Ticks are small but dangerous parasites that can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. After spending time outdoors especially in grassy, wooded, or humid areas—ticks can easily cling to your clothes before finding their way to your skin. Knowing how to kill ticks on clothes is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from tick bites.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to remove, wash, and kill ticks from clothing safely and effectively, using both household methods and preventive measures.
Why You Need to Kill Ticks on Clothes Immediately
Ticks don’t just fall off easily. They cling tightly to fabrics, waiting for an opportunity to move onto your skin. If left unchecked, they can crawl onto your body hours later, increasing your risk of tick-borne diseases.
Killing ticks on your clothes after spending time outdoors prevents them from:
Crawling onto your skin later.
Multiplying indoors or infesting your laundry area.
Biting pets or family members who come in contact with infested clothing.
Step by Step Guide: How to Kill Ticks on Clothes
Follow these simple steps to make sure every tick is eliminated from your clothing after outdoor exposure.
Step 1: Handle Clothes Safely Before Washing
After coming indoors, don’t sit on furniture or place clothes directly on your bed. Ticks can transfer easily. Instead:
Remove your clothes immediately and place them in a sealed plastic bag until you can wash them.
If possible, change clothes outdoors or in a laundry room.
This step helps contain any ticks clinging to your outfit and keeps your living area tick-free.
Step 2: Dry First, Wash Later
It might sound strange, but the most effective way to kill ticks on clothes is to use the dryer first—before washing.
Ticks can survive in water, even through washing cycles, but they cannot withstand high heat.
How to do it:
Put dry clothes in the dryer.
Set the heat to high (above 130°F / 54°C).
Run for 10–15 minutes for lightweight clothing or up to 20 minutes for thicker fabrics.
This heat exposure kills ticks instantly.
Step 3: Wash with Hot Water
After drying, wash your clothes in hot water (at least 130°F) with regular detergent. Avoid cold or lukewarm water—ticks can survive mild temperatures.
If your clothing’s care label restricts hot washing, stick to the heat-dry method only, as it’s proven to be more effective than washing alone.
Step 4: Second Drying Cycle for Assurance
Once washed, dry the clothes again on high heat. This ensures that any surviving ticks, larvae, or eggs are completely destroyed.
How to Kill Ticks on Clothes Without a Dryer
If you’re camping or don’t have access to a dryer, don’t worry—there are still effective options.
1. Sun-Drying for Extended Periods
Ticks are sensitive to heat and dehydration. Leave your clothes in direct sunlight for several hours—preferably midday when temperatures are highest. While not as reliable as a dryer, this method can help reduce tick survival.
2. Using Permethrin Spray
Permethrin-based sprays are one of the best tick-killing treatments for clothes. They’re safe for fabrics but toxic to ticks.
How to use:
Spray evenly on clothing, focusing on cuffs, collars, socks, and pant hems.
Let the clothes dry for at least 2 hours before wearing.
The protection lasts through multiple washes (usually 5–6 cycles).
Important: Never apply permethrin directly to skin—it’s for fabric use only.
Best Practices to Prevent Ticks from Clinging to Clothes
Killing ticks is essential, but prevention is even better. Follow these proven prevention tips to keep ticks from getting onto your clothes in the first place.
1. Choose Light-Colored Clothing
Ticks are easier to spot on light-colored fabrics like beige, white, or khaki.
2. Tuck and Seal
Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants.
Wear long sleeves and closed shoes when hiking or gardening.
3. Apply Repellents
Use EPA-approved tick repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin. These repel ticks and keep them from attaching.
4. Avoid High Risk Areas
Stay on cleared trails and avoid tall grass, leaf piles, or wooded edges where ticks thrive.
5. Wash After Every Outdoor Activity
Don’t reuse outdoor clothes without washing and drying them first. Even a single unwashed outfit can harbor ticks.
How Long Can Ticks Survive on Clothes?
Ticks can live for up to 24 hours on dry clothes indoors. However, if the clothing is damp or stored in a warm, humid place, they may survive even longer. That’s why immediate treatment drying on high heat—is critical to ensure all ticks are killed.
Can Washing Alone Kill Ticks?
No. Studies show that washing in cold or warm water does not reliably kill ticks. Even detergent cannot penetrate their hard outer shell. The key to eliminating them is drying on high heat or using permethrin-treated fabrics.
What to Do After Handling Tick Exposed Clothes
Check yourself for ticks.
Perform a full-body check—especially behind knees, ears, and underarms.Shower immediately.
A shower helps wash off unattached ticks and provides a chance to inspect your skin.Clean the laundry area.
Wipe down surfaces or floors where tick-infested clothes were handled.
Bonus: Treat Outdoor Gear and Shoes
Ticks can cling to backpacks, shoes, and jackets too. Use permethrin spray on these items or place them in a hot dryer for 10 minutes if the material allows.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to kill ticks on clothes is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay protected from tick borne diseases. The combination of heat drying, hot water washing, and preventive clothing treatments ensures you and your family remain safe after every outdoor adventure.
Remember: prevention is key. Always treat clothing before outdoor activities, and check for ticks after spending time in nature. With consistent care and awareness, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about these dangerous pests.
