Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the microscopic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. These parasites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching and a rash. While treatment requires medicated creams or oral medications prescribed by a healthcare provider, environmental sanitation is necessary to prevent re-infestation. Scabies mites are vulnerable to heat, making high temperatures an effective method for disinfecting clothing, bedding, and household items. Treating the environment ensures mites dislodged from the body are destroyed, stopping the cycle of transmission.
The Scabies Mite Survival Threshold
The scabies mite is an obligate parasite, requiring a human host to survive and reproduce. Away from the human body, the mite’s lifespan is limited by temperature and humidity. Under normal indoor conditions (70°F/21°C), mites generally survive for only 24 to 36 hours, though some may persist up to 72 hours. Colder temperatures and higher humidity can extend survival off the host, sometimes up to a week. Conversely, heat is lethal to the mites and their eggs. Research shows that 122°F (50°C) is sufficient to kill scabies mites and their eggs. Exposure to this temperature for a minimum of 10 to 35 minutes ensures the extermination of all life stages.
Eradication Through High-Temperature Laundry Cycles
Proper laundering is the most efficient method for decontaminating textiles that have contacted an infested person. All clothing, bedding, towels, and washcloths used within the three days before treatment should be collected and washed on the same day the treatment is applied. Handle these items carefully, transporting them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent spreading mites to other surfaces. The washing machine must use hot water to reach the lethal temperature threshold. Set the machine to the hottest cycle available, aiming for at least 122°F (50°C). This wash cycle should run for at least 10 minutes to kill mites and eggs. The high-heat drying cycle provides a secondary layer of sanitation. Dry heat ensures the fabric consistently maintains the lethal temperature more effectively than the wash cycle alone. Items should be dried on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes to ensure complete eradication.
Treating Non-Washable Household Items
Many household items cannot withstand high temperatures, requiring alternative methods to eliminate mites.
Vacuuming
For upholstered furniture, mattresses, rugs, and car seats, thorough vacuuming is the recommended first step. Vacuuming physically removes mites and skin flakes. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag contents or thoroughly clean the canister to prevent recontamination.
Mite Starvation
Items such as shoes, delicate clothing, dry-clean-only fabrics, and stuffed animals require mite starvation. These non-washable articles should be sealed inside a plastic bag and isolated from human contact. Since mites cannot survive long without a host, isolating the items for at least 72 hours will cause them to die. A conservative approach recommends sealing items for up to one week.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is an effective heat-based treatment for large, non-washable items like mattresses and couches. Use a steam cleaner that reaches at least 122°F (50°C) and apply the steam for about 10 minutes to the surface area. This method transfers the lethal temperature directly to the item’s surface.