How can you launder items to remove fleas? - briefly
Wash affected fabrics in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) with detergent, then tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes or longer to kill fleas and their eggs. Separate these items from untreated laundry and repeat the cycle if any infestation remains.
How can you launder items to remove fleas? - in detail
Washing infested fabrics, bedding, and clothing effectively eliminates fleas and their eggs. Use hot water, a high‑temperature dryer, and appropriate detergents to ensure complete eradication.
Begin by sorting items. Separate heavily soiled pieces from lightly used ones, but wash all at the same temperature. Pre‑treat stains with a protein‑based stain remover, as fleas are attracted to organic material.
Washing procedure
- Set washing machine to the hottest cycle the fabric label permits (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C).
- Add a full dose of regular laundry detergent.
- Include a cup of white vinegar or a half‑cup of borax to increase lethality against flea stages.
- Run a complete wash cycle; avoid short or “quick‑wash” settings.
Drying procedure
- Transfer items immediately to a dryer.
- Use the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
- Verify that the dryer reaches a temperature of 140 °F / 60 °C or higher; this temperature kills adult fleas, larvae, and eggs.
Additional measures
- Soak non‑machine‑washable items (e.g., delicate blankets) in a solution of hot water (130 °F) and laundry detergent for 30 minutes, then tumble dry on high heat if possible.
- For items that cannot be heated, place them in a sealed plastic bag and freeze at –4 °F / –20 °C for 72 hours before washing.
- After laundering, vacuum the area where the items were stored to capture any surviving fleas or eggs.
Following these steps guarantees that all life stages of the parasite are destroyed, preventing reinfestation.