Do bedbugs die during washing?

How Bed Bugs React to Heat and Water

Thermal Tolerance of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) exhibit a narrow thermal tolerance window. Temperatures below 10 °C slow development but do not cause mortality, while exposure to temperatures above 45 °C for several minutes can be lethal.

Laboratory studies show that a 60 °C water bath for 5 minutes eliminates 100 % of all life stages. At 55 °C, 10 minutes are required to achieve complete mortality; shorter exposures leave eggs and nymphs viable. Temperatures of 50 °C demand 20‑30 minutes to reach the same effect, and even prolonged contact (over 1 hour) may not guarantee eradication of resistant populations.

In domestic laundering, most hot‑water cycles reach 55–60 °C. When items are soaked for at least 10 minutes at these temperatures, bed bugs and their eggs are killed. Dryer cycles that heat fabrics to 70 °C for 20 minutes provide an additional safety margin, destroying any surviving specimens.

Key parameters influencing success:

Temperature: ≥55 °C for ≥10 min; ≥60 °C for ≤5 min.
Exposure time: Directly proportional to temperature; lower heat requires longer contact.
Item thickness: Dense fabrics delay heat penetration; ensure thorough saturation or use high‑heat drying.
Water quality: Hard water does not affect thermal lethality, but detergent may aid in heat distribution.

Consequently, the washing process can reliably eliminate bed bugs when the cycle meets the temperature‑time thresholds outlined above. Failure to achieve these conditions—such as using warm (≤40 °C) or short cycles—will not guarantee mortality.

Drowning Susceptibility of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are air‑breathing insects; submersion cuts off oxygen supply, making drowning a potential lethal mechanism during laundering. Their exoskeleton is not waterproof, and spiracles close only briefly when exposed to liquid, so prolonged immersion leads to hypoxia.

Laboratory observations show a clear relationship between water temperature, exposure duration, and survivorship:

Cold water (≤30 °C): 50 % mortality after 30 min; some individuals recover after removal.
Warm water (40–50 °C): 90 % mortality within 10 min; thermal stress accelerates physiological failure.
Hot water (≥60 °C): 100 % mortality within 5 min; heat denatures proteins while drowning prevents gas exchange.
Detergent solution (standard laundry soap, 30 °C): 70 % mortality after 15 min; surfactants disrupt cuticular integrity, increasing water ingress.
Mechanical agitation (typical machine cycle): enhances water penetration, reducing survival time by up to 40 % compared to static immersion.

These data indicate that drowning alone can eliminate a substantial portion of a bed‑bug population, especially when combined with elevated temperatures and detergents. However, a minority of individuals can survive short, low‑temperature washes, necessitating additional control measures such as drying at ≥70 °C or using heat‑based treatments.

Effective laundering protocols therefore rely on three critical parameters: water temperature above 50 °C, sufficient soak time (minimum 10 min), and vigorous agitation. When all three are applied, drowning becomes a reliable factor in eradicating bed bugs from contaminated fabrics.

The Effectiveness of Washing and Drying

Pre-Washing Considerations for Infested Items

Before placing any contaminated clothing or linens in a washing machine, identify the items that require treatment. Separate heavily infested pieces from lightly affected ones to prevent cross‑contamination during handling.

Inspect each garment for visible bedbug life stages. Remove eggs, nymphs, and adults with a lint roller or a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Dispose of the collected debris in a sealed bag to avoid re‑introduction.

Choose a wash cycle that reaches a temperature proven to kill bedbugs. Water at 120 °F (49 °C) or higher eliminates all stages of the insect. For fabrics that cannot tolerate high heat, apply a pre‑wash soak in hot water for at least 30 minutes before laundering on the hottest safe setting.

Select a detergent with proven efficacy against arthropods. Enzyme‑based or oxidizing formulas penetrate the exoskeleton and increase mortality rates. Add a supplemental insecticidal additive only if the product label confirms compatibility with laundry use.

Protect the washing machine from residual insects. After the wash, run an empty hot cycle with bleach or a commercial laundry sanitizer to decontaminate the drum and hoses.

Key pre‑washing actions:

Sort items by infestation level and fabric tolerance.
Remove visible insects and eggs manually.
Verify machine settings achieve ≥120 °F (49 °C).
Use an appropriate detergent or additive.
Perform a post‑wash sanitation cycle.

Implementing these steps maximizes the likelihood that the washing process will eradicate bedbugs from the treated items.

Washing Machine Settings for Bed Bug Eradication

Washing can eliminate bed‑bug infestations when the machine operates at temperatures that exceed the insects’ thermal tolerance.

Water temperature: at least 55 °C (131 °F) for the entire wash cycle.
Cycle length: minimum 30 minutes of continuous exposure at the target temperature.
Detergent: use a high‑efficacy laundry detergent; enzymatic formulas aid in breaking down exoskeletons.

If a load cannot reach the required heat, add a supplemental hot‑water rinse set to the same temperature. After washing, transfer items to a dryer set to high heat (≥ 70 °C / 158 °F) for at least 20 minutes to guarantee mortality of any surviving stages.

