How can you wash furniture to remove bedbugs?

Question

admin · Accepted Answer

How can you wash furniture to remove bedbugs? - briefly
Detach and launder all removable covers in water at least 120 °F (49 °C) with detergent. For fixed upholstery, treat with a commercial steam cleaner or an approved insecticidal wash, ensuring the surface reaches temperatures lethal to bedbugs.

How can you wash furniture to remove bedbugs? - in detail
To eliminate bed‑bug infestations from upholstered or fabric furniture, follow a systematic cleaning protocol that combines mechanical action, heat, and, when necessary, approved insecticidal treatment.
First, isolate the piece from other household items. Remove all removable covers, cushions, and slipcovers. Inspect seams, stitching, and hidden folds for live insects, shed skins, or eggs. Dispose of any heavily infested components in sealed bags.
Pre‑treatment:

Vacuum the entire surface, paying special attention to crevices and stitching. Use a hose attachment with strong suction; immediately empty the vacuum bag into a sealed container.
Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control to seams and hard‑to‑reach areas. Follow label directions regarding concentration and drying time.

Washing options:

Machine wash – suitable for removable fabrics and small cushions.

Set water temperature to at least 120 °F (49 °C).
Use a heavy‑duty cycle with detergent.
Add a booster such as borax or an enzymatic cleaner to enhance penetration.
After washing, tumble dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Hand wash – for larger items that fit in a bathtub or large sink.

Fill with hot water (≥120 °F).
Submerge fabric, agitate manually, and soak for 20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
Press out excess liquid without wringing, then dry with a high‑heat dryer or place in direct sunlight for several hours.

Steam treatment – effective for non‑removable upholstery.

Use a commercial-grade steamer producing steam at ≥212 °F (100 °C).
Pass the nozzle slowly over the entire surface, ensuring steam penetrates seams and stuffing.
Allow the furniture to dry completely in a well‑ventilated area.

Dry‑heat method – for items that cannot be laundered.

Place the furniture in a sealed chamber or large plastic bag.
Heat to 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 90 minutes, maintaining temperature throughout.
Verify that the heat reaches the interior layers; use a calibrated thermometer.

Post‑process:

Re‑vacuum to collect any dislodged eggs or dead insects.
Store cleaned covers and cushions in airtight containers until the surrounding environment is confirmed free of pests.
Monitor the treated furniture for at least two weeks, repeating vacuuming and steam treatment if any activity reappears.

By adhering to these steps—isolating the item, thorough vacuuming, appropriate washing or steaming, and careful drying—bed‑bug populations on furniture can be effectively eradicated.