How can you fight bedbugs on clothing? - briefly
Treat infested apparel by laundering in water of at least 60 °C and drying on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. Afterwards, store cleaned items in airtight containers or freeze them for several days to prevent re‑infestation.
How can you fight bedbugs on clothing? - in detail
Effective removal of bedbugs from garments requires a combination of thermal, mechanical, and chemical actions.
High‑temperature laundering is the most reliable method. Set the washing machine to at least 60 °C (140 °F) and maintain that temperature for the full cycle. Follow with a dryer cycle of 70 °C (158 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes; the heat penetrates fabric folds and kills all life stages.
When washing at high temperature is impractical, freezing offers an alternative. Place clothing in a sealed plastic bag and store in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days. The prolonged exposure to sub‑zero temperatures eliminates eggs, nymphs, and adults.
Mechanical removal complements thermal treatments. After washing, inspect each item and brush or shake out visible insects. Use a lint roller or vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture residual bugs from seams and pockets.
Chemical options are available for items that cannot tolerate heat or cold. Apply a residual insecticide formulated for fabrics, following the manufacturer’s dosage and safety instructions. Ensure the product is labeled for indoor use and safe on textiles; allow the treated clothing to dry completely before wearing.
Steam cleaning provides rapid heat penetration without submerging garments. Direct steam at 100 °C (212 °F) for at least five minutes, focusing on seams, cuffs, and collars where insects hide.
Sun exposure can serve as an auxiliary measure. Hang clothing outdoors on a sunny, breezy day for several hours; direct sunlight raises surface temperature and desiccates insects. This method is less reliable than controlled heat but useful for lightweight items.
Preventive practices reduce the risk of re‑infestation. Store cleaned clothing in sealed, zip‑lock bags or airtight containers. Rotate wardrobe items periodically and inspect for signs of bedbugs before adding new pieces.
Summary of actionable steps:
- Wash at ≥ 60 °C, then dry at ≥ 70 °C for 30 minutes.
- Freeze sealed garments at –18 °C for ≥ 4 days if heat is unsuitable.
- Brush, shake, and vacuum to remove any remaining insects.
- Apply fabric‑safe insecticide according to label directions when necessary.
- Use steam at 100 °C for ≥ 5 minutes on vulnerable areas.
- Expose lightweight items to direct sunlight for several hours as supplemental treatment.
- Store all treated clothing in airtight containers to prevent re‑colonization.
Following these procedures eliminates bedbugs from clothing and minimizes the likelihood of future infestations.