# Mouse droppings on laundry: wash, discard, hantavirus > Rodent droppings or urine on laundry: don't sweep, 1:9 diluted bleach, gloves + respirator, separate 60°C wash, hot dry. Hantavirus risk. **Published :** 2026-05-11 --- **Résumé :** **In short:** laundry in contact with mouse or rat droppings or urine — don't sweep, don't dry-vacuum, wet the area with a **1:9 diluted bleach solution** (\~10%) for **5 minutes**, wear **gloves** and — **in case of heavy infestation** — a **HEPA respirator** (N-100/P-100 or PAPR). Wash at **60°C in a separate load**, dry **on high heat in the tumble dryer** or **in full sun**, and discard waste in a **double bag**. The absolute no-go: shaking contaminated laundry. ## At a glance - **Don't sweep, don't dry-vacuum** — these actions disperse infectious aerosols per the CDC. - **Wet down with 1:9 diluted bleach** and let it sit 5 minutes before any handling. - **Disposable gloves** in nitrile/latex/vinyl/rubber are mandatory. - **HEPA respirator** (N-100/P-100 or PAPR) if the infestation is heavy or the room dusty. - **Wash at 60°C in a separate load**, regular detergent, standard cotton program. - **Dry on high heat or in full sun** — don't leave wet laundry in the drum. - **Waste in a double bag** before disposal — that's the CDC protocol. ## Why a specific protocol for rodent-contaminated laundry When laundry has come into contact with droppings, urine or saliva from wild rodents (mice, rats, voles), the main health risk is called **hantavirus**. According to the CDC, this virus is transmitted to humans mainly by **inhalation of aerosols** formed from these dried secretions. The classic mistake — shaking out a sheet, sweeping droppings, running the vacuum — throws these particles into the air. That's exactly what to avoid. The institutional protocol (CDC, WHO, INRS, Santé publique France) rests on three simple principles: 1. **Wet before touching**: diluted bleach destroys the virus and prevents aerosols 2. **Protect yourself**: gloves systematically, HEPA respirator if infestation is heavy 3. **Wash and dry hot**: the 60°C cotton program with detergent and high-heat drying complete the decontamination ### Hantavirus, briefly In mainland France, **Santé publique France reports on average around a hundred annual cases** of hantavirus disease. The main endemic zone is the **northeastern quarter** (Ardennes, Franche-Comté, Picardie, Normandie), with recent expansion toward the south and west. The main reservoir is the **bank vole** (*Myodes / Clethrionomys glareolus*), not the house mouse — but the precautionary protocol applies to any contact with wild rodent droppings. The WHO distinguishes two major clinical pictures: - **HFRS** (Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome): Europe and Asia. Puumala (France), Dobrava, Seoul, Hantaan viruses. Renal form dominant. - **HPS** (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome): the Americas. Sin Nombre (United States), Andes (Argentina, Chile) viruses. Pulmonary form, medical emergency. For the vast majority of strains, **no human-to-human transmission is documented** per the WHO. The only identified exception is the Andes virus in Argentina and Chile, for which rare cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported. ## Sizing up the situation: stray dropping or full infestation? Not all contacts are equal. Matching effort to risk prevents both panic and under-reaction. | Situation | Precaution level | Protocol | |---|---|---| | Stray dropping on a garment | Light | Gloves, wet the area with diluted bleach, wash at 60°C separately, air the room | | Laundry stored in attic, cellar or cabin | Marked | Visible contamination (droppings, urine, hair): ventilate 30 min, gloves, HEPA respirator, systematic wetting, double-bag if unsalvageable | | Closed cabin, heavy infestation | Heavy | Nests, massive urine: extended ventilation, reinforced respiratory protection (PAPR if available), step-by-step cleanup, discard heavily soiled laundry | > If the person doing the cleanup is asthmatic, allergic, pregnant or > immunocompromised, bring in someone else or a professional. The risk of > inhaling infectious aerosols is not negligible, and the full protocol chain > matters more than any single piece of equipment. ## BEFORE touching the laundry: the pre-wash protocol Before even considering the wash, these pre-protocol steps are the most critical part. This is where safety is decided. | DO NOT | DO | Why | |---|---|---| | Dry-sweep, brush, dust | Ventilate 30 minutes, then wet with diluted bleach | Sweeping throws infectious aerosols per the CDC; wetting prevents this dispersion | | Dry-vacuum the area | Wet disinfection first; HEPA vacuum only after wetting and decontamination | An unprepared vacuum can lift contaminated dust instead of capturing it | | Shake or roughly fold soiled laundry | Fold gently onto itself, trap the contaminated surface inside | Shaking throws particles into the breathable air | | Handle bare-handed | Rubber, latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves per the CDC | Direct contact with infectious secretions | | Rely on a surgical mask in a heavy infestation | Half-mask HEPA respirator (N-100 / P-100 filters) or PAPR for heavy contamination | The CDC recommends these protection levels for heavily infested or dusty areas | ### The bleach solution: preparation and use The CDC recommends **about 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water** (around 10%). If bleach is unavailable, the CDC accepts a general household surface disinfectant. 