How can you treat clothing for bedbugs? - briefly
Wash washable garments in water at 120 °F (49 °C) or hotter and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; seal dry, non‑washable items in a plastic bag and either freeze at –20 °C for several days or have them professionally heat‑treated.
How can you treat clothing for bedbugs? - in detail
Treat garments that may harbor bedbugs with a systematic approach that eliminates all life stages of the insect.
First, separate items that can tolerate high temperatures from those that cannot. Wash machine‑washable fabrics in water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Use a heavy‑duty detergent and avoid overloading the machine to ensure thorough agitation. Immediately after washing, place the items in a dryer set to high heat (≥ 65 °C or 150 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. The combination of hot water and hot air destroys eggs, nymphs, and adults.
For delicate or non‑machine‑washable clothing, employ freezing. Seal items in airtight plastic bags and place them in a freezer capable of maintaining –18 °C (0 °F) or lower for at least 72 hours. Prolonged exposure to sub‑zero temperatures kills bedbugs at all developmental stages.
When heat or freezing is unavailable, consider professional heat‑treatment services. Commercial units can raise the temperature of bulk items to 70 °C (158 °F) for a controlled period, providing a reliable alternative to home appliances.
If chemical intervention is required, select an EPA‑registered insecticide labeled for fabric use. Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring even coverage while avoiding over‑application that could damage fibers. Allow the recommended drying or curing time before handling the clothing.
After treatment, store garments in sealed, pest‑proof containers or vacuum‑sealed bags. Include a desiccant packet to reduce humidity, which discourages any residual insects from reactivating. Periodically inspect stored items for signs of reinfestation and repeat the appropriate treatment if needed.
Summary of actions
- Wash at ≥ 60 °C, dry at ≥ 65 °C for 30 min.
- Freeze sealed items at ≤ –18 °C for ≥ 72 h.
- Use professional heat services when home equipment is insufficient.
- Apply fabric‑approved insecticide according to label directions.
- Store in airtight, pest‑proof containers with humidity control.
Following these steps eliminates bedbugs from clothing and prevents re‑establishment.