Dust mites in the car: keeping car seats and child seats clean
In this article
Yes, fabric car seats and child seats can contain dust mites and allergen, because they collect skin flakes and moisture. A car is a less favourable place than your bed, though: you spend less time in it and temperature and humidity fluctuate a lot. Vacuum seats and child seats regularly with a filter that retains fine dust, and wash the child seat cover according to the label.
Can there be dust mites in a car?
Dust mites live wherever textile holds skin flakes and moisture. Fabric seats, floor mats and especially child seats meet those conditions. There is little research specifically on dust mites in cars, so there are no hard numbers. What is clear is that allergen builds up in textiles that are rarely washed, and car seats are among them.
At the same time, a car is not an ideal habitat for dust mites. In summer it gets very hot and dry, in winter cold. Much of the allergen you breathe in the car is also brought from home on clothes and coats.
Where is the most allergen in a car?
| Location | Why | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Child seat | Lots of skin contact, crumbs, sweat and milk residue, child often sits in it for a long time | Wash cover as per label, vacuum frame |
| Fabric seats | Textile that holds skin flakes and is never washed | Vacuum regularly, including seams |
| Floor mats | Dust and dirt from shoes and clothing | Shake out outside the car and vacuum |
| Headrests | Contact with hair and skin | Include when vacuuming |
How do you clean a child car seat if there is a dust mite allergy?
- Read the manualMany child seat covers are removable but often only washable at 30 °C. Straps and the frame usually shouldn't go in the washing machine, as that can affect safety.
- Vacuum firstRemove crumbs and dust from seams, the belt opening and under the seat before taking off the cover.
- Wash the coverIf the cover can't be washed at 60 °C, washing won't kill all the mites, but it does rinse out part of the allergen. If it fits, you can put the cover in the freezer for a while first and then wash it according to the label.
- Let everything dry completelyOnly refit the cover when it is fully dry. A damp cover actually helps mites.
Don't use a steam cleaner or harsh products on the straps and frame of a child seat, and don't wash the straps in the washing machine unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it. A damaged strap protects your child less well.
How do you keep fabric car seats clean?
- Vacuum regularly: use a crevice tool and a vacuum cleaner with a filter that retains fine dust. Why the filter matters so much is explained in is a regular vacuum cleaner enough against dust mites?
- Use washable seat covers: with a severe allergy you can consider covers that can be washed at 60 °C.
- Keep it dry: don't leave wet coats and towels in the car and air the car after rain.
- Choose smooth upholstery for a new car: leather or faux leather holds less dust and is easy to wipe clean.
The same principles apply to your sofa at home; see getting dust mites out of your sofa.
Frequently asked questions about dust mites in the car
Does the car's cabin filter help against dust mites?
The cabin or pollen filter cleans the air coming in from outside. It does little against allergen already in the seats. Do replace it on time; that helps with pollen and fine dust from outside.
Do dust mites die in a hot car?
Heat and dryness are unfavourable for dust mites, but a hot car is not a reliable way to kill them: the temperature inside the fabric can't be controlled and the allergen stays behind.
How often should you vacuum car seats with an allergy?
There is no fixed rule. Include the car when you clean thoroughly at home, for example every two weeks, and the child seat more often if your child uses it daily.
Sources (in Dutch)
- Thuisarts: Ik wil iets doen tegen huisstofmijt
- Reinier de Graaf: De belangrijkste maatregelen bij huisstofmijtallergie
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your GP.