Can Ticks Survive Washing Machines?

 

Most ticks do not survive a trip through a typical washing machine, but washing alone is not always a guaranteed way to kill every tick. The outcome depends on factors like water temperature, wash cycle length, and especially what you do after washing. Warm or hot water is much more effective at killing ticks than cold water, and using a hot dryer after washing is the single most important step to ensure ticks are eliminated.

 

How Washing Machines Affect Ticks

 

Ticks are small parasitic arachnids that survive by feeding on blood. Their bodies are tough and designed to withstand a variety of harsh outdoor conditions, so they are surprisingly resilient. When clothes, bedding, or other fabric items containing ticks are washed, several things can happen:

• If you use cold water, ticks are likely to survive the cycle. Cold water by itself is not deadly to ticks.
• If you use hot water (at least 130°F/54°C or higher), you may kill some ticks, but not always all of them—especially if the fabric insulates the tick or water does not penetrate all areas.
• The turbulence and soap in the washing machine might dislodge ticks, but some will cling tightly or find protective folds in the fabric.

 

The Critical Role of the Dryer

 

The most effective way to kill ticks in laundry is to dry your clothes and bedding on high heat after washing. Heat is what really kills ticks, not water or detergent.

• Drying clothes on high heat (medium or high setting, for at least 10–15 minutes) will kill both ticks and nymphs (young ticks), even if they survived the washer.
• If your clothing can’t tolerate high heat, consider drying less delicate items on high, and using multiple cycles if needed.
• If you skipped the dryer or used low/no heat, ticks can survive the washing process and still be alive on your clothing.

 

Practical Steps to Ensure No Ticks Survive

 

To make sure you eliminate all ticks from your clothing after being outdoors, follow this process:

• Remove and bag clothing immediately after coming indoors if you think you’ve been in tick-prone areas (like woods, tall grasses, or leaf litter).
• Wash clothes in hot water if possible (check fabric care instructions).
• After washing, always dry on the hottest safe dryer setting for at least 10–15 minutes—heat is what kills ticks.
• If a hot wash isn’t possible, go straight to the dryer and use high heat; even dry clothes can have ticks killed by the heat of the dryer.

 

Key Takeaways About Ticks and Laundry

 

• Washing clothes in cold or even warm water alone may not kill ticks, though it can remove some.
• High heat from a tumble dryer is highly effective and should always be used after washing, whenever possible.
• Treat clothes promptly after outdoor activities to avoid ticks getting loose in your home.
• If clothes can’t be washed or dried immediately, store them in a closed plastic bag until you can treat them with heat.

By understanding that ticks can sometimes survive normal wash cycles, and that the dryer is your best defense, you can greatly reduce the risk of ticks hitching a ride into your home and onto your skin.