Hooray: A Natural Essential Oil to Kill Dust Mites

This isn't an entirely pleasant thought, but it sure does keep a Happy slob changing the bed linens - dust mites live in our bedding, and if we don't do a proper job cleaning the linens, well...let's just say it's not very pretty.

Many people are very allergic to dust mites too, adding a new dimension to this cleaning dilemma. How can you successfully get rid of dust mites? (In fact, it's important to get rid of their eggs and droppings - the source that causes the true allergic reaction in most people.)

New research shows that eucalyptus oil is a fantastic, natural way to combat these microscopic foes. According to one allergy newsletter, soaking your bed linens in this mixture will kill 99% of dust mites, compared to only (gasp!) 2.4% when washed normally:

• Soak the blankets/sheets for 60 minutes in this solution:
• 6 tablespoons eucalyptus oil , 1 1/2 tablespoons regular liquid clothing detergent, all together in 13 gallons of water.

Hope this helps all you allergy sufferers! If you don't have allergies, but still like the idea of killing all of those nasty little critters, try adding a tablespoon or two of eucalyptus oilto your regular laundry. It should also help a lot.