How to get rid of laundry mites?

How to get rid of laundry mites? - briefly

Wash clothes and linens at least 60 °C, dry them thoroughly on high heat, and clean washing machines, dryer vents, and storage areas regularly with a vacuum or a diluted bleach solution; keep fabrics in sealed containers and apply an approved anti‑mite spray if needed. Maintaining low humidity (below 50 %) and using airtight storage will prevent re‑infestation.

How to get rid of laundry mites? - in detail

Laundry mites are microscopic arthropods that colonize fabrics, especially when moisture, warmth, and organic residues are present. They feed on skin flakes, sweat, and detergent buildup, reproducing rapidly in damp environments such as washing machines, laundry baskets, and closets.

Typical reservoirs include:

• washing‑machine drums and seals,
• dryer lint filters,
• folded clothing left in humid rooms,
• storage containers that are not airtight.

Effective eradication requires a combination of thermal, mechanical, and chemical measures.

1. Thermal treatment

   • Wash all affected items at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes.
   • Dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; the heat must reach the interior of the fabric.
   • For items that cannot tolerate high temperatures, steam‑clean or freeze at –20 °C (–4 °F) for 24 hours, then re‑wash.

2. Mechanical cleaning

   • Scrub washing‑machine gaskets, detergent drawers, and dryer lint traps with a brush and hot soapy water.
   • Run an empty wash cycle with two cups of white vinegar or a commercial washing‑machine cleaner to dissolve residues.

3. Chemical control

   • Apply an EPA‑registered acaricide spray to interior surfaces of machines, laundry baskets, and storage cabinets, following label instructions.
   • Use powders containing diatomaceous earth or silica gel on clothing piles; leave for 24 hours before shaking off and laundering.

4. Environmental management

   • Keep humidity below 50 % in laundry areas; employ dehumidifiers or ventilation fans.
   • Store clean garments in sealed plastic bags or vacuum‑packed containers to block moisture ingress.
   • Avoid leaving damp clothes unattended; transfer them to the dryer or hang them to dry immediately after washing.

5. Preventive schedule

   • Perform a high‑temperature wash and dryer cycle weekly for all reusable laundry accessories (e.g., cloth bags, cleaning rags).
   • Inspect and clean machine seals monthly; replace worn gaskets that retain water.
   • Rotate stored items every three months, checking for signs of mite activity and re‑treating as necessary.

By integrating these steps—high heat, thorough cleaning, targeted acaricides, and strict humidity control—laundry mite populations can be eliminated and prevented from re‑establishing. Continuous monitoring and routine maintenance are essential to sustain a mite‑free environment.