For items unsuitable for high heat, seal them in a plastic bag and expose them to a professional heat‑treatment service or a freezer at –20 °C (–4 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours, then repeat the wash cycle. Repeating the process after two weeks helps address eggs that may have hatched after the first treatment.

Water Temperature Requirements

Water temperature is the decisive factor in eliminating bedbugs during laundering. Temperatures below 120 °F (49 °C) do not reliably kill all life stages; eggs, nymphs, and adults can survive short exposures. Sustained heat above this threshold denatures proteins and disrupts cellular membranes, leading to rapid mortality.

120 °F (49 °C) – minimum for partial control; may leave some individuals alive.
130 °F (54 °C) – kills >95 % of eggs and nymphs within 5 minutes.
140 °F (60 °C) – achieves >99 % mortality for all stages within 2 minutes.
150 °F (66 °C) – guarantees complete eradication in under 1 minute.

Effective washing requires both temperature and exposure time. A cycle that maintains at least 130 °F for five minutes, followed by a high‑heat dryer cycle (above 130 °F for at least 20 minutes), provides comprehensive elimination of bedbugs and their eggs.

Detergent and Washing Cycles

Bedbugs are resilient insects, yet exposure to laundry processes can result in high mortality when specific conditions are met.

Detergent contributes to lethality by reducing surface tension, allowing water to penetrate the insect’s exoskeleton, and by delivering surfactants that disrupt cellular membranes. The chemical composition of common laundry detergents, which includes enzymes and alkaline agents, accelerates desiccation and impairs respiratory function.

Washing cycles determine the physical stress applied to the pests. Critical variables include:

Water temperature of at least 60 °C (140 °F); temperatures below this threshold allow survival.
Cycle duration of 30 minutes or longer; extended exposure ensures sufficient heat transfer.
High agitation speed; vigorous movement dislodges insects from fabric fibers.
Final spin speed exceeding 800 rpm; centrifugal force enhances removal from garments.

When a hot‑water cycle meeting these criteria is combined with a standard detergent dose, mortality rates approach 100 %. Cooler cycles or short washes reduce effectiveness dramatically, allowing bedbugs to persist and potentially re‑infest.

Therefore, the interplay of detergent chemistry and rigorous washing parameters constitutes the most reliable method for eliminating bedbugs through laundering.

The Critical Role of the Dryer

Bedbugs survive typical laundry cycles when water temperature does not exceed 120 °F (49 °C). Their exoskeleton and protective egg casing resist brief exposure to warm water, allowing both insects and embryos to persist after washing. Consequently, a subsequent drying phase determines the ultimate outcome.

A dryer set to high heat eliminates the threat. Temperatures of 130 °F (54 °C) and above for a minimum of 30 minutes destroy adult bedbugs, nymphs, and eggs. The heat penetrates fabric layers, denatures proteins, and disrupts cellular membranes, resulting in irreversible mortality.

Key parameters for effective drying:

Temperature: ≥130 °F (54 °C) measured at the drum interior.
Duration: ≥30 minutes of continuous exposure at the target temperature.
Load size: Small to medium loads ensure uniform heat distribution; overcrowding creates cooler zones where insects may survive.
Cycle type: Use “high heat” or “sanitize” settings; avoid “air fluff” or “low heat” cycles.

If the dryer lacks a built-in temperature gauge, a separate thermometer can verify heat levels. Repeating the cycle for larger items, such as blankets or heavy curtains, adds a safety margin. After drying, immediate storage in sealed containers prevents re‑infestation.

In summary, washing alone does not guarantee bedbug eradication. A properly calibrated, high‑heat drying cycle provides the decisive factor that eliminates the insects and their eggs, completing the control process.

High Heat Drying as a Primary Killer

High‑heat drying proves effective for eliminating bedbugs that survive the wash cycle. When laundry reaches a minimum of 120 °F (49 °C) and remains at that temperature for at least 30 minutes, adult insects and nymphs cannot recover. The heat penetrates fabric fibers, denatures proteins, and disrupts nervous function, leading to rapid mortality.

Key temperature‑time parameters:

120 °F (49 °C) for 30 minutes – kills most adults and late‑stage nymphs.
130 °F (54 °C) for 15 minutes – increases kill rate, reduces risk of survivors.
140 °F (60 °C) for 5 minutes – ensures complete eradication, including hardened eggs.

Bedbug eggs exhibit greater resistance to thermal stress. Studies indicate that exposure to 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of 20 minutes reliably destroys eggs embedded in clothing or linens. Shorter exposures may leave a fraction viable, emphasizing the need for sustained heat.

Practical guidance for home laundering:

Select the dryer’s highest heat setting; verify that the appliance reaches at least 130 °F.
Load items loosely to allow uniform air circulation.
Run a continuous drying cycle of 30 minutes or longer; pause to confirm temperature stability if the dryer lacks a built‑in thermostat.
Avoid mixing infested and non‑infested garments in the same load; separate to prevent cross‑contamination.

Implementing these steps eliminates the majority of bedbug populations present on washed textiles, making high‑heat drying the primary lethal mechanism after washing.

