How can you wash items to remove bedbugs at home? - briefly
Wash infested fabrics in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) for 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for another 30 minutes. For non‑launderable items, soak them in hot, soapy water and either dry on high heat or place them in a freezer for several days.
How can you wash items to remove bedbugs at home? - in detail
Washing contaminated fabrics is one of the most reliable methods for eradicating bedbugs in a domestic setting. Follow these precise actions to ensure complete removal.
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Separate items – Gather all textiles suspected of infestation. Keep untreated laundry separate to avoid cross‑contamination.
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Select appropriate temperature – Use water at a minimum of 120 °F (49 °C). This heat level kills all life stages of the pest within minutes. For items that tolerate higher temperatures, 140 °F (60 °C) provides an extra safety margin.
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Apply a suitable detergent – Choose a standard laundry detergent; the cleaning agent does not need to be insecticidal. For heavily infested loads, add a small amount of oxygen bleach (e.g., sodium percarbonate) to enhance effectiveness.
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Run a full‑wash cycle – Opt for the longest wash setting available. Extended agitation helps dislodge insects hidden in seams and folds.
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Dry thoroughly – Transfer washed items to a dryer set at high heat (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 30 minutes. The combination of heat and tumbling eliminates any survivors that might have endured the wash.
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Handle delicate or non‑washable materials –
- Dry‑clean only garments: Notify the dry cleaner of the infestation. Request a high‑temperature cleaning cycle or a professional heat‑treatment service.
- Wool, silk, or other heat‑sensitive fabrics: Place in a sealed plastic bag and expose to a portable heat chamber or a domestic steam cleaner capable of reaching 120 °F for 15 minutes.
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Seal and isolate – After washing and drying, store items in airtight containers or zip‑lock bags for at least 72 hours. This interval prevents any delayed hatching from eggs that might have survived the process.
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Clean the washing machine – Run an empty hot‑water cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a commercial laundry sanitizer. Wipe seals, drum, and detergent drawer to remove any residual insects.
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Repeat if necessary – If infestation signs persist after the first treatment, repeat the wash‑dry sequence. Bedbug eggs may hatch after the initial cycle, and a second high‑temperature wash ensures full eradication.
By adhering strictly to these temperature thresholds, cycle durations, and post‑wash protocols, household textiles become inhospitable to bedbugs, eliminating the pest without the need for chemical insecticides.