How to treat bedding for scabies mites? - briefly
Wash all linens, pillowcases and blankets in water of at least 50 °C and tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting; items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for a minimum of 72 hours. Apply a scabicidal spray to the mattress and surrounding surfaces after cleaning, following the product’s recommended contact time.
How to treat bedding for scabies mites? - in detail
Treating linens contaminated by scabies mites requires a systematic approach that eliminates all life stages of the parasite and prevents re‑infestation. The process consists of three essential phases: immediate decontamination, thorough drying, and preventive measures.
The first phase involves washing all bedding, clothing, and fabric items at the highest temperature the material can safely tolerate. Hot water should reach at least 60 °C (140 °F); this temperature kills adult mites, eggs, and larvae. If the fabric cannot endure such heat, immerse items in a sealed plastic bag and place them in a freezer set to –20 °C (–4 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours. Freezing halts mite development and destroys eggs.
After washing or freezing, the second phase focuses on drying. Use a dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Direct sunlight can serve as an alternative, provided exposure lasts for a minimum of six hours, as ultraviolet radiation contributes to mite mortality. Ensure that all items are completely dry before storage.
The final phase implements preventive actions to avoid recurrence. Vacuum upholstered furniture and carpets, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister afterward. Seal non‑washable items—such as pillows, mattresses, and stuffed toys—in airtight plastic covers for at least one week; this duration exceeds the mite’s survival window. Apply a topical scabicidal agent to the mattress surface if recommended by a healthcare professional. Finally, maintain a regular laundering schedule, washing bedding weekly at high temperature.
Following these steps consistently eradicates scabies mites from bedding and related fabrics, interrupting the transmission cycle and reducing the risk of further infestation.