How to wash clothes infected with bedbugs? - briefly
Use the hottest water safe for the fabric (minimum 49 °C/120 °F) and add a regular detergent, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; alternatively, seal the items in a plastic bag and expose them to a professional heat‑treatment service. Ensure all contaminated garments are isolated from clean laundry until the process is complete.
How to wash clothes infected with bedbugs? - in detail
When garments are contaminated with bedbugs, the primary objective is to eliminate all life stages—eggs, nymphs, and adults—through heat, chemical exposure, or a combination of both. The most reliable method employs high‑temperature laundering, followed by thorough drying.
- Separate infested items from non‑infested laundry. Place each piece in a sealed polyethylene bag to prevent insects from escaping during transport.
- Inspect pockets and seams; remove accessories, belts, and detachable parts that could shelter insects.
- Pre‑treat heavily infested zones with an insecticide approved for fabrics, adhering strictly to label directions. Allow the recommended contact time before washing.
- Load the washing machine to its maximum capacity without overfilling, ensuring water can circulate freely.
- Set the water temperature to at least 60 °C (140 °F). This temperature is lethal to all bedbug stages. Use a regular detergent; adding a small amount of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) can provide additional disinfection for white or color‑fast fabrics.
- Run a full wash cycle; a longer soak (30 minutes) improves efficacy.
- Immediately transfer washed items to a dryer. Select the highest heat setting compatible with the fabric and dry for a minimum of 30 minutes. The dryer’s temperature should reach 70 °C (158 °F) or higher, guaranteeing complete eradication.
- For items that cannot tolerate high heat, place them in a sealed container and expose them to a professional heat‑treatment chamber (45–50 °C for 24 hours) or use a cold‑temperature protocol: freeze at –20 °C (–4 °F) for at least four days, then re‑wash at 50 °C.
- After drying, store cleaned garments in airtight bags until the infestation in the environment is confirmed eradicated. Avoid re‑exposure to potentially infested surfaces.
Additional precautions:
- Clean the washing machine drum with hot water and a disinfectant after each infestation cycle to prevent residual insects.
- Vacuum the laundry area, focusing on seams, folds, and the floor beneath the washer and dryer.
- Dispose of any single‑use items (e.g., disposable gloves, plastic liners) in sealed trash bags.
Following these steps ensures that contaminated clothing is rendered free of bedbugs, minimizing the risk of re‑infestation.