Ticks are a common concern for those spending time outdoors, often entering homes via clothing. Many wonder if household laundry effectively eliminates them. Understanding how laundry processes affect ticks can help protect against potential tick-borne illnesses.
The Washing Machine’s Impact on Ticks
While a washing machine cycle might seem like a solution, ticks show surprising resilience to water, agitation, and detergents. Cold water washes do not kill ticks, with studies showing 100% survival rates. Warm water cycles (80–115°F or 27–46°C) also prove largely ineffective, allowing about 94% of ticks to survive.
Ticks possess a robust exoskeleton that helps them withstand chemical exposure. They can survive submersion in water for extended periods by trapping oxygen using tiny, hydrophobic hairs on their bodies. Ticks also cling firmly to fabric and hide within clothing folds, protecting them from agitation. While a hot water wash at 130°F (54°C) or higher can kill most ticks, especially blacklegged ticks, some research indicates that ticks may still survive if water temperatures are below this threshold.
The Crucial Role of Heat
Heat stands as the most reliable method for eliminating ticks from clothing. High temperatures effectively dehydrate ticks. For clothes that can tolerate it, washing in hot water at or above 130°F (54°C) is recommended, as this temperature can kill all nymphal and adult ticks. However, not all washing machines consistently reach this temperature, and some fabrics may be damaged.
The clothes dryer provides a highly effective solution, particularly when used with high heat. Placing clothing directly into a dryer on a high heat setting is often the quickest way to kill ticks. For dry clothes, tumbling them for at least 6 to 10 minutes on high heat is generally sufficient to kill blacklegged ticks. If clothes are damp, a longer drying time of around 50 minutes on high heat may be necessary to ensure all ticks are eradicated.
Post-Laundry Precautions
After handling clothing that may have been exposed to ticks, it is important to take additional steps to ensure safety. Always inspect clothes thoroughly before and after laundering, especially if they were not subjected to high heat. If any ticks are found on clothing after washing and drying, they should be disposed of properly: placing them in alcohol, sealing them in a bag, wrapping them in tape, or flushing them down a toilet.
To prevent the spread of ticks, place potentially infested clothing directly into the washing machine or dryer rather than leaving it in a laundry hamper where ticks could escape. Performing a full body check after spending time outdoors, and showering within two hours of coming inside, can also help detect and remove any ticks that may have attached to the skin.