You just got back from a beautiful hike or a long afternoon working in the yard. You toss your clothes in the wash, assuming that will kill ticks on clothing and leave nature behind.

But here’s the surprising truth: a trip through the washing machine does not reliably kill ticks on clothing.

These tiny pests are tougher than they look—and if you don’t take the right steps, ticks can survive laundry cycles and live to crawl another day.

Let’s talk about why this happens and exactly how to eliminate ticks from clothing so your laundry routine actually protects you and your family.

Why Washing Alone Doesn’t Kill Ticks

Ticks are built for survival. Their tough outer shell helps them resist water exposure and withstand standard detergent.

If clothes are washed in cold or warm water, ticks often survive. In those cases, washing doesn’t kill ticks on clothing—it simply moves them around.

Myth: Washing clothes removes ticks.

Reality: Without heat, ticks may emerge from the washing machine alive.

Public health guidance consistently shows that heat—not detergent—is what reliably kills ticks.

How to Kill Ticks on Clothing Safely and Effectively

Use Hot Water When Possible

If the fabric allows, wash clothes in hot water (at least 130°F / 54°C). This temperature helps eliminate ticks that might otherwise survive.

Always check care labels, especially for athletic wear or delicate fabrics.

If hot water isn’t an option, the dryer becomes even more important.

Dry Clothes on High Heat

The dryer is the most reliable way to eliminate ticks from clothing.

Dry clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes. For thicker items like jeans, sweatshirts, towels, or socks, 20–30 minutes is safer.

Even if ticks survive the wash, they are very unlikely to survive the dryer.

Best Practice: Dry First, Then Wash

After spending time in tick-heavy environments, the most effective approach to eliminate ticks after outdoor exposure is:

1. Place clothes directly into the dryer
2. Run on high heat for at least 10 minutes
3. Wash afterward as usual

Heat kills ticks quickly. Washing afterward simply cleans the clothes.

This sequence also reduces the chance that ticks escape while sorting laundry.

Why This Matters for Your Family

Ticks don’t always bite immediately. They can remain on clothing for hours before crawling onto skin—especially in children or pets.

Ticks can transmit serious infections, including tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, even after they’ve been carried indoors.

According to the CDC, heat from dryers is one of the most reliable ways to kill ticks on clothing, even when washing alone fails. That’s why proper laundering is part of preventing Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.

If clothes were washed in cold or warm water, drying them on high heat afterward can still significantly reduce risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ticks survive the washing machine?

Yes. Ticks can survive washing machines when clothes are washed in cold or warm water.

Does laundry detergent kill ticks on clothing?

No. Detergent alone does not reliably kill ticks. Heat is required.

Is the dryer more effective than the washer?

Yes. High-heat drying is one of the most effective ways to get rid of ticks on clothes.

Should I dry clothes before washing them?

After time in tick-heavy environments, drying clothes first on high heat is often the safest approach.

Can ticks spread disease from clothing?

Yes. Ticks can crawl from clothing onto skin hours after exposure.

The Bottom Line: Heat Is What Works

Ticks can survive the washing machine—but they cannot survive high heat.

To reliably eliminate ticks from clothing:

1. Wash in hot water when possible
2. Always dry on high heat for at least 10 minutes
3. Dry before washing after heavy tick exposure

Heat—not detergent—is what kills ticks on clothing.

Stay safe—and don’t let a tiny tick undo your time outdoors.

Have a tick prevention tip that works for your family? Share it in the comments.

References

1. CDC (2024): Preventing tick bites.