Scabies is a skin infestation caused by tiny mites, Sarcoptes scabiei, that burrow into the outermost layer of human skin. These microscopic mites can lead to intense itching and a rash. Successful treatment involves addressing the mites on the body with prescribed medications. However, it also requires thorough cleaning of the immediate environment to eliminate mites and eggs that may have fallen off the host. This comprehensive approach helps prevent re-infestation.
Understanding the Timing of Laundry
The most effective time to clean sheets, clothing, and other potentially contaminated items is simultaneously with the first application of scabies treatment. This synchronized cleaning helps ensure that while the mites on the body are being eliminated by medication, any mites or eggs in the environment are also destroyed, preventing re-infestation.
Scabies mites typically cannot survive for extended periods away from a human host. Most sources indicate they die within 2 to 3 days when off the body. However, some studies suggest they can survive up to 4 days, and in cool, humid conditions, possibly up to a week. Cleaning items before treatment might not be fully effective if the individual then re-contaminates them before or during the medication application. Delaying environmental cleaning until long after treatment could also lead to re-infestation from items that were not decontaminated during the initial treatment window.
How to Clean Contaminated Items
For items that can be laundered, specific methods are effective in killing scabies mites and their eggs. All bedding, towels, and clothing worn or used within the 72 hours (three days) prior to treatment should be washed. It is important to use hot water, with a temperature of at least 122°F (50°C), maintained for at least 10 minutes.
After washing, items should be dried in a hot dryer. High heat for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes effectively eliminates any remaining mites. Regular laundry detergent is adequate for this process; specialized products are not typically necessary.
Cleaning Non-Washable Items
Items that cannot be machine washed require alternative methods for decontamination. For such articles, including stuffed animals, shoes, or unwashable coats, sealing them in a plastic bag is an effective strategy. Mites generally cannot survive without a human host for more than a few days, so sealing items for at least 72 hours (three days) is often sufficient. For an added measure of caution, some guidelines suggest keeping items sealed for up to a week.
Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture is also a recommended step for environmental control, particularly if someone with crusted scabies has been in contact with these surfaces. However, extensive, aggressive cleaning of the entire house is usually not necessary for typical scabies infestations.