How to clean a house after bedbugs? - briefly
Remove bedding and clothing, seal them in plastic bags, wash at ≥130 °F, then vacuum all surfaces, steam‑treat carpets and upholstery, and discard any infested items.
How to clean a house after bedbugs? - in detail
A thorough post‑infestation cleanup requires a systematic approach that eliminates all life stages of the pest and removes contaminated materials.
First, isolate the affected area. Seal doors, windows, and vents with plastic sheeting to prevent insects from migrating to untreated rooms. Turn off heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning systems until the process is complete.
Next, treat all surfaces. Use a registered bed‑bug insecticide or a heat‑based method. For chemical treatment, apply the product according to label directions, covering seams, cracks, and the undersides of furniture. For thermal control, raise room temperature to at least 120 °F (49 °C) for a minimum of 90 minutes, monitoring with calibrated thermometers.
After the active treatment, remove and discard items that cannot be decontaminated:
- Bedding, curtains, and clothing that are not washable – place in sealed bags and dispose of them.
- Upholstered furniture that cannot be heat‑treated – consider professional encasement or removal.
- Mattresses and box springs – either encase with certified bed‑bug-proof covers or discard.
Clean washable materials:
- Wash all linens, clothing, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly, then empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
Sanitize hard surfaces. Wipe floors, walls, baseboards, and countertops with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or a commercial disinfectant approved for pest control. Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, and the edges of furniture.
Finally, monitor the environment. Install passive interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture to capture any survivors. Conduct weekly inspections for at least three months, repeating treatment if live insects are observed.
Consistent execution of these steps eradicates the infestation and restores a safe living environment.