1. **Prepare the solution** in a bucket or spray bottle, just before use 2. **Spray or pour** onto droppings, urine, and any contaminated textile 3. **Let it sit at least 5 minutes** — that's the minimum recommended contact time 4. **Handle only after** that resting time For precise bleach dosing and its textile uses, see our guide on [bleach for laundry: when to use it](/en/blog/bleach-laundry-when-to-use/index.md). **Disposable nitrile gloves, box of 100** Latex-free protective gloves, standard size. Essential for handling contaminated laundry or cleaning an area exposed to rodents. ## Triaging the laundry: wash, disinfect, discard or hand off Not all contaminated laundry is salvageable. Honest triage avoids both waste and false security. | Textile type | If limited contamination | If heavily soiled | |---|---|---| | Cotton, linen, sturdy polyester (sheets, towels, t-shirts) | 60°C cotton program in a separate load | Discard in a double bag without hesitation | | Wool, silk, valuable cashmere | Specialist dry cleaning, informing the professional | Discard in a double bag — risk too high | | Fragile synthetics (technical membranes, elastane) | 40°C + textile disinfectant (sodium percarbonate, Sanytol), accepting a reduced safety margin | Discard in a double bag | | Mattresses, pillows, sentimental plush toys | Wet the visible area with diluted bleach, 60°C machine in a mesh bag if washable | Discard in a double bag, no recovery attempt | | Old underwear, socks, valueless t-shirts | Discard in a double bag | Discard in a double bag | > Sodium percarbonate releases > active oxygen from 40°C and adds an extra disinfecting layer. It's the ally of > colored or delicate textiles that can't handle 60°C. Accept though that the > safety margin is smaller than a real 60°C cycle. ## Machine washing: 60°C, separate, standard detergent For rodent-contaminated laundry, the CDC recommends **hot water + detergent**. In practice, the **regular 60°C cotton program** matches this heat level. INRS further confirms that the Puumala virus (the European hantavirus) is heat-sensitive. **Settings:** - **Program**: regular cotton (pick a non-eco program to guarantee actual heat; see also our guide on [washing at 30 or 40 degrees](/en/blog/30-vs-40-degrees/index.md) to understand programs by use) - **Temperature**: 60°C - **Detergent**: your usual detergent, normal dose - **Load**: not packed, for good agitation - **Mixing**: absolutely not — wash contaminated laundry on its own, never with clean household laundry > Cross-contamination risk is real. Run a dedicated cycle, even if the machine > looks barely full: safety before water or energy savings. This is the one > non-negotiable rule of post-rodent textile washing. ## Drying: high heat or full sun Per the CDC, dry in a tumble dryer on high heat or in full sun. Both options add an extra disinfection layer (sustained heat, solar UV). - **Tumble dryer** (preferred): hot cotton program, don't shorten the duration - **Full sun**: hang outside in direct exposure — UV radiation contributes to disinfection - **Avoid**: air-drying cold indoors, especially in the room that was contaminated. Don't leave wet laundry in the drum. ## The machine after the cycle: hygiene best practices The CDC does not prescribe a specific protocol for the washing machine after a contaminated cycle. Apply your usual hygiene best practices: - **Wipe the door gasket**, visible drum and detergent drawer with a cloth soaked in diluted bleach or white vinegar - **Leave the door open** a few hours to ventilate the drum - **Discard gloves and disposable rags** in a closed plastic bag, itself placed in a second bag (double-bagging per the CDC) For details on textile disinfection methods by product and temperature, see our [complete guide to disinfecting laundry](/en/blog/disinfect-laundry-guide/index.md). **Sanytol bleach-free textile disinfectant** Bleach-free textile disinfectant active from 20°C, to pour into the softener compartment. For fragile textiles that can't handle 60°C. ## When to use the laundromat: large volumes, bulky loads Some situations exceed the capacity of a household washer: - **Complete bedding from a cabin** (sheets, blanket, duvet, pillows) - **Sleeping bag** (see [how to wash a sleeping bag](/en/blog/wash-sleeping-bag-guide/index.md)) - **Vacation-home duvet** found in storage (see [how to wash a duvet](/en/blog/wash-duvet-guide/index.md)) - **Bulky workwear** like coveralls or a parka Our Speed Queen laundromats have **18 kg machines** suited to these loads, with **high-temperature wash available (60°C, 90°C)** and hot professional tumble dryers. Detergent and softener are included. > Carry contaminated laundry in a **closed double-bag** (not in an > open basket). Don't put soiled laundry on folding tables. Run the cycle at > 60°C and use the hot tumble dryer. Wash your hands before leaving the > laundromat. You're at home, but also in other people's space. **Heavy-duty 100 L trash bags** Strong bags for double-bagging contaminated laundry and cleaning waste. Double-bagging is explicitly recommended by the CDC. ## Special cases ### Sleeping bag found in an infested cabin If massive urine, dozens of droppings, a nest inside: **discard in a double bag**. The