How to get ticks out of a pillow? - briefly
First, wash the pillow on the hottest cycle the material tolerates and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum the surface with a hose attachment to capture any remaining parasites. If laundering is not possible, seal the pillow in a plastic bag, freeze for 48 hours, and afterward vacuum thoroughly.
How to get ticks out of a pillow? - in detail
Removing ticks from a pillow requires a systematic approach to ensure all life stages are eliminated and the fabric is safe for continued use.
First, isolate the pillow. Place it on a clean surface away from other bedding to prevent cross‑contamination. If the pillow has a removable cover, unzip or detach it and treat the cover separately.
Second, apply heat. Ticks cannot survive temperatures above 130 °F (54 °C) for several minutes. Put the pillow and its cover in a dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Verify that the dryer reaches the required temperature; many modern dryers display the internal temperature or have a “high heat” label that meets the threshold.
Third, if heat alone is insufficient—for example, when the pillow cannot be dried due to material restrictions—use a cold‑tolerance method. Transfer the pillow to a sealed plastic bag and place it in a freezer set to 0 °F (‑18 °C) for 48 hours. Freezing kills ticks at all stages. After freezing, allow the pillow to thaw at room temperature before proceeding to the next step.
Fourth, conduct a visual inspection. Under bright light, examine seams, stitching, and any crevices. Use a magnifying glass if needed. Remove any visible ticks with tweezers, grasping them close to the skin and pulling straight upward to avoid mouth‑part retention.
Fifth, disinfect the pillow. Prepare a solution of 1 part distilled white vinegar to 4 parts water, or use a mild detergent diluted according to manufacturer instructions. Lightly spray the surface, avoiding saturation that could damage the filling. Allow the pillow to air‑dry completely in direct sunlight, which adds an extra UV sterilization effect.
Sixth, protect against future infestations. Store the pillow in a sealed, breathable container when not in use. Regularly wash bedding in hot water and dry on high heat. Inspect pets and clothing for ticks before entering sleeping areas.
By following heat treatment, freezing, thorough inspection, and disinfection, all tick stages can be removed from a pillow, restoring it to a safe condition for use.