Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the infectious agent responsible for causing warts. Warts develop when the virus enters the skin, often through small cuts or abrasions, leading to rapid cell growth in the top layer of the skin. A frequent concern is whether the virus can spread to others or cause re-infection through household items, particularly clothing and towels. Understanding how laundering affects this robust virus is important for maintaining household hygiene.
Understanding How the Wart Virus Spreads
The wart virus is notably resilient and can survive outside the human body for extended periods, making inanimate objects (fomites) a potential source of transmission. This durability is due to its structure as a non-enveloped virus, meaning it lacks the fatty outer layer that makes many other viruses vulnerable to common detergents. Research shows that certain HPV types can be detected on household items like kitchen towels and bathroom mats, especially in homes where a family member has skin warts.
Transmission occurs primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact, but indirect contact with contaminated surfaces is also possible. The virus can persist on textiles like clothing and bedsheets, raising the possibility of spreading through shared or improperly cleaned items. Although the virus is very stable, the risk of developing a new wart from casual surface contact is considered low. The virus is also capable of self-infection, spreading from an existing wart to another area on the same person.
Laundry Protocols for Virus Inactivation
Laundering is an effective method to eliminate the wart virus from textiles, relying on heat, chemistry, and mechanical action. Standard laundry detergent works mainly by physically removing viral particles from the fabric during the wash cycle, rather than chemically inactivating the virus. This mechanical removal, combined with rinsing, significantly reduces the viral load on the item.
To achieve chemical inactivation, a potent virucide is necessary. Chlorine bleach (a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite) is known to be an effective disinfectant against HPV. Using regular chlorine bleach in the wash cycle for colorfast items provides the chemical destruction needed. For items that cannot tolerate chlorine bleach, inactivation relies primarily on high temperatures.
The wart virus is susceptible to heat. Studies indicate that heating to 100°C (212°F) is sufficient for complete inactivation. While most household washing machines may not reach this temperature, washing at 60°C (140°F) or higher, especially when paired with an oxidizing agent like oxygen bleach, significantly reduces the viral presence.
The drying cycle plays an important role in overall decontamination. High-temperature tumble drying is often more effective at microbial inactivation than the wash cycle alone. Running items through a full, high-heat dryer cycle for at least 45 minutes subjects the virus to prolonged, intense heat. For maximum protection, textiles from an infected person should be washed in a dedicated, high-temperature cycle and immediately dried on high heat.
Non-Laundry Methods for Preventing Transmission
Preventing the spread of the wart virus involves managing contaminated items and surfaces not cleaned in a washing machine. High-risk items, such as personal towels, washcloths, and bath linens, should never be shared among household members. These items must be cleaned regularly using high heat and appropriate disinfectants, following the same principles as clothing.
In areas where bare skin contact is common, such as bathroom floors, showers, and pool areas, the virus can linger in shed skin cells. Disinfecting hard surfaces with a solution of 1% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is effective. This is because the virus is resistant to many common alcohol-based surface cleaners and hand sanitizers. Using a bleach solution or an EPA-approved virucide on these surfaces helps mitigate the risk of indirect transmission.
Disinfecting Personal Tools
Personal grooming tools that contact the wart, such as nail clippers, pumice stones, or emery boards, should not be shared. Since the virus can survive on these instruments, they should be disinfected after each use, perhaps by soaking them in 70% ethanol or a bleach solution. Footwear, especially shower sandals, should also be cleaned regularly, as plantar warts are easily spread through contaminated flooring.