How do you clean surfaces of pinworms? Pinworms happen to be the most common type of intestinal worms, and it is caused by small white worms.
This type of worms can be found often in small children, and not to worry, they can be easily treated. Pinworms are not easy to diagnose in a child hence the goal is to make sure your floors and carpets are always kept clean to get rid of their eggs.
Pinworms are likely to cause an infection, but they are easy to catch immediately after they are detected. They can live on clothes and hard surfaces, which is often how kids get it. Pets such as cats, dogs, or other animals can’t acquire pinworm infection, but they can carry it in their fur.
Adults can also breathe in the eggs that are laid on surfaces, and it can spread quickly since it’s contagious.
Keep in mind that pinworm is very contagious and although pets can’t spread this kind of worm, they do carry their kind of worms.
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There are ways to prevent pinworms and while doctors can prescribe you chewable tablets to cure the infection, it is also important to take precautions and keep surfaces around the house clean from its eggs.
So what should you know about pinworms? The goal is to find ways to get pinworms out of your carpet and floors, and there are specific cleaners that can get this done. This article is a complete guide on how you can prevent pinworm infection and keep your surfaces clean of their eggs.
What Attracts Pinworms To The Home?
Pinworms also known as threadworms and are the most common type of worms found in humans. Pinworms are small parasites that cause infections that can go from and to worst when left untreated.
It is an intestinal parasite that is known to be caused by a lack of or inadequate hygiene.
The eggs of pinworms are transferred from the anus while one sleeps to either their mouth or surfaces, thereby reinfecting them or someone else.
Anyone can get pinworms, and It’s important to watch out for certain symptoms such as itching of the anal area which can sometimes be intense at night, mild nausea, and disturbed sleep but those with serious pinworm infections experience weight loss, difficulty sleeping, extreme irritability (CDC), loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
You may also see tiny white worms coming out of your child’s anal at night.
The adult pinworm just lays its eggs around the anal skin of the anus and not to worry some medications can help get rid of it, however, you still need to keep your entire household clean of its eggs to prevent being reinfected.
Pinworms are considered harmless but annoying when one gets infected by them, and they spread easily and everyone in that household might end up being infected. The most common infection in the US is pinworm which is why it’s important to know about this annoying worm.
Diagnoses of pinworm may be done by a tape test or by visualizing it in stools, and most are found in the anus or vaginal.
12 Cleaners That Kill Pinworms Eggs On Surfaces
While some popular homemade cleaners can help rid your surfaces of pinworm eggs, store-bought cleaners are considered stronger and more effective.
Strict hygiene is very essential if you want to prevent pinworm infection on the surface or body. There are lots of natural prescriptions for pinworms and doctors can also prescribe medicines for them however to make sure they are completely rid, we have rounded up the perfect cleaners to permanently remove the pinworm eggs.
1. Method All-Purpose Cleaning Spray Lime + Sea Salt
Method All-Purpose Natural Surface Cleaning Spray is a suitable spray for getting rid of any germ and dirt on your surfaces. This can be used to kill pinworm eggs on your tiles, counter, and sink. This cleaner is made with non-toxic ingredients and the sweet fresh scent is another reason it’s worth having at home.
This surface cleaning spray is planet-friendly which also means it is biodegradable and perfect for keeping your environment free. Use method all-purpose natural surface cleaning spray on any surface pinworm eggs or dirt area and wipe clean with Clorox wipes or clothe.
2. Windex Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner
Windex multi-surface cleaner is perfect for killing germs and getting rid of those pesky pinworm eggs. This antibacterial cleaner has amazing reviews and it is a good mild smell that won’t make you nauseous like some cleaner. This is easy to use and is effective on all kinds of surfaces. It is a safe cleaner to use around pets and kids too.
3. Seventh Generation All-Purpose Cleaner
Seventh Generation all-purpose cleaner is another very popular choice of household spray cleaner. This cleaner contains no harsh ingredients but strong enough to be used in getting rid of pinworm eggs on surfaces. It is an all-purpose cleaner for cutting grease, dirt, and grime on any surface in your home.
4. Diversey- Virex All-Purpose Disinfectant Cleaner
Diversey is another strong disinfectant cleaner that is not just for eliminating germs but pinworms and any organisms that cause odors. This cleaner can be used on non-porous surfaces like floors, walls, porcelain, and plastic surfaces as well. You can also add this to your cleaning spray to get rid of stubborn bacteria and germs around the house.
5. GLANCE CBD540311 Powerized Professional Glass & Surface Cleaner
If you need something strong enough for windows and hard surfaces, you should go for Glance Powerized Surface Cleaner. This cleaner is formulated with ammonia and other powerful surfactants to help cut through the toughest stains and remove pinworm eggs while at it. This is made with ingredients that are sure to keep your surfaces clean from dirt and grimes.
6. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi
Mrs.Meyer’s Clean Day Surface cleaner is strong enough to keep bacteria and pinworm eggs from making a home on your floors and carpets. This can be safely used on all surfaces, and all you need is a vacuum or brush to get rid of the pinworm eggs after spraying with Mrs.Meyer’s Cleaner.
The smell from this is not overpowering, hence you don’t have to worry about it making you nauseous. This can be your go-to everyday cleanser.
7. Lysol Disinfectant Spray
Lysol Disinfectant is another spray cleaner that helps keep pinworm eggs off your floor and practically any surface they can be found on. This is a formula that kills 99.9% of bacteria, germs, and viruses.
However, it is NOT 100% effective against pinworm eggs, we explained this in detail in our standalone guide: Does Lysol kill pinworm eggs?
