Can Scabies Spread Through Laundry?

alana korol
2026-04-07T11:23:54-04:00

Can scabies spread through laundry? Learn how to wash clothing and bedding to prevent reinfestation.

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Yes—scabies can spread through laundry, but only under specific conditions.

If contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels are not properly washed, mites can survive long enough to transfer to another person.

🧠 How Scabies Spreads Through Laundry

For transmission to happen, several things must line up:

1. Fabric is contaminated with live mites

2. Items are used within 48–72 hours

3. Another person has prolonged contact with the fabric

4. Mites transfer and burrow into the skin

👉 This is possible—but easy to prevent

⏳ The 48–72 Hour Rule

Scabies mites:

Survive on fabric for up to 2–3 days

Cannot reproduce off the body

Die naturally without a host

👉 learn more about how long does scabies live on clothes or bedding

🧺 Does Proper Laundry Kill Scabies?

👉 Yes—completely.

✔ Washing

Use hot water (130°F / 54°C or higher)

Regular detergent is sufficient

✔ Drying

High heat for at least 20–30 minutes

This step is critical

👉 Heat kills mites and eggs effectively

🏢 What About Shared Laundry Facilities?

The risk is very low when using shared machines because:

Wash cycles kill mites

Dryer heat eliminates any remaining mites

Mites don’t survive on hard machine surfaces

⚠️ Slight Risk Situations

Cold water washing

Low or no heat drying

Handling freshly contaminated items

🧼 How to Handle Laundry Safely

If you’re treating scabies:

✔ Before Washing

Handle items carefully

Avoid shaking fabrics

Wash hands after handling

✔ During Treatment

Wash bedding daily

Use clean clothing every day

Do not re-wear items

✔ After Washing

Items are safe immediately

No need to isolate clean laundry

🧴 What About Items That Can’t Be Washed?

For items like:

Mattresses

Upholstered furniture

Car interiors

Use a targeted solution such as:

Mite Marvel Mite Killer Spray – helps eliminate mites on fabric surfaces

Treating non-washable items helps prevent reinfestation.

🌿 A Complete Approach Works Best

To fully stop scabies transmission:

Products such as a Scabies Complete Family Treatment System are designed to support this by combining:

Scabies Body Wash and Shampoo – Helps cleanse and support full-body treatment

Extreme Scabies Relief Cream – Targets mites while soothing irritation

Mite Marvel Mite Killer Spray – Helps eliminate mites from surfaces and fabrics

⚠️ Can You Get Scabies from Someone Else’s Laundry?

👉 It’s very unlikely if proper washing is used.

Risk is slightly higher if:

Items are freshly contaminated

Washed in cold water

Still damp when handled

🔗 Related Reading

How to Clean Your House After Scabies

How to Treat Scabies Naturally

How Long Is Scabies Contagious?

The Bottom Line

Yes, scabies can spread through laundry—but it’s easy to prevent.

Key takeaways:

Mites survive up to 48–72 hours on fabric

Heat kills mites and eggs effectively

Proper washing and drying eliminates risk

Daily laundry helps prevent reinfestation

With the right routine, laundry becomes part of your solution—not a source of spread.