How to treat clothing to get rid of bedbugs? - briefly
Wash garments in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) for 30 minutes and then tumble‑dry on the hottest setting for 30 minutes; if washing isn’t feasible, seal them in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for several days. Store the treated items in airtight bags to prevent re‑infestation.
How to treat clothing to get rid of bedbugs? - in detail
Treating garments to eliminate bedbugs requires heat, isolation, or approved chemicals, followed by verification that no insects remain.
Start with a full‑load wash. Use the hottest water the fabric can tolerate (generally 120 °F / 49 °C). Add regular detergent; a small amount of bleach may be used on color‑fast items for additional kill power. After washing, place the items in a dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat above 115 °F / 46 °C for this duration destroys all life stages of the pest.
If the clothing cannot endure high temperatures, apply a freezing method. Seal garments in airtight plastic bags and place them in a freezer set to 0 °F / ‑18 °C for a minimum of four days. This prolonged exposure kills bedbugs at all stages.
For items that cannot be laundered or frozen, consider a professional insecticide labeled for fabrics. Apply the product in a well‑ventilated area, following the manufacturer’s instructions on dosage, contact time, and safety precautions. After treatment, store the clothing in sealed containers for at least two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
Isolation steps:
- Place treated garments in zip‑top bags or vacuum‑sealed pouches.
- Label each bag with the treatment date.
- Keep bags in a dry, temperature‑controlled space away from sleeping areas.
Verification:
- Inspect seams, folds, and pockets with a bright light and magnifying glass.
- Use a disposable lint roller to collect any remaining insects.
- Repeat washing or freezing if any live bugs are observed.
Preventive measures:
- Store clean clothing in airtight containers.
- Avoid placing unworn items on the floor or near bedding.
- Regularly launder bedding and clothing at high temperatures.
Following these procedures eliminates bedbugs from clothing and reduces the risk of spreading the infestation to other environments.