How to wash items infested with bedbugs? - briefly
Wash contaminated fabrics in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) with detergent, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes; for non‑washable items, seal them in a plastic bag and subject them to either prolonged heat (e.g., professional heat‑treatment) or freezing at –20 °C (–4 °F) for several days.
How to wash items infested with bedbugs? - in detail
When dealing with fabrics, linens, or soft goods that harbor bedbugs, follow a strict protocol to ensure complete eradication.
First, separate items by material. Washables such as sheets, pillowcases, clothing, and towels can be processed in a washing machine. Non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys, delicate garments) require alternative treatment.
For machine‑washable pieces, use the hottest water the fabric can tolerate, typically ≥ 120 °F (49 °C). Hot water kills all life stages of the pest. Add a full dose of laundry detergent; for extra protection, incorporate a bedbug‑specific insecticide approved for fabrics, following label instructions. Run a normal cycle, then immediately transfer the load to a dryer.
Drying must continue at high heat for at least 30 minutes. Temperatures of ≥ 130 °F (54 °C) guarantee mortality. If a dryer is unavailable, place items in a sealed plastic bag and expose them to direct sunlight for several hours, ensuring the surface temperature reaches the same lethal threshold.
Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight bags or containers for a minimum of 14 days. Bedbugs cannot survive without a blood meal beyond this period, resulting in natural die‑off. After the quarantine, vacuum the exterior of the bag, then discard or treat the contents with a low‑temperature steam (≥ 212 °F/100 °C) for at least 10 minutes.
Hard surfaces, such as suitcase interiors or backpack linings, require thorough cleaning. Wipe them with a cloth soaked in a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a commercial bedbug spray. Allow the surface to remain wet for the contact time specified by the product, usually 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Finally, inspect all cleaned items for remaining signs of infestation. Use a bright light and a magnifying lens to check seams, folds, and crevices. Any suspect piece should undergo a repeat wash or be disposed of safely.
By adhering to these steps—high‑temperature laundering, adequate drying, sealed storage for non‑washables, and meticulous surface treatment—bedbug contamination can be eliminated from personal belongings.