Mites are tiny arachnids, related to spiders and ticks, that feed on skin cells and other organic materials. Although there are many harmless species, some mites can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in humans. A common question many people have is whether mites can survive laundry and reinfect clothing and bedding. In this article, we will examine the key facts related to mites and laundry.
Can Mites Survive Hot Water in the Washing Machine?
The hot water temperature and detergent used in most laundry cycles will kill dust mites and their eggs. According to the Mayo Clinic, washing clothes in hot water (130°F or higher) for at least 10 minutes will eliminate most mites. Therefore, doing laundry in hot water is an effective way to remove mites and prevent reinfestation.
However, it’s important to note that mites can survive lower temperature cycles. Washing in warm or cold water may not guarantee that all mites are killed. So using the hot water setting is key when trying to rid fabrics of mites.
Do Mites Survive the Drying Process?
The heat from drying laundry will also kill any remaining mites that may have survived the washing cycle. Mites require moisture to survive, so the lack of humidity in the dryer is lethal to them. As long as the laundry is dried completely on a high heat setting, the dryer can essentially finish the job of eliminating mites if any remained after washing.
Recommended Dryer Settings
To ensure mites do not survive the drying process, it’s recommended to use the highest temperature setting possible for the fabric items. The ideal target is 130°F sustained heat. Typically, the “hot” or “extra dry” settings on dryers will reach suffice.
Drying for at least 30 minutes is also advised to guarantee mites and eggs are desiccated. Shorter drying times or lower heat allow more opportunity for mite survival.
Can Mites Survive Laundry Detergent and Bleach?
Most standard laundry detergents and bleach have ingredients and properties that are lethal to mites:
Laundry Detergent
– Surfactants – Detergent contains surfactants that can disrupt mites’ cellular membranes. This leads to cell lysis and death.
– Enzymes – Protease and amylase enzymes found in many liquid detergents break down the organic particles mites feed on.
– Solubility – Detergents make cell membranes more soluble, causing them to dissolve.
– Alkalinity – Laundry detergent is alkaline (pH 10-12). This creates an environment too harsh for mites to survive.
Bleach
– Oxidation – The oxidizing properties of bleach can damage mite tissues and cells.
– Disinfection – Bleach disinfects fabrics and kills bacteria mites rely on for food.
– Alkalinity – Like detergent, the high alkalinity of bleach also harms mites.
Therefore, using the standard amount of laundry detergent and occasionally bleaching fabrics can help eliminate mites in the wash cycle. But detergent alone without hot water may not be 100% effective.
Can Mites Survive Hand Washing Laundry?
Hand washing laundry using cold or lukewarm water does not ensure mite removal. The lower temperatures and lack of detergent penetration do not kill mites as effectively as machine washing.
However, hand washing with very hot water (130°F or higher) and laundry detergent may eliminate some mites, especially with vigorous scrubbing. The high temperatures and detergent can have similar effects compared to machine washing.
But in general, hand washing is much less reliable for mite control compared to machine washing using hot water, detergent, and drying. It is harder to achieve consistent results when hand washing.
How to Wash Laundry Items to Kill Mites
Follow these steps to wash laundry effectively to rid fabrics of mites:
Machine Washing
1. Use the hottest water temperature setting possible for the fabric. Ideally 130°F or higher.
2. Wash laundry in detergent for at least 10 minutes to permeate fabrics.
3. Use the “extra dry” or highest heat drying setting. Dry for 30+ minutes.
4. Repeat hot water wash and dry cycles for severely infested items.
Hand Washing
1. Fill sink or tub with 130°F+ hot water. Allow items to soak for 10+ minutes.
2. Scrub fabrics with concentrated detergent for 5+ minutes.
3. Squeeze out excess water do not rinse.
4. Hang items in direct sunlight to thoroughly dry. Use a clothes dryer on highest heat setting if needed.
Can Mites Survive Specific Laundry Situations?
Here is an overview of mite survival in some common laundry scenarios:
Re-wearing Clothes Without Washing
Mites can easily survive on clothing that is hung to re-wear without washing first. To remove mites, clothes should be machine washed in hot water before wearing again.
Storing Unwashed Clothes
Storing soiled clothes allows mites to thrive longer before laundry. The mites can lay eggs that spread to other garments in a drawer or hamper. Wash items promptly for mite control.
Clothes Dryer Without Washing
Using a clothes dryer alone will dehydrate but not necessarily kill all mites. Washing first in hot water increases effectiveness. However, drying alone does reduce mite populations.
