself into bed!
REFERENCES
Jeon JH, Kim HW, Kim MG, Lee HS. (2008) Mite-control activities of active constituents isolated from Pelargonium graveolens against house dust mites. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2008 Oct;18(10):1666-71. PMID: 18955817.
Kim EH, Kim HK, Ahn YJ. (2003) Acaricidal activity of clove bud oil compounds against Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2003 Feb 12;51(4):885-9. doi: 10.1021/jf0208278. PMID: 12568544.
Saad, e., Hussien, R., Saher, F., & Ahmed, Z. (2006). Acaricidal activities of some essential oils and their monoterpenoidal constituents against house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae). Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B, 7(12), 957–962. doi.org/10.1631/jzus.2006.B0957
Saad, N.Y., Muller, C.D. and Lobstein, A. (2013) Major bioactivities and mechanism of action of essential oils and their components. Flavour and Fragrance Journal 28, 269-279.
Setzer, W.N. (2009) Essential Oils and Anxiolytic Aromatherapy. Natural Product Communications. 4(9), 1305-1316.
