How To Clean Scabies From Home?
Cleaning scabies from your home involves meticulously treating both yourself and your environment to eliminate the mites and prevent re-infestation; the key is to kill the scabies mites everywhere they might be lurking.
Understanding Scabies
Scabies, an intensely itchy skin condition, is caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin to lay their eggs. While prescription medications are essential for treating the infection on your body, cleaning your home is crucial to prevent re-infestation and completely eradicate the scabies. Successfully cleaning your home requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on laundry, vacuuming, and environmental disinfection. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to clean scabies from home?.
Why Home Cleaning is Essential
Eliminating scabies effectively relies on treating both the person infected and their environment. Mites can survive for several days off the human body, making thorough cleaning a critical component of a successful treatment plan. Simply applying topical treatments isn’t enough; mites hiding in bedding, clothing, and furniture will readily re-infest you, prolonging the agony and itching.
The Cleaning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to clean scabies from home? Here’s a detailed breakdown:
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Laundry Overload:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, towels, and other fabric items used in the past 3 days in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C).
- Dry items on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
- For items that cannot be washed, dry cleaning is an alternative, or sealing the items in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours will kill the mites. Some experts suggest even longer, up to 1 week, for added security.
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Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum:
- Thoroughly vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstery, and mattresses.
- Pay close attention to crevices and seams.
- Empty the vacuum cleaner bag or canister immediately and carefully dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag outside your home.
- Consider using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for enhanced particle removal.
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Surface Disinfection:
- Wipe down all hard surfaces (furniture, floors, doorknobs, light switches, etc.) with a disinfectant cleaner.
- Pay particular attention to areas where skin contact is frequent.
- Use a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water) for surfaces that can tolerate it, but be cautious of discoloration.
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Isolation and Prevention:
- Avoid close contact with others until treatment is complete.
- Inform close contacts (family, partners, roommates) to seek treatment and clean their homes simultaneously.
- Continue to practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing.
Frequency and Duration of Cleaning
While the initial cleaning blitz is essential, ongoing maintenance is crucial to prevent re-infestation. Repeat the laundry and vacuuming steps every few days for at least a week after starting treatment. Continue to disinfect surfaces regularly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring non-washable items: Don’t forget about items like pillows, comforters, stuffed animals, and some types of curtains. These should be sealed in plastic bags if washing is not feasible.
- Using lukewarm water: Hot water is critical to kill scabies mites. Ensure your water heater is set to the appropriate temperature.
- Neglecting the car: Scabies mites can also live in car seats and upholstery. Vacuum your car thoroughly.
- Skipping vacuum bag disposal: Leaving the vacuum bag full allows mites to potentially escape.
- Only treating the infected person: Treating all close contacts simultaneously is vital.
- Stopping treatment prematurely: Continue both the prescribed medication and home cleaning for the duration recommended by your doctor, even if symptoms improve.
Additional Considerations
- For sensitive skin, consider using hypoallergenic laundry detergents and cleaning products.
- Wear gloves while cleaning to protect your skin.
- Open windows to ventilate the home during and after cleaning.
- If you have pets, consult your veterinarian about potential treatment options for them, although scabies mites rarely affect pets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What temperature water is needed to kill scabies mites?
The water temperature needs to be at least 130°F (54°C) to effectively kill scabies mites and their eggs. This is significantly hotter than lukewarm or even warm water. Check your water heater setting to ensure it reaches this temperature.
How long can scabies mites live on bedding?
Scabies mites can typically survive for 2-3 days off the human body, although some sources suggest they can survive for longer under ideal conditions. This makes thorough cleaning of bedding, clothing, and upholstery within this timeframe essential.
Can I get scabies from my pet?
Scabies in humans is caused by a different type of mite than the mites that typically affect pets (like dogs and cats). While pets can get mange (caused by mites), it’s rare for them to transmit scabies to humans. However, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has mites.
Do I need to throw away my mattress?
No, you don’t need to throw away your mattress. Thoroughly vacuuming it, especially along the seams and crevices, is usually sufficient. You can also use a mattress protector after vacuuming to prevent future infestations. Consider encasing it in a plastic cover for several weeks for additional protection.
How long does it take for scabies to go away after treatment?
Itching may persist for 2-4 weeks even after successful treatment. This is due to an allergic reaction to the dead mites and their eggs. However, new burrows should not appear. If itching is severe, consult your doctor about antihistamines or topical corticosteroids.
What if I don’t have access to a washing machine?
If you don’t have access to a washing machine, you can hand-wash items in hot water (130°F or 54°C) with detergent. However, it’s crucial to wear gloves and handle the items carefully. Alternatively, utilize a laundromat. Ensure you dry everything on the highest heat setting.
Is bleach necessary for cleaning surfaces?
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant and effective against scabies mites. However, it’s not always necessary. Many other disinfectant cleaners are also effective. If using bleach, follow safety precautions and avoid contact with skin and eyes. Always dilute bleach correctly (1/2 cup per gallon of water) and test on an inconspicuous area first.
Can I use a steam cleaner on furniture?
Yes, steam cleaning can be an effective way to disinfect furniture and carpets. The high heat from the steam can kill scabies mites. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your steam cleaner.
How often should I change my bedding while being treated for scabies?
Change your bedding every day for the first week of treatment, then every other day for the following week. Continue washing and drying bedding on high heat. This helps prevent re-infestation.
What should I do with items I can’t wash or dry?
Seal these items in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours, although some experts suggest one week, to ensure the mites die. Ensure the bag is tightly sealed.
How can I tell if my treatment is working?
The primary sign that treatment is working is the absence of new burrows. Itching may persist for several weeks, but it should gradually decrease. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor.
Is professional cleaning necessary to eliminate scabies?
While not always necessary, professional cleaning can be beneficial, especially for severe infestations or if you’re struggling to manage the cleaning yourself. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and expertise to thoroughly disinfect your home. You can search for cleaning companies experienced in dealing with infestations.