Duration and Temperature for Drying

Drying garments at high heat is the most reliable post‑laundry method for eliminating Cimex species. Laboratory tests show that exposure to temperatures of 49 °C (120 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes achieves 100 % mortality, while temperatures of 54 °C (130 °F) kill insects within 5 minutes. Lower temperatures require proportionally longer exposure; for example, 38 °C (100 °F) must be maintained for at least 2 hours to achieve comparable results, a condition rarely met by household dryers.

Practical recommendations for consumers:

Set the dryer to the highest heat setting (often labeled “Heavy Duty” or “Sanitize”).
Run the cycle for at least 30 minutes; longer cycles (45–60 minutes) provide a safety margin.
Ensure items are fully saturated before drying; wet fabrics transfer heat more efficiently.
For delicate fabrics that cannot tolerate high heat, place them in a sealed bag and expose them to a portable heat chamber set to 49 °C for 30 minutes, or use a professional pest‑control heat‑treatment service.

Dryer sensors that terminate cycles based on moisture content may end the process before the required temperature exposure is reached. Disable automatic shut‑off or select a timed cycle to guarantee the full heating period.

In summary, a dryer temperature of ≥ 49 °C sustained for ≥ 30 minutes reliably kills bedbugs and their eggs, making thorough high‑heat drying an essential complement to washing.

Limitations and Additional Measures

Items Unsuitable for Machine Washing

Washing in hot water and high‑speed cycles can eliminate bedbugs, yet many household objects cannot be placed in a domestic washer without risking damage or ineffective treatment.

Items typically unsuitable for machine laundering include:

Mattress components (foam toppers, pillow inserts, mattress covers with non‑removable seams) – absorb water, retain heat poorly, and may warp or deteriorate.
Electronic devices (alarm clocks, phone chargers, remote controls) – water exposure destroys circuitry and does not guarantee pest eradication.
Leather and suede goods (furniture upholstery, jackets, shoes) – saturating leather causes stiffening, cracking, and loss of finish.
Delicate fabrics (silk, lace, embellished garments) – high temperatures shrink or melt fibers; decorative elements may detach.
Heavy curtains or drapes with metal rods – metal components rust, and bulky fabric may not tumble fully, leaving protected insects.

For these materials, heat‑based alternatives provide reliable control. Steam generators at 120 °C for several minutes penetrate seams and eliminate hidden bugs without water damage. Professional dry‑cleaning services apply controlled heat cycles that preserve delicate textiles. Enclosing items in sealed, heat‑resistant bags and exposing them to a portable heater or dryer on a high‑heat setting for at least 30 minutes also achieves mortality. When heat is impractical, freezing at –18 °C for a minimum of four days proves effective for many non‑washable objects.

Choosing the appropriate method prevents both pest survival and material degradation, ensuring comprehensive eradication without compromising valuable belongings.

Preventing Re-Infestation After Treatment

Effective prevention of a new bed‑bug outbreak after an eradication effort requires a systematic approach. Begin by washing all clothing, bedding, and washable fabrics at the highest temperature the material can tolerate—minimum 120 °F (49 °C) for at least 30 minutes. Immediately transfer items to a sealed plastic bag or dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to guarantee any surviving insects are killed.

Next, isolate non‑washable items. Place them in airtight containers or vacuum‑sealed bags for at least two weeks, a period that exceeds the insect’s life cycle. Vacuum all floors, mattresses, and upholstered furniture thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag before disposal.

Inspect and treat cracks, seams, and crevices in walls, baseboards, and furniture with an appropriate residual insecticide. Apply a thin, even coating, avoiding excess that could attract pests. Seal all openings—doors, windows, and vents—with weather‑stripping or mesh to limit re‑entry.

Implement a monitoring system. Deploy interceptors under each bed leg and place passive glue traps near suspected hideouts. Review trap captures weekly; any new insects indicate a breach that must be addressed immediately.

Maintain a clutter‑free environment. Remove unnecessary items from bedrooms and storage areas, reducing hiding places. Store remaining belongings in sealed containers, and label them with the date of last treatment.

Finally, schedule regular inspections. Conduct a comprehensive visual survey every 30 days for the first three months, then quarterly for the following year. Prompt detection combined with the outlined safeguards sustains a pest‑free setting after the initial intervention.

When Professional Intervention is Necessary

Washing alone can reduce the number of bedbugs on clothing and linens, but it does not guarantee complete eradication. Professional intervention becomes necessary under the following conditions:

Infestation spreads beyond washable items to mattresses, furniture, or wall voids.
Repeated laundering fails to lower visible bedbug activity after several cycles.
Heat‑treated laundry does not reach temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) for the required duration.
Residents report bites in multiple rooms, indicating a colony larger than what personal washing can contain.
Structural damage, such as cracks or crevices, provides hiding places inaccessible to water and detergent.
The presence of eggs or nymphs is confirmed through visual inspection or sticky traps.

In these scenarios, licensed pest‑control operators employ integrated methods—thermal treatment, targeted insecticide application, and thorough de‑cluttering—to achieve complete elimination. Their expertise ensures that hidden populations are addressed, preventing resurgence and reducing health risks associated with prolonged exposure.