How should you properly treat clothing to remove ticks? - briefly
Wash garments in water ≥ 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes and then tumble‑dry on high heat for 20 minutes to ensure all ticks are killed and removed.
How should you properly treat clothing to remove ticks? - in detail
Cleaning garments to eliminate ticks requires a combination of temperature control, mechanical agitation, and thorough inspection. The following protocol ensures complete removal and kills any attached parasites.
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Initial removal
- Shake clothing outdoors to dislodge unattached ticks.
- Brush the fabric with a stiff‑bristled brush, directing debris into a disposable container.
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Washing
- Use hot water at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C).
- Add a standard laundry detergent; enzymatic formulas improve detachment.
- Run a full‑cycle wash with the longest agitation setting.
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Drying
- Transfer garments to a dryer set to high heat (≥ 130 °F) for at least 30 minutes.
- The combination of heat and tumbling kills any surviving ticks and eggs.
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Alternative for heat‑sensitive items
- Place clothing in a sealed freezer bag and freeze at –20 °C (–4 °F) for 72 hours.
- After thawing, repeat the hot‑wash and high‑heat drying steps if possible, or inspect thoroughly for remaining parasites.
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Chemical treatment (optional)
- For items that cannot tolerate high temperatures, apply a pyrethroid‑based spray approved for fabrics.
- Follow manufacturer instructions regarding contact time and ventilation.
- Rinse or launder after the recommended exposure period to remove residues.
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Post‑process inspection
- Examine seams, cuffs, and pockets with a magnifying lens.
- Remove any visible ticks with fine tweezers, grasping close to the body and pulling steadily.
- Dispose of extracted ticks in sealed alcohol or a freezer bag; do not crush them.
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Storage
- Keep cleaned clothing in airtight containers until next use.
- Avoid placing garments in damp or dark areas that could foster tick survival.
Adhering to this sequence—mechanical removal, high‑temperature laundering, optional freezing or chemical application, and meticulous final inspection—provides a reliable method for decontaminating clothing and preventing tick‑borne disease transmission.
