Demodex mites are tiny parasites that live in the hair follicles and oil glands of humans. While they don’t typically cause problems, in some people they can lead to skin irritation, inflammation and other issues. Demodex are transferred from person to person through close contact. This means they can be spread through contaminated items like bedding, towels and clothing. The good news is that these microscopic bugs are relatively easy to kill in the laundry using the right techniques.
What are Demodex mites?
Demodex mites are a type of arachnid that have adapted to live on the human body. There are two main species:
- Demodex folliculorum – Lives in the hair follicles
- Demodex brevis – Lives in the sebaceous glands of the skin
These mites are microscopic, with adults measuring only 0.3-0.4 mm long. They have a worm-like appearance with eight short legs. Demodex mites feed on skin cells and oils produced inside pores and hair follicles.
While Demodex mites are a normal part of the skin flora, some people have sensitivity or immune reactions to higher mite numbers. This can result in skin disorders like:
- Rosacea
- Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
- Perioral dermatitis (facial rash around mouth)
- Pityriasis folliculorum (bumpy rash on the face, neck and shoulders)
For most healthy individuals, Demodex mites do not cause any issues at average levels. But in others, the mites multiply out of control, spurring inflammation. Getting Demodex numbers back down through proper hygiene and laundering can help improve skin health.
How are Demodex mites spread?
Demodex mites get passed from person to person through close contact. This includes activities like:
- Hugging, cuddling and sexual contact
- Sharing bed linens, towels, clothing or hats
- Using contaminated beauty products
The mites can crawl from one person’s facial skin to another. They can also travel on shared personal objects that have come in contact with the face.
Studies show Demodex mites can survive away from a human host for several days under the right conditions. This allows time for them to transfer from contaminated fabrics and surfaces to someone else’s skin.
To avoid spreading mites, bedding and clothing used by an infested person should be thoroughly washed and dried. Shared beauty products should also be cleaned or replaced. Following good hygiene and laundering practices helps control Demodex spread.
How to kill Demodex mites in laundry
Washing clothes, towels and linens in hot water is the most effective way to kill Demodex mites lurking in the fabric fibers. Here are some key laundry tips to get rid of these parasites:
Use hot water
Wash infested items in the hottest water recommended for the material. For cotton and linen, use water of at least 130°F (55°C). For blended or synthetic fabrics like polyester, check clothing labels and use the highest temperature allowed.
The heat from hot water kills Demodex mites and their eggs. Washing with cooler water temperatures below 130°F may not fully destroy all mites.
Dry thoroughly on high heat
After washing in hot water, dry items completely on the highest heat setting appropriate for the material. Like hot water, high heat helps eliminate any remaining mites.
Allow items to dry completely before removing them from the dryer. Damp laundry may still harbor living mites.
Use a laundry sanitizer
For added protection, use a laundry sanitizer or disinfectant designed to kill mites, bacteria and other microbes. These products boost the sanitizing effects of hot water.
Look for EPA-registered laundry sanitizers containing ingredients like bleach, pine oil or quaternary ammonium. Follow label instructions carefully.
Wash and dry bedding frequently
Because they live in your bed, sheets and pillowcases can become infested with Demodex mites. Wash bed linens at least once a week in hot water and dry thoroughly to control mites. Shower before bed to rinse away mites and skin oils.
Replace old pillows, comforters, mattress pads and mattresses which can harbor mites in deeper fabrics. Use mattress and pillow covers to prevent mites inside.
Disinfect laundry baskets, hampers and drums
Mites can cling to the sides of laundry baskets, hampers, drums and other containers that hold dirty clothing and linens. Give these items a periodic disinfecting to kill mites.
Use a sanitizing laundry spray or baking soda and vinegar solution. Let the disinfectant sit before wiping clean. This prevents recontamination of cleaned laundry.
Isolate infested laundry
Clothing, towels and bedding used by a mite-infested person should be washed separately. This prevents mites from spreading to other laundry items. Place potentially contaminated linens in sealed bags before transporting to be washed.
Wash your own infested laundry separately from other household members. Avoid shaking out linens which can disperse mites into the air.
Take lint filters outside
Lint filters in the dryer can collect fibers and microbes from infested laundry. Remove lint screens carefully after drying a mite-contaminated load. Dispose of the used screen outdoors rather than in an indoor trash can. This prevents mites from spreading back into the house.
Use bleach for laundry disinfection
Bleach is an effective disinfectant for killing Demodex mites and their eggs. Add 1/2 cup of regular household bleach or 1/4 cup concentrated bleach to wash water. Make sure bleach is suitable and safe for the fabric type.
Soak heavily contaminated items for 5-10 minutes in a bleach solution before washing. This boosts disinfecting action. Don’t mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia cleaners due to hazardous chemical reactions.
Try pine oil cleaners
Pine oil cleaners and soaps can help eliminate Demodex mites in laundry. Look for concentrated pine oil soap or an oxygenated bleach containing pine oil as the active ingredient. Use per label instructions in hot wash water.
Tea tree oil also has disinfectant properties. But it requires proper dilution and may stain fabrics. Pine oil is typically safer for laundry applications.
Use borax in hot water
Borax is a natural mineral salt that works as an effective laundry booster to kill mites, fungi and other microbes. Dissolve 1/2 cup borax per load in the hottest wash water safe for that fabric.
Boost the bug-busting power even more by adding some tea tree or pine oil too. Just don’t use borax on silk or wool items where it can cause damage.
Steam clean mattresses
Mattresses can become infested with Demodex mites which feed on shed skin cells. Use a home steam cleaning unit to penetrate deep into the mattress padding and kill lurking mites.
Steam clean all sides of the mattress, concentrating on seams, tufts and edges where mites congregate. Allow mattress to fully dry before remaking bed.
Use desiccant dusts
Diatomaceous earth and silica gels are desiccant dusts that can help control mites in laundry areas. Sprinkle a fine layer in laundry hampers, along baseboards and under appliances. Avoid breathing in the fine dust.
The sharp edges of these desiccant dusts damage the waxy outer coating on mites, causing dehydration. But dampness reduces effectiveness, so moisture control is also important.
Conclusion
Demodex mites are highly susceptible to hot temperatures. Washing laundry in water 130°F or hotter, followed by a thorough high heat drying, can eliminate these parasites. Using laundry disinfectants and sanitizers provides added insurance against mites.
With diligent laundering hygiene using heat, chemicals and isolation techniques, people can successfully kill Demodex mites in bedding, clothing and other high-risk items. Controlling mites in laundry is an effective way to improve skin health and reduce transmission.