Fill Your Home With The Sweet Smell Of Christmas And Get Rid Of Dust Mites At The Same Time

It can be hard to feel holly and jolly when the dust mites in your home have turned your nose into a dripping faucet. Getting rid of these tiny, allergy-inducing pests isn't necessarily difficult, but traditional methods often include chemical pesticides. While effective, these products can present a potential risk to you as well as children or pets living in your home. And with Christmas right around the corner, that's the last thing anyone wants. Luckily, pesticides are not your only option. You can eliminate dust mites from your home with the help of an all-natural oil – mint.

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), mint essential oils effectively kill and repel dust mites in the home. Not only is this a safe, natural alternative to chemical repellents, the peppermint scent fits right in with the holiday, filling your home with that traditional Christmas aroma. For an added benefit, mix your essential mint oils with other natural cleaners like vinegar, so you can wipe down various surfaces in your home before the holiday guests arrive.

To get rid of dust mites in your home, you have to know where to find them. They thrive in humid places. And because they primarily eat dead skin cells shed by people and their pets, they are commonly found on mattresses, sheets and blankets, upholstered furniture, and in the carpet. You will want to target these areas with your mint essential oil spray, paying particular attention to your bed. According to the American Lung Association, roughly four out of five homes in the US have dust mites in their beds. While any mint oil should work, the NLM study found that those with high levels of linalool were most effective. This is a naturally occurring alcohol that's found in several plants such as mint, lavender, and basil.

To use the mint oil in your home, be sure to dilute it. You'll find all kinds of concoctions that involve adding the oil to ingredients such as white vinegar and baking soda. These are great options if you want to make a multi-purpose solution that tackles dust mites and cleans your home. If you'd rather concentrate solely on spraying your bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture, simply mix water and mint essential oil together. About 5-10 drops per cup of water is a good ratio to follow. There are also several other ways you can use peppermint essential oil in your home so it won't go to waste after your Christmas cleaning is done.