How can you quickly get rid of laundry bedbugs? - briefly
Run the contaminated laundry in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes; then vacuum the washing area, steam‑treat any remaining items, and store cleaned clothes in sealed bags to prevent reinfestation.
How can you quickly get rid of laundry bedbugs? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from clothing requires immediate isolation and aggressive treatment.
First, remove all infested items from the living area. Place them in sealed plastic bags to prevent further spread.
Next, wash fabrics at the highest temperature the material can tolerate, preferably 60 °C (140 °F) or hotter. Use a heavy‑duty detergent and run a full cycle.
After washing, transfer the items directly to a dryer set on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. The combination of hot water and dryer heat kills all life stages of the insect.
For garments that cannot endure high temperatures, apply one of the following alternatives:
- Steam: expose fabric to steam above 100 °C for several minutes, ensuring penetration into seams and folds.
- Freezing: seal items in airtight bags and store at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours; prolonged cold kills the pests.
If residual insects are suspected, treat surfaces with a residual insecticide labeled for bedbug control. Follow label directions, apply to seams, folds, and hidden crevices, and allow proper drying time before handling laundry again.
Vacuum the washing area, dryer lint trap, and any surrounding floors. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
Finally, inspect all clothing before returning it to regular use. Any suspect items should be re‑treated or disposed of. When infestation persists despite these measures, enlist a professional pest‑management service for comprehensive eradication.