How should you treat clothing for bedbugs in an apartment? - briefly
Wash all garments in water ≥ 120 °F and dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; place any items that cannot be laundered in sealed plastic bags for 2–3 weeks to eliminate remaining pests.
How should you treat clothing for bedbugs in an apartment? - in detail
Treating garments infested with bedbugs requires a systematic approach to eradicate the insects and prevent re‑infestation.
First, separate all clothing, linens, and fabrics from uninfested items. Place each batch in a sealed plastic bag or a dedicated laundry container to avoid cross‑contamination.
Cleaning procedures
- Wash items in hot water (≥ 60 °C / 140 °F). The temperature kills all life stages of the pest.
- Immediately transfer washed pieces to a dryer set on high heat (≥ 55 °C / 130 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Heat exposure eliminates any surviving eggs.
- For fabrics that cannot tolerate high temperatures, use a commercial laundry sanitizer or a steam‑cleaning device that reaches ≥ 100 °C (212 °F).
Alternative heat method
- Place sealed bags of clothing in a portable heating chamber or a rented commercial dryer that maintains 60 °C for 30 minutes. Verify temperature with a calibrated thermometer.
Freezing option
- For delicate items, seal them in airtight bags and freeze at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days. Prolonged exposure to sub‑zero temperatures kills all stages of the bug.
Chemical treatment
- Apply an EPA‑registered insecticide formulated for fabrics only if heat or freezing is impractical. Follow label directions precisely; avoid over‑application that could damage textiles.
- Use silica‑based powders in sealed containers to absorb moisture and deter any residual insects.
Post‑treatment handling
- Store cleaned garments in new, sealed plastic bags or vacuum‑sealed containers until the infestation is confirmed eradicated.
- Inspect each item before returning it to the living space. Look for live insects, shed skins, or dark spots indicating fecal matter.
Professional assistance
- When the infestation is extensive, engage a licensed pest‑control service. Professionals can perform whole‑room heat treatment (≥ 50 °C for several hours) that simultaneously sanitizes clothing left in the apartment.
Preventive measures
- Keep closets and drawers closed when not in use.
- Wash new clothing before bringing it into the home.
- Regularly inspect seams, folds, and pockets for signs of activity.
Following these steps eliminates bedbugs from clothing and reduces the likelihood of recurrence within the dwelling.