How should laundry bedbugs be removed at home? - briefly
Wash all contaminated clothing and linens in water of at least «60 °C» for 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for an additional 30 minutes. Store the cleaned items in airtight plastic bags to prevent re‑infestation.
How should laundry bedbugs be removed at home? - in detail
Removing bedbugs from clothing and linens at home requires a strict protocol that eliminates all life stages of the insect.
Begin by separating items that show visible signs of infestation from those that do not. Place suspect fabrics in a sealed plastic bag to prevent accidental spread while preparing the wash.
Use a washing machine capable of reaching at least 60 °C (140 °F). Load the machine to its normal capacity, add a high‑efficacy detergent, and select a heavy‑soil cycle. The temperature threshold ensures mortality of eggs, nymphs, and adults.
After washing, transfer the laundry to a dryer set to the highest heat setting. Run the dryer for a minimum of 30 minutes; the combination of heat and tumbling guarantees complete eradication. For items that cannot tolerate high temperatures, employ an alternative method: place sealed bags of the fabric in a freezer at -18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours.
Upon completion of the drying or freezing stage, inspect each piece for remaining insects. Store clean items in airtight containers or vacuum‑sealed bags to avoid re‑infestation.
For ongoing prevention, repeat the described process for any newly acquired garments before integration into the household. Additionally, regularly launder bedding, curtains, and clothing that have been in contact with infested areas using the same temperature and drying parameters.
Step‑by‑step summary
- Sort and isolate contaminated fabrics.
- Seal suspect items in plastic bags during handling.
- Wash at ≥ 60 °C with a robust detergent; use a heavy‑soil cycle.
- Dry on high heat for ≥ 30 minutes, or freeze at -18 °C for ≥ 72 hours if heat‑sensitive.
- Inspect post‑treatment; store in airtight containers.
- Apply the protocol to all newly introduced textiles.
Adhering to these measures eliminates bedbugs from laundry without professional intervention.