Karen asked: How do I remove ringworm fungus from carpet and other fabrics? Thank you!
Table of Contents:
When ringworm fungus enters your home, classroom or daycare center, every precaution and cleaning measure needs to be taken to stop it from spreading. Ringworm is a fungus that requires a warm, moist environment to grow. Spores can be difficult to remove once they have been spread. The good news is that without a “host,” the ringworm will not live for long. So cleaning these areas is a good precaution, but is not required to stop the spread. It is more likely that people will catch it from coming in contact with a pet or another person who has ringworm.
Removing Ringworm Fungus from Clothing
You Will Need:
- Laundry detergent
- Antifungal spray
- Washing machine
Steps to Remove the Fungus:
- Another precautionary step, though not completely necessary is to spray the affected piece with anti-fungal spray. Sprays that are used to kill other fungi, such as athlete’s foot would work.
- Allow it to set on the clothing for a few hours to penetrate the spores and kill them.
- Then launder as usual. Even washing without anti-fungal spray should still kill the spores. If the garment can tolerate hot water that is best.
- Fill the washing machine as normal with laundry detergent, water and clothing.
- Allow the cycle to run for a few minutes to disperse the soap throughout the water and clothing.
- Stop the washing machine and allow the items to soak. The detergent will break down the spores.
- Continue the cycle and dry as normal.
Removing Ringworm Fungus from Carpet
You Will Need:
- Anti-fungal spray (All Stop makes a carpet cleaner)
- Carpet cleaner/steamer
Steps to Remove the Fungus:
- Although it seems that soft carpeting would make a great host for ring worm fungus, remember that ring worm also requires moisture. It is not likely that the spores will thrive on the carpet because there is no moisture to support them.
- If you wish to clean your carpet, begin by spraying it with an anti-fungal spray.
- Next, fill the carpet cleaner/steamer with hot water and clean the entire area. Both the spray and the hot water will help to kill and remove the spores. Carpet shampoo can also be added for additional cleaning power.
- Clean the carpet as normal and allow it to dry completely.
- It is also possible to have the fungus removed by having a professional clean the carpets. Be sure to tell them that you are trying to remove the fungus, so they can use the appropriate products.
Removing Ringworm Fungus from Hard Surfaces
You Will Need:
- Anti-fungal spray (Ex: Lysol or All Stop)
- Paper towels
- Rubber gloves
Steps to Remove the Fungus:
- Spores have even less chance of surviving on a hard surface, so focus on the areas that are used and touched most often.
- Protect your hands with rubber gloves.
- Spray the surface with an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal spray.
- Wipe the area clean with a paper towel.
Additional Tips and Advice
- To stop ringworm from spreading, keep it covered completely with the topical ointment and a band aid until it is gone. Treat any new areas immediately and watch for other signs of exposure.
- Pets can also carry ringworm and their areas will need to be treated as well. Avoid over-handling pets that have been effected.
- All Stop is a line of non-toxic products that are designed to remove the ring worm fungus. There are products designed for all areas of the home. The products can be purchased online and area available separately or as a complete kit.
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Thanks for the info
After searching the internet for days looking for some common sense approches for cleaning to remove ringworm, this has been the most helpful. All the other sites I visited were gloom and doom, OMG you are going to have ringworm in your house forever unless you bleach EVERYTHING. I finally had the idea of spraying fabrics with the antifungal spray myself (I bought some cheap stuff at Walmart). It’s a bummer to get it, but it’s not the end of the world.