Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) is a bacteria frequently found on the skin and in the nasal passages of about one-third of the human population. While often harmless, Staph is a leading cause of skin infections, ranging from minor boils to serious conditions if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. Because Staph is shed from the body, it can survive on household surfaces like bedding, which presents a potential pathway for transmission. Bed linens can serve as a temporary reservoir for the bacteria. This article will examine the viability of Staph on fabric surfaces and outline the steps necessary to effectively remove it from your sheets and blankets.
Staph Survival Time on Fabric Surfaces
Staphylococcus aureus is notably resilient in dry environments, and it can survive on various textiles for extended periods. Research has indicated that standard S. aureus strains can remain viable on cotton and other fabrics, a common material for bedding, for days to several weeks. Specifically, studies show survival on cotton for periods of up to 21 days.
The length of time the bacteria can persist is often greater for antibiotic-resistant strains, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is particularly tenacious on dry surfaces, including bedding materials, and has been shown to remain alive for periods ranging from weeks to several months. One study demonstrated that MRSA could persist on hospital bed linens for up to nine weeks, highlighting its robust nature outside of a host.
Survival times are variable, but the fact that these organisms can survive for weeks emphasizes that bedding can act as a source of recontamination. The bacteria’s ability to withstand drying out is a significant factor in their long-term survival on low-moisture materials like sheets and towels. This persistence underscores the importance of regular and effective laundering practices.
Factors That Influence Bacterial Lifespan
The wide range of reported survival times for Staph on fabric surfaces is a result of several environmental factors. The specific material of the bedding is one variable, as studies suggest that Staph tends to survive longer on synthetic fibers like polyester than on 100% cotton. The structure and weave of the fabric may offer different levels of protection from environmental stresses.
Temperature is another factor, with higher temperatures generally contributing to a reduction in the bacteria’s lifespan. However, Staph is robust and can endure typical room temperatures for long durations. Cooler temperatures can even extend the viability of the organism on surfaces.
Humidity plays a role in Staph persistence on fabrics. Drier conditions (lower relative humidity) often support longer survival times for S. aureus. Conversely, very high humidity is generally detrimental to the bacteria’s survival unless the fabric contains organic nutrients that provide protection.
Common Transmission Routes to Bedding
The primary source of Staph contamination on bedding is the human body itself. Staphylococcus aureus naturally colonizes the skin and nasal passages in many people, who then constantly shed the bacteria onto their surroundings. This shedding occurs through direct contact with sheets and blankets.
Bacteria are transferred to the bedding through skin scales and flakes that are naturally shed during sleep and movement. Contamination is further increased by indirect routes, such as touching the nose or an infected area and then handling the bedding. Contaminated clothing or hands can also transfer the bacteria to the sheets.
If a person has an active Staph infection or an open, draining wound, the risk of transferring a high concentration of the bacteria to the bedding increases significantly through the direct transfer of bodily fluids. The bacteria can also be dispersed into the air during activities like making the bed, later settling back onto surfaces.
Effective Laundry and Disinfection Protocols
Eliminating Staph from bedding requires a combination of heat, detergent, and, when necessary, chemical disinfectants. For home laundry, washing with hot water is a practical method to significantly reduce the bacterial load. Research indicates that water temperatures of 60°C (140°F) for at least 10 minutes are generally sufficient to eliminate MRSA and other bacteria from fabrics.
For white bedding that can tolerate it, the addition of a disinfectant, such as chlorine bleach, provides an extra layer of decontamination. Household chlorine bleach, typically diluted at about two teaspoons per quart of water, is effective against Staph. It is important to check fabric care labels, and for colored items, an oxygen-based bleach or a laundry sanitizer may be used as an alternative.
The drying cycle is arguably the most crucial step in eliminating any remaining organisms. Using a mechanical dryer on the highest heat setting the fabric can withstand is an effective method, as the high heat helps to kill any Staph that survived the wash cycle. It is essential to ensure that the bedding is completely dry before removing it, as any residual moisture can encourage the survival of microbes.