How should clothing be washed to remove ticks? - briefly
Wash items in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) with detergent, then tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 10 minutes to ensure any attached ticks are killed.
How should clothing be washed to remove ticks? - in detail
Effective removal of attached arthropods from garments requires a specific laundering protocol. Begin by sorting clothing and separating items that have been in contact with vegetation or wildlife. Inspect each piece for visible ticks and manually detach any that are still attached; removal should be done with fine‑point tweezers, grasping the tick close to the skin and pulling straight upward.
The washing cycle must employ hot water at a minimum temperature of 130 °F (54 °C). This temperature is sufficient to kill ticks at all life stages. Use a standard laundry detergent; enzymatic formulations enhance breakdown of organic material that may shield ticks. Set the machine to a long cycle—preferably the “sanitize” or “heavy‑duty” program—to ensure prolonged exposure to heat.
After washing, transfer the garments to a dryer set on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Drying at temperatures above 130 °F guarantees complete mortality of any surviving specimens. If a dryer is unavailable, lay items flat in direct sunlight for a minimum of four hours, turning them periodically to expose all surfaces to heat.
For hand washing, submerge clothing in a tub of water heated to at least 130 °F, add detergent, and agitate for ten minutes. Rinse in the same temperature water, then dry using the same high‑heat method described above. Avoid lukewarm or cold water, as it does not reliably eliminate ticks.
Finally, clean the washing machine drum with a hot water cycle containing bleach or a commercial disinfectant. Wipe the exterior surfaces and any lint traps to prevent cross‑contamination. Store laundered clothing in a sealed container until the drying process is complete. Following this regimen consistently removes ticks from apparel and reduces the risk of subsequent bites.