HomeTriangle Guides: How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites From Soft Toys

Ensure your kids' safety by using these simple methods to get rid of dust mites when they play with their favorite toys.

HomeTriangle Guides: How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites From Soft Toys
soft toys hanging on washing line

You guys might have heard about dust mites and the allergies caused by these microscopic organisms. Though these might not seem dangerous, they can affect your kid's health badly. No parent wants their child to struggle daily with allergies and asthma. but unfortunately, the things that cause these conditions can be right inside your home. These tiny insects are imperceptible to the naked eye, but they can leave tiny pellets of feces on a stuffed animal that will aggravate allergies. It's important to keep your home clean; toys kids use every day, such as stuffed animals, can be the carriers of dust mites. Your kid might have a favorite toy for themselves. We ourselves regret not taking care of our toys even after growing up, so it is a herculean task to make our kids and their toys inseparable. These toys hold a special place in their hearts and as parents, it's our duty to keep them safe while they get to enjoy spending time with their favorite stuffed toy. Just dusting off is not enough, here are a few methods to get rid of these vicious mites.

a child breathing with his inhaler

Methods To Get Rid Of Dust Mites 

These are the three methods for getting rid of dust mites:

Girl child sleeping hugging her soft toy

The Freezing Method

This is an easy enough method where you have to place the toy in a plastic bag in your freezer. Freeze for 16 hours. Remove, wash, and then dry thoroughly according to laundry care directions. 

The Heating Method

This method uses your own clothes dryer to kill mites. Set the dryer to high heat and dry the plush animal for 20 minutes. Remove and wash and dry, using a warm wash setting. Check the tag on the animal before doing this, since some stuffed animals will fall apart in the washer or dryer. 

The Oiling Method

Here you have to use a eucalyptus oil blend. Eucalyptus oil is a natural way to kill insects. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a teaspoon of liquid detergent. Mix, and let stand for 10 minutes. Add to 1-1/4 gallons of water. Soak the animal in the water for one hour, then rinse and dry well for 2 days. 

A bunny soft toy in the washing machine

Extra Tips:

1) Read the instructions on the tag of the toy before washing it.

2) If the toy has a battery or anything in it. Don't wash it.

3) Do a color test before letting the kid play with it.

Given the amount of time most mothers have to do household chores, the best method may be one of avoidance. If your child has serious asthma, make a concerted effort to keep your home clean. Toys kids play with, especially soft plush animals, should be kept to a minimum to cut down on the number of dust mites. Though stuffed animals can be fun and a part of their growing up, they should be minimal in the kid's toy list. Try incorporating more things which will help their mental growth like building blocks, word games, and puzzles.

Once the kids get an allergy, it is very difficult to handle them. Exposure to the slightest things will destroy their health. So preventing this is the most important thing you should do as a parent and the above mentioned are a few easy ways to save your kid from allergies.