How to get rid of laundry bedbugs? - briefly
Wash every item in water at 120 °F (49 °C) or hotter and tumble‑dry on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. Then vacuum the washing area, seal cleaned fabrics in plastic bags, and apply a registered bed‑bug insecticide to surrounding surfaces.
How to get rid of laundry bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs that have infested clothing, linens, or other washable items require a combination of heat, thorough cleaning, and preventive measures.
First, separate all contaminated fabrics from uncontaminated ones. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag to prevent insects from escaping during transport.
Next, wash the items in the hottest water the fabric can safely tolerate. Use a detergent that removes oils and protein residues, which bedbugs feed on.
After the wash cycle, dry the items on high heat for at least 30 minutes. The temperature must reach a minimum of 120 °F (49 °C); prolonged exposure at this level kills all life stages, including eggs.
If any fabric cannot endure high temperatures, treat it with a professional‑grade insecticide labeled for use on textiles. Follow the product’s instructions precisely, applying the spray to both sides of the material and allowing the recommended drying time before reuse.
For items that cannot be laundered or sprayed, seal them in a freezer set to 0 °F (‑18 °C) for a minimum of four days. The sustained cold kills bedbugs and their eggs.
Finally, implement a routine to avoid re‑infestation:
- Store clean laundry in sealed containers.
- Inspect and vacuum storage areas weekly.
- Use mattress encasements and bed‑frame interceptors to limit migration.
- Conduct regular visual checks of seams, folds, and stitching on garments.
By combining high‑temperature washing, thorough drying, appropriate chemical or freezing treatment, and ongoing sanitation, bedbugs can be eradicated from washable items and prevented from returning.