If you’re noticing more sneezing, itchy eyes, or general discomfort while lounging on your fabric couch, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a dust mite infestation.
Dust mites are one of the most common indoor pests in Los Angeles, California homes, especially in warm and humid environments. And yes, your upholstered furniture, like couches, chairs, and cushions, makes the perfect habitat for these microscopic pests.
Let’s walk through how to get rid of dust mites in your couch and keep them from returning, without overwhelming you with technical terms. You’ll also find helpful cleaning tips that can improve your indoor air quality and create a healthier home.
What Are Dust Mites and Why Are They on My Couch?
Dust mites are very small pests (you can’t see them with the naked eye) that thrive in warm environments and feed on dead skin cells shed by people and pets. Your fabric couch, along with your bedding, mattress, and carpet, is basically their dream home.
These mites don’t bite, but their dust mite waste and decaying bodies contain proteins that can trigger allergy symptoms and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Where Do Dust Mites Live?
Dust mites live in soft surfaces that trap dust, moisture, and flakes of skin. Places they love include:
- Upholstered furniture like couches and armchairs
- Mattresses, pillows, and bedding
- Curtains, drapes, and carpet
- Stuffed toys and fabric decor
In short, any place where dust and dead skin cells gather is a prime location for mite populations to grow.
How to Identify a Dust Mite Infestation in Your Couch
You won’t be able to see dust mites, but you might notice some clear signs of dust mite allergies:
- Sneezing or a runny nose when sitting on the couch
- Itchy eyes or skin irritation
- Increased asthma or allergic reactions
- Persistent coughing while indoors
Anyone allergic to dust mites will be more sensitive to their presence. If your symptoms ease up outside the home, dust mites in your sofa might be the culprit.
How to Get Rid of Dust Mites in a Couch
You might not be able to completely eliminate dust mites, but there are proven ways to significantly reduce their numbers and improve your comfort.
Vacuum Your Sofa Thoroughly and Regularly
Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) to trap the tiny particulates mites leave behind.
- Vacuum your sofa at least once a week
- Focus on seams, crevices, and under cushions
- Use upholstery attachments for tight spots
Vacuuming alone won’t kill mites, but it helps remove dust, allergens, and mite waste
Use Steam Cleaning to Kill Dust Mites
Steam cleaning is a powerful approach to kill mites naturally. The heat penetrates deep into upholstery fibers to kill dust mites and remove allergens they leave behind.
- Set your steam cleaning unit to a minimum of 130°F (54.4°C)
- Use on fabric surfaces carefully to avoid water damage
- Allow the couch to dry completely to prevent mold, mildew, and moisture buildup
Wash Removable Covers in Hot Water
If your couch has removable covers, wash them regularly.
- Wash bedding, pillow covers, and cushion covers in hot water (at least 130°F)
- Use a dryer on a high setting for extra mite control
Washing in hot water kills dust mites and reduces allergen exposure.
How to Prevent Dust Mites from Returning to Upholstered Furniture
Once you’ve treated your couch, it’s just as important to maintain good cleaning habits and reduce conditions that allow mite populations to thrive.
Reduce Humidity in Your Living Room
Dust mites thrive in warm and humid spaces, so reducing humidity levels can make your couch less welcoming to these pests.
- Keep indoor humidity below 50%
- Use a dehumidifier in rooms with poor airflow
- Avoid overwatering indoor houseplants
Lowering humidity creates a less favorable environment for mites naturally.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with a HEPA Air Filter
Adding a HEPA air filter can help trap airborne dust, skin, and allergens. Look for models with a HEPA feature certified by a credible source like the EPA or the American Lung Association.
This helps if you’re sensitive to dust mites, especially if you’re dealing with asthma or nasal symptoms caused by exposure to dust mites.
Use Allergen-Proof or Dust Mite-Proof Covers
You can prevent dust mites from burrowing deep into couch cushions by:
- Covering them with allergen-proof covers
- Wrapping them in certified dust mite-proof couch protectors
- Switching to materials less likely to attract dust, like leather
Keep Pets Off the Furniture
Pets carry dander, fur, and skin cells, which can feed dust mites. If possible, designate pet-free furniture zones or clean more frequently if pets share the couch.
More Expert Cleaning Tips for a Mite-Free Home
Clean Surrounding Areas
Your couch isn’t the only place where dust mites might linger. Expand your cleaning strategy to reduce dust mites throughout your home:
- Remove carpeting where possible
- Wash curtains or replace with blinds
- Vacuum upholstery, pillows, and mattresses weekly
- Use a mattress protector and wash bedding in hot water
- Expose couch cushions or bedding in the sun during warmer, dry weather
Consider Natural Sprays or Essential Oils
Some essential oils, like eucalyptus or tea tree, added to a DIY spray may help kill mites and freshen fabric. Always spot test your textile surfaces before fully applying.
Replace Old Upholstered Furniture
If your couch is several years old, you may be dealing with long-standing mite control challenges. Old, poorly maintained upholstery can trap years of dust, debris, and allergens.
Replacing with a microfiber or leather couch can make home conditions less likely to attract dust and mites.
For deeper, more effective dust-mite removal, Local Cleaning Services Inc. offers professional cleaning solutions designed to revive and sanitize your upholstered furniture. Explore our upholstery cleaning services to keep your couch fresh, allergen-free, and comfortable year-round.
Why Regular Cleaning Can Help with Dust Mite Allergies
If you or a family member is experiencing allergies to dust mites or frequent sinus irritation, regular cleaning and reducing mite infestations can provide real relief. While it may not completely eliminate dust mites, it can reduce them enough to ease breathing and sleep issues.
- Wash bedding, curtains, and removable covers in hot water
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter often
- Improve airflow and humidity controls
- Stay alert to signs and symptoms of dust mite allergies
Final Thoughts: Deal With Dust Mites for a Healthier Home
Learning how to get rid of dust mites in your couch isn’t complicated when you understand how dust mites live and why they’re there in the first place. Identify the hotspots, target them with heat and cleaning, and commit to simple habits that reduce humidity and remove dust regularly.
If your allergies persist or you can’t seem to get a handle on your dust mite infestation, consider calling in a local pest control expert or professional cleaner.
Your couch should be a place to relax, not sneeze. With a little attention and the right indoor habits, you can keep dust mites in your home under control and breathe easier in every room.