How to remove bedbugs from clothing? - briefly
Wash contaminated garments in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) for 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for another 30 minutes; items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag and either heat‑treated by a professional service or frozen at –20 °C (–4 °F) for several days.
How to remove bedbugs from clothing? - in detail
Inspect every item before treatment. Separate garments that show live insects or dark spots from those that appear clean. Place suspect pieces in sealed plastic bags to prevent spread during handling.
- Hot water wash – Use the highest temperature the fabric tolerates, at least 120 °F (49 °C). Add a regular detergent; the combination of heat and surfactant dislodges and kills insects at all life stages.
- High‑heat dryer – Transfer washed items directly to a dryer set on the hottest setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Temperatures above 130 °F (54 °C) are lethal to bed bug eggs, nymphs, and adults.
- Freezing – For fabrics that cannot endure heat, seal them in airtight bags and freeze at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for at least four days. Prolonged exposure to sub‑freezing temperatures exterminates all stages.
- Steam treatment – Apply a handheld steamer to seams, folds, and pockets. Steam at 212 °F (100 °C) for several seconds penetrates fibers and eradicates hidden insects.
- Chemical option – When heat or cold are unsuitable, treat garments with an EPA‑registered insecticide labeled for fabric use. Follow label directions precisely; over‑application can damage textiles and pose health risks.
After processing, store cleaned clothing in clean, sealed containers until the surrounding environment is confirmed free of infestation. Repeat inspection of stored items after a week to catch any survivors that may have been missed.
Prevent re‑infestation by laundering all newly acquired or previously stored garments before use, maintaining a clutter‑free bedroom, and regularly vacuuming areas where clothing is kept. Continuous vigilance eliminates the chance of bed bugs re‑establishing themselves in fabrics.