How should I treat clothing for bedbugs when moving to another apartment? - briefly
Wash all garments in hot water (≥120 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes, then seal them in airtight plastic bags until the new home is confirmed pest‑free. If laundering is not feasible, treat items by heating them in a portable dryer or freezing them at –20 °C for a week before transport.
How should I treat clothing for bedbugs when moving to another apartment? - in detail
When relocating while dealing with a bed‑bug infestation, garments must be isolated, decontaminated, and protected to prevent transport of insects to the new residence.
First, separate all clothing into three categories: (1) items that can be laundered, (2) items that require dry‑cleaning, and (3) items that cannot be cleaned by conventional means.
Launderable fabrics
- Place each piece in a sealed plastic bag before washing.
- Use the hottest water the fabric tolerates; temperatures of 120 °F (49 °C) or higher kill nymphs and adults.
- Follow with a dryer cycle on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
- After drying, keep the bag sealed until the items are moved.
Dry‑clean only garments
- Hand the bags to a professional dry‑cleaner and request treatment with a high‑temperature or chemical process known to eradicate bed bugs.
- Request a receipt confirming that the service was performed.
Non‑cleanable items (e.g., delicate fabrics, costumes, certain shoes)
- Store in airtight, double‑sealed containers such as heavy‑duty zip‑lock bags placed inside a rigid plastic box.
- Add a desiccant packet or freeze the containers at –4 °F (–20 °C) for at least four days, a method proven to exterminate all life stages.
- Keep the containers unopened until they reach the new location.
During transport, use only sealed, insulated containers. Do not place any clothing in open suitcases, cardboard boxes, or fabric bags that could allow insects to escape. Label each container clearly as “treated” to avoid accidental mixing with untreated belongings.
Upon arrival, repeat the heat‑dry cycle for any washable items, even if they were previously processed, to provide a safety margin. For sealed containers, open them in a dedicated, isolated area of the new apartment—preferably a room that will be vacated for cleaning—then immediately place the contents into clean drawers or closets.
Finally, inspect the new dwelling for signs of infestation before introducing any garments. If any evidence of pests is found, repeat the decontamination steps or consult a licensed exterminator before proceeding.