How to treat furniture for scabies mites? - briefly
Heat washable fabrics in water above 50 °C, then dry on the highest setting; vacuum non‑washable items and immediately treat surfaces with a registered acaricide spray, allowing the product to remain wet for the recommended contact time. Seal treated furniture in a closed environment for at least 72 hours to ensure complete eradication of the mites.
How to treat furniture for scabies mites? - in detail
Scabies mites can survive on upholstered items, wooden surfaces and decorative objects for several days, making furniture a potential reservoir for reinfestation. Effective eradication requires a combination of mechanical removal, thermal treatment and, when necessary, acaricidal products.
Vacuuming all fabric‑covered surfaces with a HEPA‑rated attachment removes a large proportion of mites and eggs. Immediately after vacuuming, dispose of the bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors. Removable covers should be laundered at a minimum temperature of 60 °C for at least 30 minutes; non‑removable fabrics may be steamed for 10 minutes on each side.
Acaricidal sprays containing permethrin (0.5 %–1 %) or ivermectin‑based formulations can be applied to hard surfaces, seams and crevices. Follow manufacturer instructions regarding dilution, contact time and ventilation. For porous materials, an aerosol containing benzyl benzoate or sulfur ointment may be used, ensuring thorough coverage and allowing the product to remain on the surface for the recommended period (typically 6–12 hours).
Heat treatment is highly effective: portable steam cleaners delivering steam at ≥100 °C for 5–10 minutes penetrate fabric fibers and kill both mites and eggs. Alternatively, moving furniture into a room heated to 55 °C for at least 2 hours achieves similar results. Freezing items at –20 °C for 48 hours also eliminates infestations, provided the temperature is maintained throughout the exposure period.
Preventive measures include applying a protective, mite‑resistant fabric spray to new upholstery, maintaining low indoor humidity (below 50 %), and conducting regular vacuuming of high‑traffic furniture. Immediate treatment of any suspected infestation reduces the risk of spread to other household items and to human occupants.