Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, scalp, and nails. It is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or by touching contaminated items like clothes, towels, and bedding. If you’ve been diagnosed with ringworm or suspect you have it, it’s important to know how to effectively kill the fungus on your clothes to prevent reinfection. This article will explain what kills ringworm on clothes, how to clean your clothing properly, and the steps to take to eliminate the fungus.
Understanding Ringworm
Ringworm is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making it easy for them to spread from one person to another. The infection gets its name from the round, red, and scaly patches it creates on the skin, often resembling a ring. The fungus can also be present on clothing, especially if you’ve come into direct contact with an infected person or their belongings.
The fungus responsible for ringworm can survive on surfaces for a period of time. This means that if it gets on your clothes, you may risk spreading the infection further or reinfecting yourself if the clothes are not properly cleaned.
How Ringworm Spreads Through Clothes
Ringworm can spread through indirect contact with contaminated clothing. For example, if someone with ringworm wears clothing and then leaves it for others to use, they could unknowingly pass on the infection. Additionally, items like shoes, socks, and towels that come into direct contact with the infected area can also harbor the fungus.
The fungus can live for up to several weeks on fabric, depending on the environment. This means that cleaning your clothes after being exposed to ringworm is essential for stopping the spread of the infection.
What Kills Ringworm on Clothes?
Several cleaning methods are effective at killing the fungus responsible for ringworm on clothes. These include washing with hot water, using antifungal laundry additives, and using bleach. Let’s explore each of these methods in more detail.
1. Hot Water Washing
The first and easiest step in eliminating ringworm from your clothes is to wash them in hot water. High temperatures can kill most fungi, including the ones that cause ringworm. When washing your clothes, make sure to:
- Use water that’s at least 140°F (60°C). Most household washing machines can reach this temperature.
- Wash clothes that have come into contact with the infected area, such as socks, underwear, and bedding.
- Consider washing your clothes separately from those of other people to prevent cross-contamination.
If you’re unable to use hot water, you can also add an antifungal agent to the wash to improve its effectiveness.
2. Antifungal Laundry Additives
In addition to hot water, antifungal laundry additives can help kill ringworm spores. These additives are specifically designed to target fungi and are safe to use in your laundry. They work by disrupting the cell membranes of fungi, killing them during the wash cycle.
Some popular antifungal laundry additives include:
Borax: This naturally occurring mineral is a common ingredient in many cleaning products. It can kill fungi, including the fungus that causes ringworm.
Fungicidal detergents: Special detergents are formulated with antifungal properties. These can be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies or online.
Tea tree oil: Known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can also be used in laundry. Add a few drops to your wash cycle for additional protection.
These antifungal products can be added directly to the wash cycle, helping to kill any remaining fungal spores on your clothes.
3. Bleach
For white clothing, bleach is an excellent option for killing ringworm spores. Bleach has strong antifungal and disinfectant properties that can help destroy the fungus. However, it should only be used on white clothing to avoid damaging the fabric.
To use bleach to kill ringworm on clothes:
- Dilute bleach with water according to the instructions on the bleach bottle.
- Soak the infected clothing in the solution for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Wash the clothes as usual in hot water.
- Avoid using bleach on colored clothes, as it can cause discoloration.
For colored fabrics, consider using a color-safe bleach alternative that can also kill fungi without damaging the clothing.
4. Sunlight
While sunlight isn’t a guaranteed method for killing all fungi, it can be an additional step to help reduce the risk of reinfection. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can have an antimicrobial effect, helping to kill fungi and bacteria. After washing your clothes:
- Hang them outside to dry in direct sunlight.
- Make sure the clothes are thoroughly dried, as moisture can encourage fungal growth.
Although sunlight alone may not be enough to completely eradicate the fungus, it can serve as a helpful supplement to other cleaning methods.
Drying Clothes Properly
After washing your clothes to kill the ringworm fungus, drying them properly is crucial. The fungus thrives in damp environments, so it’s essential to ensure that your clothes are completely dry before wearing them again.
Dry clothes in high heat: Use the dryer on the highest heat setting that is safe for the fabric. High heat will help kill any remaining spores.
Air drying in the sun: As mentioned earlier, UV rays from the sun can help eliminate any residual fungi. If you don’t have access to a dryer, hang your clothes outside in the sun to dry.
Washing Other Contaminated Items
In addition to clothes, other items in your home may be contaminated with ringworm spores. These include towels, sheets, hats, shoes, and even pet bedding if your pets are affected. To prevent reinfection, be sure to clean all of these items thoroughly as well. Here’s how:
Towels and sheets: Wash them in hot water and use antifungal laundry additives. Dry them thoroughly in high heat or under the sun.
Shoes: Clean shoes using a disinfectant spray or wipe. Make sure to let them dry completely before wearing them again.
Pet bedding: If you have pets and suspect they may have ringworm, wash their bedding in hot water with antifungal laundry additives. Consider consulting a vet for advice on treating pets with ringworm.
Preventing the Spread of Ringworm
Once you’ve successfully killed the ringworm fungus on your clothes, it’s important to take steps to prevent further spread of the infection. Here are some tips:
Avoid sharing clothes: Do not share clothes, towels, or bedding with others while you have ringworm.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching contaminated items or areas of your body affected by ringworm.
Treat the infection promptly: If you have ringworm, start treatment as soon as possible. This can include antifungal creams, oral medications, or other treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Ringworm on clothes can be a persistent issue, but with the right cleaning methods, it is possible to eliminate the fungus and prevent reinfection. Washing clothes in hot water, using antifungal laundry additives, and using bleach for white clothing are some of the most effective ways to kill ringworm on clothes. Additionally, drying clothes thoroughly and cleaning other contaminated items will help to ensure that the fungus is completely eradicated. By following these steps, you can keep your clothes and home free from ringworm and reduce the risk of spreading or reinfecting yourself.
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