How to remove laundry bedbugs? - briefly
Clean contaminated clothing in hot water at 120 °F (49 °C) or higher, then tumble‑dry on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes. Store laundered items in sealed plastic bags until the infestation is confirmed eradicated.
How to remove laundry bedbugs? - in detail
Removing bedbugs from clothing requires a systematic approach that eliminates insects at every life stage. Begin by sorting laundry into three categories: heavily infested items, lightly contaminated garments, and clean pieces that have not been exposed.
For heavily infested items, use the hottest water the fabric can tolerate, typically 60 °C (140 °F) or higher, and run a full‑length cycle. Follow the wash with a dryer cycle set to the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; heat above 50 °C (122 °F) kills eggs, nymphs, and adults.
Lightly contaminated garments can be treated with a cold‑water wash combined with a bedbug‑specific laundry additive, such as a silica‑based powder or an insecticidal detergent approved for fabrics. After washing, place the items in a sealed plastic bag for 72 hours; the enclosed environment deprives bedbugs of oxygen, leading to mortality.
Clean, unexposed items should be stored in airtight containers to prevent accidental re‑infestation.
Additional preventive measures include:
- Inspecting washing machines and dryers for signs of insects; clean drum interiors with a vacuum and a mild detergent after each use.
- Using mattress encasements and pillow covers that are labeled bedbug‑proof to reduce the likelihood of re‑contamination.
- Regularly laundering bedding, curtains, and clothing at high temperatures, even when no infestation is apparent, to maintain a hostile environment for the pest.
If chemical treatment is necessary, select a fabric‑safe insecticide that lists bedbugs on the label, apply according to manufacturer instructions, and allow the recommended drying period before reuse.
Consistent application of heat, isolation, and targeted chemical control removes bedbugs from laundry and prevents their return.