How to get rid of bedbugs from clothing? - briefly
Wash the garments in water at 120 °F (49 °C) or hotter and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; for items that cannot be laundered, seal them in a plastic bag and either apply a professional‑grade insecticide or freeze them at –20 °C (–4 °F) for several days. This eliminates all life stages of the pests and prevents re‑infestation.
How to get rid of bedbugs from clothing? - in detail
Bedbugs that hitch a ride on garments can survive transport and re‑infest a sleeping area, so thorough treatment of clothing is essential.
First, isolate the affected items. Place them in sealed plastic bags to prevent insects from escaping while you prepare treatment.
Thermal methods
- Wash at the hottest setting the fabric can tolerate, typically 60 °C (140 °F) or higher, using regular detergent.
- Immediately transfer wet clothes to a dryer on the highest heat cycle for at least 30 minutes; heat penetrates seams and kills all life stages.
- For fabrics that cannot be heated, use a professional steam cleaner, applying steam for a minimum of 5 seconds per spot.
Freezing approach
- Seal items in airtight bags and freeze at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 4 days. Prolonged exposure ensures that eggs, nymphs, and adults are killed.
Chemical options
- Apply an insecticide label‑approved for textiles, such as a permethrin‑based spray, following manufacturer instructions.
- Use a laundry additive containing silica or diatomaceous earth; add the recommended amount to the wash cycle to desiccate insects.
Post‑treatment handling
- After heat or freeze treatment, store cleaned garments in clean, sealed containers.
- Inspect each piece for live bugs before returning it to the wardrobe; repeat treatment if any are found.
Preventive measures
- Keep clothing in sealed bags when traveling or staying in high‑risk environments.
- Launder and dry all newly acquired clothing before use.
- Regularly vacuum closets and use protective liners that can be washed at high temperatures.
Combining heat, cold, and, when necessary, approved insecticides provides the most reliable elimination of bedbugs from clothing.