How to treat clothing for scabies mite? - briefly
Wash all garments in water at least 50 °C (122 °F) for 10 minutes, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat or iron them; for items that cannot be laundered, seal them in a plastic bag for 72 hours to eliminate the mites.
How to treat clothing for scabies mite? - in detail
Treating garments that may harbor scabies mites requires a systematic approach to eliminate all life stages of the parasite. The primary objective is to expose the clothing to conditions that are lethal to the mites, eggs, and larvae, while preserving the integrity of the fabric.
First, separate all items that have been in direct contact with an infected person. Wash them in a washing machine using the hottest water setting the machine allows, preferably 60 °C (140 °F) or higher. Use a regular detergent; additional disinfectant is not necessary if the temperature threshold is met. After washing, place the items in a dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes. The combination of hot water and hot air ensures complete eradication.
If the fabric cannot tolerate high temperatures, alternative methods are required:
- Freezing: Seal the clothing in a waterproof bag and store it in a freezer at –20 °C (–4 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours. This temperature kills mites at all developmental stages.
- Sealed containment: Place non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag and leave them untouched for at least three weeks. Mites cannot survive more than 72 hours without a host, so the extended period guarantees death.
- Chemical treatment: For items that cannot be laundered or frozen, apply a spray containing 0.5 % permethrin or another EPA‑approved acaricide. Follow the product’s instructions for contact time and ventilation. After treatment, wash the clothing if possible.
After processing, store the cleaned garments in a clean, dry area. Avoid re‑exposure to contaminated environments until the entire household has completed its treatment protocol. Regularly launder bedding, towels, and clothing during the treatment period to prevent reinfestation.
Finally, discard any single‑use items (e.g., disposable gloves, contaminated masks) that cannot be decontaminated, and replace them with clean alternatives. This comprehensive regimen removes the parasite from all personal textiles, supporting successful eradication of the infestation.