value isn't worth the health risk. If salvageable: 1. Air out the room and the sleeping bag for 30 minutes 2. Wet the visible areas with diluted bleach, let sit 5 minutes 3. Carry in a sealed double bag to a laundromat 4. Wash at 60°C in a large-capacity machine (18 kg) 5. Tumble dry on high heat ### Duvet or comforter from a vacation home Check the label first: most synthetic duvets handle 60°C. For details (machine capacity, dosage, frequency) see [how to wash a duvet](/en/blog/wash-duvet-guide/index.md). ### Child's plush toy If contamination is limited (a few droppings, plush in good shape): wet the visible area with diluted bleach, 60°C machine in a mesh bag, sodium percarbonate, hot tumble dryer. See also our guide on [washing a plush toy](/en/blog/wash-stuffed-animal-guide/index.md). If heavily soiled (urine, several days of exposure, soaked foam inside): **discard**. The child's safety comes first. ### Wool, silk, cashmere garments Head to specialist dry cleaning, clearly informing the professional about the nature of the risk (wild rodent contamination). For wool sweaters specifically, see [washing a wool sweater without felting](/en/blog/wash-wool-sweater-no-shrink-guide/index.md). ### Laundry stored a long time without visible contamination but suspect Cabin closed after a long absence, rural garage, old attic: if you haven't seen droppings but the room smells of rodents or shows signs of activity, treat the laundry **as contaminated as a precaution** — that's cheaper than exposure. ## The hantavirus context by major geographic zone ### France and Europe: Puumala virus (HFRS) In France, hantavirus disease is monitored by Santé publique France and the **CNR Hantavirus at the Institut Pasteur**. The main endemic zone is the northeastern quarter; average incidence is around a hundred annual cases. The main reservoir is the bank vole. The usual clinical form is **hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome**, generally milder than the American forms. ### North America: Sin Nombre virus (HPS) In the United States, the Sin Nombre virus is monitored by the CDC. It causes **hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)**, whose pulmonary phase is an absolute medical emergency. The main reservoir is the deer mouse (*Peromyscus maniculatus*). ### South America: Andes virus The Andes virus mainly affects Argentina and Chile per the WHO. It is the **only strain for which rare cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported** — these remain exceptional. All other hantaviruses are transmitted only via contact with rodent secretions. ### Brazil In Brazil, hantavirus disease is monitored by the **Ministério da Saúde**, with cases reported in several regions of the country. ### When to seek emergency care? Incubation generally ranges from **1 to 8 weeks** per CDC and ECDC, with a median often reported around 2 to 4 weeks. The first signs resemble severe flu: **sudden fever, intense muscle aches, headaches, fatigue**. > **Warning:** > - **HPS (the Americas)**: the pulmonary phase sets in within days with shortness of breath. ABSOLUTE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. > - **HFRS (Europe/Asia, Puumala in France)**: renal signs dominate (lower back pain, reduced urine output). Prompt consultation. > - **Any unexplained fever** in the weeks following exposure to rodents warrants a consultation and explicit mention of the contact to care providers. ## Mistakes to avoid - 🚫 **Dry-sweeping or dry-vacuuming** — This is the action that creates infectious aerosols. Always wet first with diluted bleach and let it sit 5 minutes. - 🚫 **Shaking soiled laundry** — Same: shaking throws particles into the air. Fold gently, trap the contaminated surface inside. - 🚫 **Mixing with the family's laundry** — Dedicated cycle, never a shared basket, never a machine shared with other clean garments. - 🚫 **Cold wash** — Insufficient. The 60°C cotton program is the practical threshold for the heat level the CDC recommends for this type of contamination. - 🚫 **Relying on a surgical mask in a major outbreak** — For a heavy infestation or a dusty room, the CDC recommends a HEPA respirator (N-100/P-100) or PAPR. - 🚫 **Reusing a wet or contaminated respirator** — A saturated mask or respirator no longer protects. Discard after use in a double bag. ## What NOT to conclude from all this Hantavirus risk exists in mainland France but remains **rare and localized** (mainly the Northeast). The point of this protocol isn't to scare — it's to **equip**: applying these simple steps lets you handle contaminated laundry without unnecessary risk. Most contacts with rodent droppings in domestic settings happen without health consequences, but they pass without consequences **because** the protocol is followed, not despite it. **Household bleach 2.6% (5 L)** Household bleach to prepare the 1:9 disinfection solution recommended by the CDC. Dilute just before use, store away from light. *Cet article contient des liens affiliés. Les prix et la disponibilité peuvent varier.* > **Read also**: [flu, gastro, Covid — washing a sick person's laundry](/en/blog/covid-flu-laundry-hygiene/index.md) (case of a contagious human, different protocol), [how to disinfect your laundry](/en/blog/disinfect-laundry-guide/index.md) (general methods by product and temperature), [bleach for laundry](/en/blog/bleach-laundry-when-to-use/index.md).