How to eliminate laundry bedbugs? - briefly
«Wash all affected fabrics in water at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes». «Seal cleaned items in airtight bags for 48 hours to ensure any surviving insects die, and inspect surrounding areas for reinfestation».
How to eliminate laundry bedbugs? - in detail
Effective removal of bedbugs from contaminated clothing requires a combination of thermal treatment, chemical control, and preventive storage.
Washing procedures
- Set machine to the hottest temperature the fabric can tolerate, typically 60 °C (140 °F) or higher.
- Use a regular laundry detergent; no additional agents are necessary for thermal killing.
- Run a complete wash cycle followed by a thorough rinse.
Drying procedures
- Transfer garments immediately to a dryer.
- Operate at the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) are lethal to all life stages.
- Verify that the dryer reaches the required temperature with an internal thermometer if possible.
Alternative heat method
- Place items in a sealed plastic bag and expose to a portable heater or a hot water bath maintaining 55 °C (131 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Ensure uniform heat distribution to avoid surviving pockets.
Chemical treatment (if heat is insufficient)
- Apply a licensed insecticide labeled for fabric use, following manufacturer instructions precisely.
- Spray evenly on both sides of each garment, allowing the recommended contact time before laundering.
- Dispose of any excess solution according to local hazardous‑waste regulations.
Storage after treatment
- Store cleaned items in airtight containers or zip‑lock bags with a desiccant to prevent re‑infestation.
- Label containers with the treatment date for future reference.
Professional intervention
- When infestation severity exceeds household capabilities, engage a certified pest‑management service.
- Request heat‑based decontamination of the entire laundry load, supplemented by residual insecticide application if required.
Preventive measures
- Avoid mixing clean and suspect clothing in the same wash.
- Inspect all incoming fabrics for live insects or eggs before storage.
- Maintain bedroom and laundry area temperatures below 20 °C (68 °F) to discourage bedbug development.
Following these steps eliminates bedbugs from laundry with a high degree of certainty, minimizing the risk of re‑colonization.