In order to effectively kill scabies in your laundry, it is important to take proper precautions to ensure complete elimination of the pesky mites. By washing all contaminated clothing and bedding in hot water and drying them on high heat, you can effectively kill off the scabies mites and prevent re-infestation. Additionally, using a disinfectant laundry detergent can help to further eliminate any remaining mites on your garments. By following these steps, you can confidently rid your laundry of scabies and prevent the spread of this irritating skin condition.
How Do You Kill Scabies In Laundry?
Have you been dealing with a scabies infestation and wondering how to effectively treat your laundry to get rid of those pesky mites? This article will guide you through the process of killing scabies in your laundry to help you get relief from this irritating skin condition.
What is Scabies?
Before we dive into how to kill scabies in laundry, let’s first understand what scabies is. Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the ‘Sarcoptes scabiei’ mite. These microscopic mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs, causing intense itching and a pimple-like rash. Scabies is spread through close personal contact with an infected individual, making it highly contagious.
Why is it Important to Treat Your Laundry for Scabies?
Scabies mites can survive off the human body for up to 72 hours, making it crucial to treat your laundry to prevent re-infestation. Failure to treat your bedding, towels, and clothing can result in continuous exposure to scabies mites, leading to persistent itching and discomfort. By effectively killing scabies in your laundry, you can eliminate the mites and prevent the spread of the infestation.
How to Wash Clothes Infested with Scabies
Step 1: Sort Your Laundry
Begin by sorting your laundry to separate items that are infested with scabies from clean items. It is essential to wash infested items separately to prevent the spread of mites to uncontaminated clothing.
Step 2: Pre-treat Stains
If you notice any visible stains on the infested clothing, pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing. This will help ensure that the stains are effectively removed during the washing cycle.
Step 3: Wash With Hot Water
Wash the infested clothing in hot water, as scabies mites are sensitive to high temperatures. Set your washing machine to the hottest setting recommended for the fabric of the clothing. The water temperature should be at least 122°F (50°C) to effectively kill the mites.
Step 4: Use an Effective Laundry Detergent
Choose a laundry detergent that is effective at killing scabies mites. Look for a detergent specifically designed to eliminate mites and bacteria, such as one with ingredients like benzyl benzoate or tea tree oil.
Step 5: Dry on High Heat
After washing, dry the clothing on high heat in a dryer or on a clothesline under direct sunlight. Scabies mites cannot survive in high temperatures, so drying the clothing on high heat will help ensure that the mites are killed.
Step 6: Store Clean Laundry Separately
Once your laundry is clean and free from scabies mites, store it separately from infested items. This will help prevent re-infestation and ensure that the mites are effectively eradicated from your clothing.
How to Treat Bedding for Scabies
Step 1: Remove Bedding
Start by removing all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters, from the bed. It is essential to wash all bedding to kill any scabies mites that may be present.
Step 2: Wash in Hot Water
Wash the bedding in hot water, following the same guidelines as washing clothing infested with scabies. Use a high-temperature setting on your washing machine to ensure that the mites are effectively killed.
Step 3: Dry Thoroughly
After washing, dry the bedding thoroughly on high heat. Ensure that the bedding is completely dry before putting it back on the bed, as scabies mites thrive in damp environments.
Step 4: Vacuum Mattress and Pillows
To further prevent re-infestation, vacuum the mattress and pillows to remove any scabies mites that may be hiding in the fabric. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to ensure that the mites are effectively removed.
Step 5: Use Mattress and Pillow Protectors
Consider using mattress and pillow protectors to encase your bedding and prevent scabies mites from returning. These protective covers create a barrier between you and the mites, reducing the risk of re-infestation.
Additional Tips for Killing Scabies in Laundry
Avoid Sharing Clothing and Bedding
To prevent the spread of scabies, avoid sharing clothing and bedding with others, especially during an active infestation. Scabies is highly contagious, and sharing items can lead to the spread of mites to other individuals.
Wash Personal Items Regularly
Regularly wash personal items such as towels, washcloths, and pajamas to prevent the accumulation of scabies mites. Washing these items in hot water and drying them thoroughly can help keep mites at bay.
Treat Furniture and Upholstery
If you suspect that furniture or upholstery may be infested with scabies mites, consider treating them with a suitable insecticide or steam cleaning to eliminate the mites. Pay special attention to areas where you spend a lot of time, such as your sofa or favorite chair.
Seek Medical Treatment
If you suspect you have scabies, seek medical treatment from a healthcare professional. A doctor can prescribe an appropriate treatment, such as a medicated cream or lotion, to help eradicate the mites. It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure the successful treatment of scabies.
Conclusion
Dealing with a scabies infestation can be a frustrating experience, but by effectively killing scabies in your laundry, you can prevent re-infestation and find relief from the itching and discomfort. By following the steps outlined in this article and taking preventive measures, you can successfully eliminate scabies mites from your clothing, bedding, and personal items. Remember to seek medical treatment if you suspect you have scabies to receive appropriate care and guidance.