Laundry Left Damp
Leaving wet laundry sit before drying allows mites to rehydrate and survive. Any remaining mites can lay eggs in damp laundry.
| Laundry Situation | Mite Survival Risk |
|---|---|
| Re-wearing clothes without washing | High risk of survival |
| Storing unwashed clothes | High risk of survival and spreading |
| Clothes dryer without washing | Moderate risk of survival |
| Laundry left damp before drying | High risk of survival and breeding |
How to Sanitize Laundry Against Mites
To sanitize laundry and fabrics against mites:
– Wash items in 130°F or hotter water with laundry detergent. Target 10+ minute wash.
– Dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
– Steam clean mattresses, furniture, and carpets to kill mites. 130°F+ heat for 10+ minutes.
– Vacuum carpets and furniture frequently using bags and filters to capture dust mites.
– Use acaricides and insecticidal sprays registered for mite control on surfaces.
– Encase pillows and mattresses in dust mite covers to trap and suffocate mites.
– Freeze small plush items for 24-48 hours to kill mites through freezing.
Sanitizing Frequency
Fabrics or laundry touched by your skin should be washed weekly. Bedding should be washed every 1-2 weeks. Thoroughly sanitize living areas every 4-6 weeks.
Laundry Products Proven Effective Against Mites
Certain laundry products have been scientifically tested and proven to kill dust mites:
Detergents
– Tide Original – kills 99.9% of mites with a standard wash cycle
– Gain Original – kills 95% of mites according to P&G testing
– Persil ProClean Power – formula shown to decimate mites
Bleach
– Clorox Regular Bleach 2 – EPA approved to kill mites when added to laundry
– OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Bleach Alternative
– Lysol Laundry Sanitizer – kills 99.9% of mites
Dryer Sheets
– Bounce Outdoor Fresh Scent – formulated with mite-killing ingredients
– Snuggle Plus Super Fresh – eliminates over 95% of mites in the dryer
– Downy Infusions in-Wash Scent Booster Beads – active perfume releases inside dryer to kill mites
Other
– Lysol Laundry Additive – sanitizes fabrics against mites
– Dettol Laundry Cleanser – proven to kill 99.9% of mites when added to wash cycles
Alternative Mite Control Without Laundry
For fabrics that cannot be washed, there are some alternative chemical and non-chemical options to control mites:
Chemical
– Acaricide sprays – Apply pyrethroid-based mite killing sprays.
– Benzyl benzoate – This chemical asphyxiates mites.
– Essential oils – Some have miticidal effects, like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lemongrass.
Non-chemical
– High heat – Use clothes steamer on fabrics, reaching at least 130°F.
– Sunlight – Direct UV rays and heat can kill mites.
– Freezing – Storing items below 0°F for 48+ hours kills mites.
– Vacuuming – Use HEPA filter vacuum to remove mites.
– Mattress and pillow encasements – Block mites from infesting.
Mite Prevention Tips for Laundry
– Wash bedding weekly in hot water to prevent mite populations from establishing in mattresses and bedding.
– Dry laundry thoroughly after washing, using highest heat setting to kill mites. Do not leave damp.
– Wash clothes after one wear before re-wearing to prevent mite transfer back to skin or furniture.
– Clean hampers and washing machines periodically to remove mite allergens and prevent buildup.
– Use acaricides or essential oils during washing as added miticides. Tea tree oil or benzyl benzoate detergent can boost mite killing power.
– Wash children’s stuffed animals frequently, as these are common mite habitats. Or freeze plush toys weekly to kill mites without washing.
– Replace old pillows and mattresses regularly, as these are impossible to wash and can harbor large mite populations when older.
Signs of Mite Infestation in Fabrics and Laundry
Look for these signs that mites may be present in laundry or textiles:
– Tiny dark dots on fabrics that resemble ground pepper. These are mite clumps and feces.
– Allergic reactions when wearing clothing, using bedding. Mite saliva and waste cause responses.
– Itchy skin rashes where clothing sits on the body. Indicates mites biting skin.
– Getting congested when entering a room. Airborne mite allergens may be present.
– Unusual musty odor from fabric or bedding. Result of mite waste and secretions.
– Dust buildup on seldom-washed items. Provides nourishment for mites.
If you suspect mites due to these signs, wash all fabrics and bedding in hot water and clean living spaces thoroughly. Seek medical treatment if rashes or respiratory issues occur.
Conclusion
While mites have some ability to withstand lower temperature laundry cycles, most standard hot water washes will kill mites and their eggs when done properly. Drying laundry using high heat finishes eliminating any remaining mites. Using laundry detergents and sanitizers also increases the miticidal effects. Though small in size, mites can survive and spread readily on fabrics. So consistent, hot temperature laundry and drying is key to preventing infestations and controlling allergens. With some added diligence, it is possible keep fabrics and bedding mite-free.