How can you clean clothing of bedbugs? - briefly
Wash garments in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. For items that cannot be heated, place them in a sealed plastic bag and store for two weeks to ensure all insects die.
How can you clean clothing of bedbugs? - in detail
Effective removal of bed‑bug infestations from garments requires a combination of temperature control, chemical treatment, and proper storage.
Washing at high temperatures eliminates all life stages. Set the washing machine to at least 60 °C (140 °F) and use a regular detergent. For fabrics that cannot tolerate such heat, select the hottest permissible setting and add a disinfectant approved for laundry, such as a diluted hydrogen‑peroxide solution.
Drying completes thermal eradication. Transfer the washed items to a dryer and run a cycle of 30 minutes or longer at a minimum of 65 °C (150 °F). The heat penetrates seams and folds, killing any surviving eggs or nymphs.
If heat is unsuitable, freezing offers an alternative. Place clothing in a sealed plastic bag and store it in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) or lower for at least 72 hours. The prolonged exposure guarantees mortality of all stages.
Chemical options supplement temperature methods. Apply a residual insecticide spray labeled for indoor use, focusing on seams, cuffs, and pockets. Allow the product to dry according to the label before handling the garments. For delicate items, consider a professional “dry‑cleaning” service that uses heat‑based solvents capable of killing bed bugs.
After treatment, prevent re‑infestation by sealing cleaned clothing in airtight containers or heavy‑duty zip‑lock bags. Store the containers in a low‑humidity environment away from sleeping areas.
Summary of recommended steps:
- Wash at ≥ 60 °C with detergent; add approved disinfectant if needed.
- Dry on high heat for ≥ 30 minutes at ≥ 65 °C.
- For heat‑sensitive fabrics, freeze in sealed bags at ≤ –18 °C for ≥ 72 hours.
- Apply insecticide spray to seams and pockets; follow label drying time.
- Seal cleaned items in airtight containers; store in a dry, isolated location.
Adhering to this protocol eliminates bed‑bug presence from clothing and minimizes the risk of recurrence.