How to remove bedbugs from clothing at home?

How to remove bedbugs from clothing at home? - briefly

Wash the items in water of at least 60 °C (140 °F) for 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes or longer; alternatively, freeze sealed clothing at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours before laundering.

How to remove bedbugs from clothing at home? - in detail

Bed bugs that infest clothing can survive transport and re‑establish colonies if not treated properly. Prompt, thorough decontamination prevents re‑infestation and protects other fabrics.

  1. Separate contaminated items – place all suspect garments in a sealed plastic bag to avoid spreading insects to clean laundry.

  2. Pre‑treat – for visible bugs or eggs, brush off debris with a stiff‑bristled brush or shake the fabric outdoors. Apply a small amount of insecticidal spray labeled for fabrics, following label directions, and allow the recommended contact time.

  3. Wash – use the hottest water the fabric can tolerate (generally 120 °F / 49 °C). Add regular laundry detergent; a laundry booster such as borax or oxygen bleach enhances efficacy.

  4. Dry – transfer washed items to a dryer set to high heat (≥130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 30 minutes. Heat penetrates seams and kills all life stages.

  5. Alternative heat – for heat‑sensitive fabrics, place garments in a sealed bag and expose them to a portable steam cleaner or a professional garment‑steamer for 10 minutes, ensuring steam reaches every surface.

  6. Freezing – if heat is unsuitable, seal items in a zip‑lock bag and freeze at –4 °F / –20 °C for 72 hours. Low temperature eliminates eggs and nymphs.

  7. Post‑treatment inspection – after drying or freezing, examine seams, folds, and pockets under a bright light. Repeat washing or heat exposure if any bugs remain.

  8. Preventive storage – keep cleaned clothing in airtight containers or vacuum‑sealed bags. Regularly launder items that have been in infested environments.

Following these steps removes bed bugs from garments completely and reduces the likelihood of future outbreaks.