How to reduce dust mites at home: 5 measures for allergy sufferers in autumn

Stuffy nose in the morning, itchy eyes, sneezing when you shake out the duvet? For many people with a house dust mite allergy, symptoms become more noticeable in autumn, when windows stay closed and the heating comes on. You cannot get rid of dust mites completely – they live in every home – but you can reduce dust mites and the allergens they produce considerably with the right cleaning and bedroom habits.

This guide summarises five practical measures, based on the recommendations of aha! Swiss Allergy Centre. It does not replace medical advice: if you suspect an allergy, talk to your doctor.

Why dust mites matter in autumn

House dust mites are tiny arachnids, invisible to the naked eye. They feed on skin flakes and thrive in warm, humid places – especially in mattresses, pillows, duvets, upholstered furniture and carpets. It is not the mites themselves that trigger allergic reactions, but proteins in their droppings, which dry out, break up and mix with house dust.

During summer, many mites die off in drier conditions. In autumn, when the heating starts, dead mites and their droppings are whirled up with dust, and closed windows mean less air exchange. That is why many allergy sufferers notice more symptoms from October onwards.

1. Make the bed less inviting for mites

The bed is where you spend a third of your life – and where mite allergens are concentrated.

• Encasings: Mite-proof covers for mattress, duvet and pillows act as a barrier between you and the allergens. aha! Swiss Allergy Centre lists mite-proof encasings among the key measures.
• Wash at 60 °C: Pillowcases, duvet covers, sheets and pyjamas should be washed regularly at 60 °C.
• Washable pillows and duvets: When you replace them, choose models that can be washed at 60 °C.
• Air the bed: Fold back the duvet in the morning so the mattress can dry out.

2. Vacuum and wipe the right way

Cleaning can reduce allergens – or stir them up if done the wrong way.

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, so fine allergen particles are not blown back into the room.
• Wipe surfaces damp with a microfibre cloth instead of dry dusting, which spreads allergens into the air.
• Clean the bedroom floor regularly, including under the bed.
• Vacuum upholstered furniture and mattresses with the upholstery nozzle.
• Empty and clean the vacuum outdoors if possible, or have someone without an allergy do it.

Wiping damp and vacuuming with a HEPA filter are both part of the recommendations of aha! Swiss Allergy Centre.

3. Keep the bedroom cool and not too humid

Dust mites need warmth and humidity to thrive. The bedroom climate makes a real difference.

• According to aha!, a bedroom temperature of 18–20 °C and a relative humidity of no more than 50 % is recommended.
• Measure with a simple hygrometer from the DIY store.
• Do not dry laundry in the bedroom.
• Avoid humidifiers in the bedroom unless your doctor recommends one.

If humidity is regularly too high, our guide on reducing humidity in your apartment explains the possible causes and solutions.

4. Air correctly, several times a day

Fresh air lowers indoor humidity and helps remove airborne allergens.

• Open the windows fully for 5–10 minutes, three times a day, ideally with a cross-draught.
• Avoid leaving windows permanently tilted in the heating season: it cools the walls without exchanging much air.
• Air the bedroom thoroughly in the morning, after you get up.

The Federal Office of Public Health also recommends opening windows fully and cross-ventilating rather than keeping them tilted.

5. Reduce dust traps

The fewer places dust can collect, the easier cleaning becomes.

• Carpets: Smooth floors are easier to keep low in allergens than wall-to-wall carpets. In a rented flat you may not be able to change the floor, but you can use washable rugs.
• Curtains: Choose washable curtains or blinds and wash them regularly.
• Open shelves: Store books and decorations in closed cabinets where possible.
• Textiles: Reduce cushions, throws and soft toys in the bedroom.
• Upholstered furniture: Leather or smooth surfaces collect fewer allergens than fabric.

Common mistakes

• Dry dusting with a feather duster: Spreads allergens into the air you breathe.
• Making the bed immediately: Traps warmth and moisture in the mattress.
• Using a vacuum without a fine filter: Blows fine particles back into the room.
• Relying on sprays alone: Anti-mite sprays are no substitute for washing, encasings and a good room climate. Discuss any product with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Keeping the bedroom very warm: Comfortable for mites, not for you.

Priority Clean editorial teamOur cleaning team from Alberswil, Canton of Lucerne, shares hands-on experience from move-out, house, office and window cleaning across Central and Northwestern Switzerland.