How to remove bedbugs from clothing items? - briefly
Wash garments in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) and dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages of the insects. If heat is unavailable, seal items in a plastic bag and freeze at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for four days before laundering.
How to remove bedbugs from clothing items? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from garments requires a systematic approach that combines heat, chemical treatment, and preventive measures.
First, isolate contaminated clothing. Place items in sealed plastic bags to prevent insects from escaping and to protect other laundry.
Apply high temperature:
- Wash the fabric in the hottest water the material can tolerate (generally 60 °C / 140 °F or higher).
- Immediately transfer the wet items to a dryer set to the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat above 50 °C (122 °F) kills all life stages of the pest.
If the fabric cannot endure high heat, use chemical methods:
- Soak the clothing in a solution of 0.5 %–1 % pyrethrin‑based insecticide, following label instructions for contact time.
- Rinse thoroughly after the prescribed exposure period.
For delicate or dry‑clean‑only items, employ professional dry cleaning. The solvent temperature in standard dry‑cleaning cycles reaches levels sufficient to eradicate bedbugs.
After treatment, inspect each piece for live insects or eggs. Use a magnifying lens and a bright light source; any remaining specimens indicate the need for a repeat cycle.
Prevent re‑infestation by:
- Storing cleaned clothing in airtight containers or zip‑lock bags.
- Keeping closets and drawers clean, vacuuming regularly, and discarding vacuum bags promptly.
- Avoiding placement of garments on the floor or near wall cracks where bugs hide.
Repeated laundering and consistent storage practices break the life cycle and eliminate the pest from all clothing supplies.