How to wash items infested with fleas? - briefly
Treat flea‑contaminated fabrics by washing them in water at 130 °F (54 °C) with a strong detergent, then dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Separate heavily infested items, vacuum the washing area afterward, and repeat the cycle if any fleas remain.
How to wash items infested with fleas? - in detail
To eliminate fleas from clothing, bedding, and washable fabrics, follow a systematic approach that combines heat, detergent action, and thorough drying.
Begin by sorting items. Separate heavily infested pieces from those with only occasional exposure. Inspect seams, cuffs, and folds for flea eggs or larvae; shake each article outdoors to dislodge loose insects before laundering.
Pre‑treat with a flea‑killing solution. Apply a spray containing pyrethrin or a diluted dish‑soap mixture to the interior of each garment, focusing on seams and pockets. Allow the product to sit for 5–10 minutes, following label instructions for safety.
Load the washing machine with a full load to ensure even water circulation. Use the hottest water temperature the fabric can tolerate—generally 130 °F (54 °C) for cotton and polyester blends; for delicate items, select the highest safe setting. Add a high‑efficacy laundry detergent plus a half‑cup of white vinegar to break down flea exoskeletons and neutralize odors.
Run a regular wash cycle, then immediately start a high‑heat dryer cycle. Set the dryer to at least 135 °F (57 °C) and run for 30 minutes. The combination of hot water and dryer heat kills adult fleas, nymphs, and eggs. For items that cannot be tumble‑dried, lay them flat in direct sunlight for several hours; ultraviolet exposure and heat provide comparable lethality.
After drying, store cleaned items in sealed plastic bags until the surrounding environment is treated. Vacuum the area where the laundry was handled, empty the vacuum canister, and dispose of the bag outside to prevent re‑infestation.
If washing machines lack a hot‑water option, use a commercial flea spray designed for fabrics after the cold‑water wash, then dry on the highest heat setting permissible. For persistent infestations, repeat the entire process after a week to break the flea life cycle.
Finally, wear protective gloves when handling infested materials, and wash hands thoroughly with soap after completion. This protocol ensures complete eradication of fleas from washable items.