Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) is a common bacteria often found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people without causing illness. If Staph enters the body through a cut or scrape, it can cause infections, including the antibiotic-resistant strain known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Since people spend significant time in bed, understanding how long Staph survives on bedding is important for managing contamination risk. This article examines the persistence of these microorganisms on fabrics and details the necessary steps for effective elimination through laundering.
Survival Lifespan on Fabrics and Surfaces
The length of time Staph can survive outside the human body depends heavily on the surrounding environment and the type of material. Studies show that these bacteria can remain viable on textiles for an extended period, ranging from a few days to several months. For example, the MRSA strain can persist on hospital bed linens, often cotton or a cotton blend, for up to nine weeks.
The composition of the fabric is a major factor in determining microbial longevity. Synthetic materials like polyester can support bacterial survival longer than natural fibers such as cotton. Some pathogens have lasted up to 206 days on polyester under laboratory conditions, and Staphylococcus aureus has survived for more than 90 days on various textile types. This lengthy survival time means contaminated bedding can act as a reservoir for infection transmission.
Environmental conditions also play a significant role in persistence. Generally, lower temperatures and stable, dry conditions favor longer survival times for many microorganisms. While some bacteria prefer high humidity, certain studies suggest that lower air humidity may enhance the survival of Staphylococcus aureus on surfaces. Organic matter, such as skin cells and bodily fluids on bedding, also provides nutrients that help sustain the bacteria.
How Staph Contamination Occurs
Contamination of bedding primarily occurs through the normal shedding of bacteria from colonized individuals. Approximately one in three people are Staph carriers, meaning the bacteria reside harmlessly on their skin or in their nose. This colonization is a continuous source of bacterial transfer to the surrounding environment, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets.
Bacteria are transferred through direct contact, such as a person lying in bed, or through the shedding of millions of skin cells that accumulate in the fabric. Open wounds, lesions, or nasal secretions from an infected or colonized person amplify the bacterial load. Movement in bed can also release these accumulated microorganisms into the air, increasing the risk of exposure.
Touching a contaminated surface, like a bedsheet, and then touching another object or person is a primary pathway for transmission. Since the bacteria survive on fabric, bedding serves as a vector for spreading the microorganism to other surfaces and individuals. Regular and effective cleaning protocols are necessary to break this chain of contamination.
Laundering Guidelines for Staph Elimination
Effective laundering requires a combination of thermal and chemical action to eliminate Staph bacteria. Hot water is recommended for sanitization, as heat is a primary factor in destroying microorganisms. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests a water temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) for a minimum of 25 minutes. Achieving this temperature may require a special setting or a booster heater on residential machines.
Standard laundry detergent helps physically remove and suspend the bacteria, but a cleaning agent with microbiocidal properties offers added safety. For white fabrics, chlorine bleach provides a significant advantage in killing the bacteria. For colored items where bleach is not suitable, non-chlorine alternatives or phenolic disinfectants can be used.
The drying cycle is as important as the wash cycle for Staph elimination. The high heat generated in a clothes dryer is essential for killing any remaining bacteria after washing, and air drying should be avoided for contaminated items. Bedding should be dried completely on a hot setting to ensure the thermal destruction of the bacteria. Before washing, contaminated items should be handled with minimum agitation and kept away from the body to prevent airborne release and transfer.