How should clothing be treated when bedbugs are present?

How should clothing be treated when bedbugs are present? - briefly

Wash all washable garments in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) and tumble‑dry on the highest heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight bags and either frozen at –4 °F (‑20 °C) for several days or stored untouched for several months to eradicate any insects.

How should clothing be treated when bedbugs are present? - in detail

When an infestation is confirmed, every garment must be isolated, decontaminated, and stored in a way that prevents re‑introduction. The process consists of three phases: sorting, treatment, and containment.

1. Sorting

   • Separate items that can withstand high temperatures from those that cannot.
   • Place washable fabrics (cotton, polyester, linens) in sealed plastic bags.
   • Group delicate or dry‑clean‑only pieces in separate bags labeled “non‑washable”.

2. Thermal treatment

   • Wash washable items in water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes.
   • Follow with a dryer cycle on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes; heat penetrates seams and folds where insects hide.
   • For items that cannot be laundered, use a commercial steam cleaner delivering steam at 100 °C (212 °F) for 10 minutes per surface, or place them in a sealed container and expose them to a professional heat‑treatment chamber set to 55 °C (131 °F) for 24 hours.

3. Chemical treatment (if heat is unsuitable)

   • Apply an EPA‑registered insecticide spray specifically labeled for fabrics, following the product’s dosage and safety instructions.
   • Allow the product to dry completely before handling.
   • For persistent infestations, consider a professional fumigation service that uses a vaporized gas capable of penetrating fabric fibers.

4. Containment after treatment

   • Store cleaned garments in new, airtight polyethylene bags or vacuum‑sealed containers.
   • Label each container with the treatment date and method used.
   • Keep containers off the floor and away from walls to reduce the chance of hidden bugs crawling in.

5. Preventive measures

   • Inspect all incoming laundry before it enters the home.
   • Use a dedicated laundry basket that can be emptied directly into the washing machine.
   • Maintain regular vacuuming of closets and storage areas, discarding vacuum bags promptly.

By following these steps—systematic separation, appropriate heat or chemical eradication, and secure storage—clothing can be rendered free of bedbugs and remain protected against re‑infestation.