If you are prone to allergies and asthma, then you know all too well about the dust and dust mites that can accumulate in your home. One of the biggest culprits of dust mites is your mattress.

Not only can these tiny creatures trigger allergic reactions, but they can also cause respiratory problems and skin irritation. Here are ten tips to help you eliminate dust mites from your mattress:.

1. Vacuum Your Mattress

Regularly vacuuming your mattress can help remove dust, dead skin cells, and dust mites that have accumulated on it. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for the best results.

Be sure to vacuum all sides of the mattress, including the top, sides, and bottom.

2. Wash Your Bedding

Wash your bedding weekly to help eliminate dust mites. Use hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill the mites. Use a gentle laundry detergent that is free of dyes and fragrances.

3. Use Dust Mite Covers

Encase your mattress, box spring, and pillows in dust mite covers to help prevent dust mites from getting inside. These covers are made of a tightly woven fabric that prevents dust mites from penetrating.

Be sure to wash the covers regularly to keep them clean.

4. Use a Dehumidifier

Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so using a dehumidifier can help reduce their numbers on your mattress. Keep the humidity level in your bedroom between 30-50 percent.

5. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender have been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate dust mites.

Add a few drops of essential oil to your washing machine when washing your bedding or spray a mixture of water and essential oil on your mattress to help keep it clean.

6. Sun Your Mattress

Expose your mattress to natural sunlight to kill dust mites. Take your mattress outside on a sunny day and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. The UV rays from the sun will help to kill the mites.

7. Freeze Your Pillows

Dust mites cannot survive in extreme temperatures, so freezing your pillows can help kill them. Place your pillows in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for at least 24 hours.

Take them out and let them come to room temperature before using them again.

8. Use Steam to Clean Your Mattress

Steam cleaning your mattress can help kill dust mites. Use a handheld steam cleaner and go over the entire mattress, making sure to get all sides and crevices. Allow the mattress to dry completely before using it again.

9. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help absorb moisture from your mattress. Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress, let it sit for several hours, and then vacuum it up. This will help remove any odors and moisture from your mattress.

10. Replace Your Mattress

If your mattress is old and worn, it may be time to replace it.

Dust mites can accumulate in even the cleanest of mattresses, so if you have tried all of the above methods and are still having allergic reactions, it may be time to invest in a new mattress.