Each year, thousands of people in the United States face the risk of tick bites, which can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease1 . Ticks often hitch rides on clothing, pets, and outdoor gear, making proper removal from clothes a key step in preventing infection2 . Simple laundry practices, such as drying clothes on high heat, have been shown to effectively kill ticks and reduce exposure3 . Understanding how to eliminate ticks from clothing and protect yourself outdoors is essential for staying safe during tick season1 .
Killing Ticks in the Laundry
Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), the primary carriers of Lyme disease in North America, can be effectively killed through proper laundry methods4 . Research has demonstrated that drying clothes on high heat for at least six minutes kills over 99% of blacklegged ticks, providing a practical and efficient way to reduce tick exposure after outdoor activities3 . Washing clothes in hot water at temperatures of 130°F or higher, followed by high heat drying, further improves tick mortality5 . In contrast, washing clothes in cold or medium temperature water is ineffective at killing ticks6 .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially recommended drying clothes on high heat for one hour to kill ticks, but updated guidelines now advise 10 minutes of high heat drying for dry clothes, with longer times needed for damp clothing7 . This adjustment reflects evidence that shorter drying times are sufficient for killing blacklegged ticks while ensuring convenience for users7 .
Drying clothes on high heat is especially important because ticks can cling to fabric even after washing. The heat from the dryer dehydrates and kills ticks, preventing them from attaching to skin later3 . This method is a simple, accessible step that complements other tick prevention strategies.
Laundry Tips for Tick Elimination
When using laundry appliances to eliminate ticks, it is important to consider the species of ticks and the condition of the clothing. While blacklegged ticks are the main concern in the northeastern and midwestern United States, other tick species such as Amblyomma and Dermacentor have different heat tolerances and may require longer drying times to ensure complete elimination8 47. The CDC’s drying time recommendations account for this variability by advising longer drying for damp clothes7 .
For heavily soiled clothing, washing in hot water at or above 130°F is critical to kill ticks effectively5 . Washing clothes in hot water before drying can improve tick mortality, especially when dirt or debris may protect ticks from heat exposure5 . It is important to note that washing clothes in cold or medium temperature water does not kill ticks and should not be relied upon as a preventive measure6 .
To maximize tick elimination from clothing, follow these laundry tips:
- Dry clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes after outdoor exposure7 .
- If clothes are damp, increase drying time to ensure ticks are killed9 .
- Wash heavily soiled clothes in hot water (≥130°F) before drying5 .
- Avoid washing clothes in cold or medium temperature water alone, as it is ineffective6 .
- Consider drying clothes first, then washing, since ticks are very sensitive to dryness10 .
These steps help ensure that ticks are killed before they can attach to skin or be transported indoors on clothing.
Reported cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are increasing, so expanding the repertoire of prevention measures is necessary1 .
Preventing Ticks on Clothes and Skin
Preventing tick bites involves multiple strategies that protect both clothing and skin. The CDC recommends using insect repellents containing at least 20% DEET on exposed skin and clothing to reduce tick attachment2 . DEET-based repellents are effective and safe when used as directed, including for children over two months old, with higher concentrations providing longer protection11 .
Another key method is wearing permethrin-treated clothing, which repels and kills ticks on contact. Permethrin at 0.5% concentration remains effective through several washings, providing long-lasting protection12 13. This treatment is applied to clothing and gear, not directly to skin, and is a proven personal protective measure against tick bites14 .
Prompt showering within two hours of coming indoors can wash off unattached ticks and help detect any that may have latched on, reducing the risk of disease transmission20 2.
Additional personal protective behaviors include:
- Wearing long pants tucked into socks and long-sleeved shirts to create a physical barrier against ticks15 .
- Choosing light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot, although evidence on color preference is mixed16 .
- Avoiding walking through tall grass, brush, and leaf litter where ticks are common2 .
- Staying in the center of trails during outdoor activities to reduce contact with ticks11 .
- Showering within two hours of coming indoors to wash off unattached ticks and facilitate tick checks2 .
Pets and outdoor equipment can also carry ticks into the home, so examining and laundering pet bedding and gear is important to prevent tick introduction2 17. Combining these measures aligns with CDC guidelines to effectively reduce the risk of tickborne diseases18 .
💡 Did You Know?
Ticks are most active during warmer months from April to September, but exposure can occur year-round in many areas2 .
Removing a Tick from Your Skin
If you find a tick attached to your skin, prompt and proper removal is essential to reduce the risk of disease transmission. The CDC recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, then pulling upward steadily without twisting or jerking7 . This technique helps remove the tick intact, minimizing the chance of leaving mouthparts embedded in the skin.
Drying clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes after outdoor activities is a simple and effective way to kill ticks that may have hitched a ride on your clothing. This method complements other prevention strategies like using repellents and wearing protective clothing18 37.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to reduce the risk of secondary infection5 . Dispose of the tick safely by placing it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet6 .
Avoid folklore remedies such as painting the tick with nail polish, petroleum jelly, or using heat to make it detach, as these can cause the tick to release more infectious material into the skin11 .
Watch for symptoms in the weeks following a tick bite, including rash (especially a bull's-eye pattern), fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and headache. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly and provide your healthcare provider with details about the bite, including when and where it occurred19 12.
“Avoid folklore remedies like painting the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, or using heat from a match or lighter to release its hold. Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Then pull it out with a steady motion. Once the tick has been removed, clean the skin with soap and water.”
— Katie Clubb, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System11
Steps to Remove a Tick Safely:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin7 .
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure—do not twist or jerk7 .
- Clean the bite area and hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol5 .
- Dispose of the tick by submerging in alcohol, sealing in a bag, or flushing6 .
- Monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if signs of infection appear19 .
Following these steps reduces the risk of tickborne illness and ensures proper care after a tick bite.
