How can you treat bedbugs in laundry? - briefly
Wash infested fabrics in hot water (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on high heat for 30 minutes or longer; follow with a thorough cleaning of the washing machine and surrounding area. If heat cannot be applied, seal items in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of four days before laundering.
How can you treat bedbugs in laundry? - in detail
Treating clothing infested with bed bugs requires a combination of temperature control, chemical agents, and thorough handling to ensure all life stages are eliminated.
First, separate items by fabric type and level of contamination. Delicate garments that cannot withstand high heat should be isolated for alternative treatment.
Apply heat: wash textiles in water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. The temperature must be sustained throughout the cycle to reach hidden pockets and seams. Immediately transfer the washed items to a dryer set on the highest heat setting; run for 30 minutes or longer. Sustained dryer heat penetrates folds and stitching, killing adults, nymphs, and eggs.
For fabrics that tolerate bleach, add a non‑chlorine oxygen bleach or a small amount of regular bleach (up to 1 % concentration) to the wash. Bleach disrupts the insects’ respiratory system and provides additional assurance against resistant eggs.
If heat or bleach cannot be used, consider freezing: place items in a sealed plastic bag and store in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours. Prolonged exposure to sub‑zero temperatures kills all stages of the pest.
After drying or freezing, inspect each piece for live insects or shed skins. Any remaining signs indicate the need for repeat treatment. For stubborn cases, apply a residual insecticide approved for fabrics, such as a pyrethrin‑based spray, following manufacturer instructions and allowing proper drying time before reuse.
Finally, prevent re‑infestation by sealing clean laundry in airtight containers, laundering newly acquired clothing before use, and regularly cleaning washing machines and dryer lint traps. Routine high‑temperature cycles for household linens further reduce the risk of future outbreaks.