How to get rid of dust mites on soft toys
Dust mites can be a real pain and more often than not they live inside our kids' soft toys. Dust mite allergy is one of the most common allergies, and I’m sure most people don’t realise this could be the reason behind a lot of sinus or hay fever symptoms.
Where Dust Mites Hide
Dust mites love to hide in soft toys, quilts, sheets, mattresses, pillows, curtains, carpets, furniture, and clothes. Here is how to keep those stuffed toys clean and safe!
The Washing Machine
Pop the soft toys into a laundry bag. Use your usual detergent and add 4-6 drops of tea tree essential oil as a natural disinfectant. Reshape them afterwards and hang by the ears or lay flat to dry.
The Freezer Method
Place the toy into a plastic bag and pop in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites and bacteria. Once thawed, put them in the dryer on a low setting for 15-20 minutes to shake them up and get them fluffy again.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
- Vacuum: It sounds strange, but using the nozzle once a week removes dust mites and dirt while fluffing the fur.
- Steam: For delicate toys or those with batteries, use a handheld steamer to sanitise and deep clean without the wash.
Keeping on top of these simple steps will help keep your home allergen-free and your children's toys fresh. Thanks for reading!
Lynsey Queen of Clean xoxo
