How to get rid of bed bugs in laundry? - briefly
Wash all affected items in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) for 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for another 30 minutes to eliminate every life stage of the pests. Store the cleaned laundry in sealed bags until the surrounding environment has been treated to avoid re‑infestation.
How to get rid of bed bugs in laundry? - in detail
Bed‑bugs survive on fabrics only long enough to feed, so eliminating them from laundry requires heat, thorough drying, and careful handling of contaminated items.
First, sort laundry. Separate infested garments from those that are clean. Place heavily infested pieces in sealed plastic bags to prevent escape during transport.
Second, wash every affected item in the hottest water the fabric allows. Temperatures of 60 °C (140 °F) or higher kill all life stages. Use a regular detergent; add a small amount of boric acid or an approved laundry sanitizer for extra efficacy.
Third, transfer washed items immediately to a dryer. Set the dryer to the highest heat setting and run for at least 30 minutes. Heat of 55 °C (130 °F) sustained for this duration is lethal to bed‑bugs and their eggs. For delicate fabrics that cannot tolerate high heat, place them in a sealed bag and expose them to direct sunlight for several hours, ensuring the temperature reaches at least 45 °C (113 °F).
Fourth, handle items that cannot be laundered. Place them in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days. Freezing at this temperature destroys all stages of the insect.
Fifth, after drying, inspect each piece for live insects or shed skins. Any item showing signs of infestation should be re‑treated or discarded in a sealed bag and removed from the home.
Sixth, clean the washing machine and dryer. Run an empty hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a commercial appliance sanitizer. Wipe interior surfaces, door seals, and lint filters to remove any stray bugs.
Finally, adopt preventive measures. Store clean clothing in airtight containers, avoid placing laundry on the floor, and inspect new garments before bringing them indoors.
Following these steps systematically removes bed‑bugs from laundry and reduces the risk of re‑infestation.