This is a great disinfectant and it can be used daily to keep your environment clean. It can be used to sanitize soft surfaces, and deodorize and disinfect. Continuous use will greatly discourage Pinworm eggs from spawning.
8. Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner
Lysol Kitchen Cleaner is one of the most talked-about cleaners for all kinds of bacteria, and it is quite effective in helping to keep pinworm eggs at bay.
There are no harsh chemicals in the formulation of this cleaner, but it is strong enough to keep your environment and surfaces clean of parasites. Lysol is also an effective kitchen cleaner, it keeps bacteria from getting into your food.
It is made to get rid of up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria and viruses.
9. Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner
One of the common places pinworm eggs can be found is hard floors, which is why we recommend the Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner to permanently kill them. This is another formula that can help keep your floor sparking, and it is a safer solution for kids and pets. This product can be used on tables to remove dirt and dust.
10. Clorox Clean-Up All-Purpose Cleaner
Parasites and bacteria that stay on the surface too long might be hard to get rid of. Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner is formulated with bleach to not only make any surface area shine, but all kill pinworm eggs and keep your environment clean. This is a must-have multipurpose cleaner around the home, it is designed to deodorize any kind of surface both indoor and outdoor.
This cleaner can be used basically anywhere in your household, places such as counters, refrigerators, tubs, toilets, floors, showers, and tiles. It can be used in multi-hard and non-porous areas throughout your home.
11. Pledge Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray
Here is another multi-surface cleaner to kill pinworm eggs and help maintain good hygiene. Pledge Antibacterial Surface Cleaner is one of the best household cleaners on the market, and it smells of fresh citrus, so you can worry less about the overpowering odor in your home. This effortlessly gets rid of germs including any flu virus as well. This is just what you need to keep your environment clean from pinworms.
12. Great Value All Purpose Cleaner With Bleach
Great Value All Purpose Cleaner helps get rid of everyday dirt and germs while also taking care of parasites such as pinworm eggs. This can be used to disinfectant and deodorize surfaces around your home and with the bleaches in it, you can easily get rid of stubborn stains on your floor and toilets.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answered most of your questions on household finds that can kill pinworm eggs.
Do lice spray kill pinworm eggs?
Pinworms don’t have a long life span out of the body, hence a lice spray can be used to kill them faster on the surface. Lice spray can be an effective remedy for removing not just pinworm eggs, but for eliminating nits in your home as well.
Does vinegar kill pinworm eggs?
Vinegar is an effective household cleaner for germs and bacteria, but it will not kill the pinworm parasite. White vinegar can be taken to get rid of pinworms in your body, it is unlikely to kill the pinworm eggs effectively. A stronger cleaner is often needed to kill pinworm eggs and prevent them from coming back.
Does alcohol kill pinworm eggs?
Pinworm is a nematode parasite hence alcohol is unlikely to kill the eggs. Spraying alcohol on your surfaces won’t kill them, but this can be applied to the anal area every time you go to the toilet. Alcohol can be used to keep your environment clean from bacteria and germs, but it’s not strong enough for pinworm eggs.
Does hand sanitizer kill pinworm eggs?
Hand sanitizers are ideal for getting rid of germs on your hands, but not as strong as using hot water and soap. Hand sanitizers are however considered effective for germs, but not for pinworm eggs. Using hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% rubbing alcohol is more effective.
Does rubbing alcohol kill pinworm eggs?
The isopropanol in rubbing alcohol can be used to disinfect the parasite and reduce further infection in the body. However, rubbing alcohol is not strong enough to kill pinworm eggs on the surface.
Does hydrogen peroxide kill pinworm eggs?
Most cleaners contain hydrogen peroxide hence it can be used on surfaces to get rid of pinworm eggs. This chemical is effective enough against bacteria and parasites, which is why it is the common household cleaner for your floors, clothes, and surfaces that are infected.
Does bleach kill pinworm eggs on surfaces?
Household detergents and bleach have effects on pinworm eggs. Moisten a clean cloth with bleach to clean your bathroom surface of pinworm eggs, and it can as well be used to get rid of the ones on clothes and bed linen too.
Does Dettol kill pinworm eggs?
Dettol will not reliably kill pinworm eggs on floors and hard surfaces immediately, but continuous cleaning has a 90% chance of killing pinworm eggs. To kill pinworms with Dettol, spray on counters and other infected surfaces before wiping with clothes regularly.
Tips For Preventing Pinworms
Pinworms are likely to be on the surface first, and accidentally swallowing or getting it on your hands can lead to getting infected.
Pinworm is an intestinal infection, and it is caused by inadequate hygiene, and it can be transferred from the anus of an infected person to the mouth reinfecting them which is why it’s considered the most annoying kind of worm to get.
Hence, here are simple tips on how to take preventive measures.
- Change underwear and bedding daily to help remove the eggs.
- Wash your hands after using the restroom or change diapers to prevent spreading it.
- Wash every morning, making sure to wash the anal area to reduce the number of pinworms and prevent them from spreading. Showering during the day can also help prevent further re-contamination.
- Wash bed linen, clothes, and underwear in warm water and ensure to dry on high heat.
- Avoid scratching the anal area as this will only lead to re-infection and trimming your fingers and kids’ own too.
Final Thoughts
Humans are the only natural host of pinworms, but pets do not harbor this annoying parasite.
Human to human spread of pinworm can be fast, hence the whole household of an infected person needs to be treated as well.
While both adults and kids can contact pinworms, it is commonly found in kids and treatment involves an oral drug and some antibiotics. There are also natural remedies for getting rid of pinworms such or which include garlic and papaya seeds.