How to kill laundry mites? - briefly
Wash fabrics at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher and tumble‑dry on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes, or freeze sealed items for 24 hours to eradicate the pests. For persistent problems, apply a registered acaricide or dust diatomaceous earth in seams and crevices.
How to kill laundry mites? - in detail
Laundry mites thrive in warm, humid environments and can infest clothing, bedding, and towels. Effective eradication requires a combination of heat, chemical agents, and environmental control.
Washing at temperatures of at least 55 °C (130 °F) for a minimum of 10 minutes destroys most life stages. Use a detergent that contains enzymes to break down organic residue, which serves as food for the pests. Add a cup of white vinegar or a half‑cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to enhance mite mortality.
Drying on high heat for at least 30 minutes ensures that any surviving individuals are eliminated. If a dryer is unavailable, lay items in direct sunlight for several hours; ultraviolet radiation and elevated temperatures contribute to mortality.
Chemical treatments are useful for heavily infested loads. Apply an acaricide approved for fabrics, following label instructions precisely. Alternatively, sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth on damp items, let it dry, then shake off the powder; the abrasive particles damage the mites’ exoskeletons.
For items that cannot be laundered, place them in sealed plastic bags and freeze at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 48 hours. Freezing halts reproduction and kills all stages. After thawing, wash or vacuum the items promptly.
Environmental measures reduce reinfestation risk. Keep indoor humidity below 50 % by using dehumidifiers or ventilation. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mattress surfaces weekly, emptying the canister into a sealed bag. Clean washing machines regularly—run an empty hot cycle with bleach or a commercial machine cleaner to remove residual mites and eggs.
When infestations persist despite these steps, consult a licensed pest‑control professional. They can apply residual acaricide sprays to storage areas and provide targeted treatments that are safe for household fabrics.