How can you clean clothing of fleas? - briefly
Wash garments in water at 55 °C (130 °F) or hotter with detergent, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; for items that cannot withstand heat, place them in a sealed bag in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for 24 hours or treat them with an approved insecticidal spray. Afterwards, store clothing in sealed containers to prevent re‑infestation.
How can you clean clothing of fleas? - in detail
Fleas embedded in garments can be eradicated through a combination of temperature treatment, chemical agents, and thorough drying. Follow these procedures to guarantee complete removal:
- Immediate isolation: Place contaminated items in a sealed plastic bag to prevent spreading to other laundry.
- Pre‑wash inspection: Verify care labels; garments that tolerate high heat can undergo the most aggressive treatment.
- Hot‑water wash: Use the hottest water allowed by the label (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C). Add a regular detergent plus a flea‑specific laundry additive or a cup of white vinegar to disrupt the insect’s exoskeleton.
- Extended agitation: Select a long cycle (30 minutes or more) to ensure mechanical dislodgement of all life stages.
- Post‑wash soak: Submerge items in a solution of 1 % boric acid or a commercial insecticide spray approved for fabrics. Soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- High‑heat drying: Transfer to a dryer set at the highest safe temperature (at least 140 °F / 60 °C) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat penetrates fibers and kills remaining eggs, larvae, and adult fleas.
- Freezing alternative: For delicate fabrics that cannot endure heat, seal the pieces in airtight bags and place them in a freezer at –20 °C (–4 °F) for 72 hours. The prolonged cold exposure is lethal to all flea stages.
- Final inspection: After drying or freezing, examine seams, cuffs, and folds. Use a lint roller or a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture any stray insects.
- Environmental control: Clean the washing machine drum, dryer lint trap, and any surfaces that contacted the clothing with an insecticide spray or a solution of 0.5 % bleach to prevent reinfestation.
Repeat the entire process if any fleas are observed after the first cycle. Maintain regular laundering of household textiles at high temperatures to deter future infestations.