How should you treat clothing for domestic bedbugs? - briefly
Wash infested garments in water at least 120 °F (49 °C) and tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes; if washing is not feasible, seal the clothing in a freezer at –20 °C (–4 °F) for at least 72 hours or employ a professional heat‑treatment service.
How should you treat clothing for domestic bedbugs? - in detail
When clothing becomes infested with bed‑bugs, immediate and thorough action prevents re‑introduction into the living area. Follow these steps in order:
-
Separate and contain: Place all garments in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers before any treatment. Label each bag to avoid mixing untreated items with clean ones.
-
Hot water wash: Run a wash cycle at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Use a heavy‑duty detergent; the temperature destroys both adult insects and eggs.
-
High‑heat drying: Transfer washed items directly to a dryer set on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat above 50 °C (122 °F) is lethal to all life stages; prolonged exposure ensures any surviving eggs are eliminated.
-
Alternative for delicate fabrics: If the material cannot withstand high temperatures, seal the item in a freezer capable of reaching –18 °C (0 °F) and maintain that temperature for at least 72 hours. Freezing kills bed‑bugs and their eggs, though subsequent inspection is required.
-
Steam treatment: For items that cannot be laundered or frozen, apply a commercial steamer delivering steam at 100 °C (212 °F) for several seconds on every surface. The heat penetrates fabric layers, neutralizing hidden insects.
-
Inspection and secondary cleaning: After the primary heat or freeze process, examine each piece under bright light. Look for live insects, shed skins, or eggs. If any signs remain, repeat the appropriate treatment.
-
Safe storage: Store cleared clothing in new, sealed bags or vacuum‑sealed containers. Keep them in a clean, low‑humidity environment to deter future infestations.
-
Environmental control: Concurrently treat the surrounding area—vacuum floors, upholstery, and cracks; apply approved insecticide sprays or powders to baseboards and crevices; and consider professional heat‑treatment for rooms.
Executing these measures systematically eradicates bed‑bugs from garments and reduces the risk of re‑contamination throughout the household.