How to wash laundry to get rid of bedbugs? - briefly
Use water at 120 °F (49 °C) or hotter and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes to eliminate bedbugs in clothing and linens. Immediately store the cleaned items in sealed bags to avoid re‑infestation.
How to wash laundry to get rid of bedbugs? - in detail
Washing contaminated fabrics effectively eliminates bedbugs and their eggs. Follow each step precisely to ensure complete eradication.
First, separate infested items from clean laundry. Place all clothing, bedding, curtains, and washable accessories in a single load to avoid cross‑contamination. Do not mix with untreated garments.
Use the hottest water the fabric can tolerate. For most cotton, polyester, and blended textiles, a temperature of at least 120 °F (49 °C) is sufficient to kill insects at all life stages. If the label permits, increase the setting to 140 °F (60 °C) for added safety. Cold or warm cycles are ineffective.
Select a high‑efficacy detergent. Enzyme‑based formulas break down organic residues that may shield bugs. Add a laundry booster such as a borax or an oxygen‑based bleach to enhance lethality. Do not rely on fabric softeners, which can impede heat transfer.
After washing, transfer the items immediately to a dryer. Set the dryer to high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. The combination of hot water and hot air guarantees destruction of any surviving specimens. For bulky items, extend the drying time to 45 minutes to ensure heat penetrates the core.
If a dryer is unavailable, arrange the wet laundry in direct sunlight for at least six hours. Sunlight exposure above 115 °F (46 °C) can be fatal to bedbugs, but this method is less reliable than mechanical drying.
Seal any items that cannot be laundered (e.g., delicate garments, stuffed toys) in airtight plastic bags for two weeks. Bedbugs cannot survive without a blood meal beyond this period, and the sealed environment prevents re‑infestation.
Finally, clean the washing machine and dryer. Run an empty hot cycle with bleach or a commercial appliance sanitizer. Wipe interior surfaces, seals, and lint traps to remove any remaining insects or eggs.
Key actions:
- Sort and isolate infested textiles.
- Wash at ≥120 °F (49 °C) with enzyme detergent plus booster.
- Dry on high heat for ≥30 minutes; extend for thick items.
- Use sunlight only as a secondary drying method.
- Bag non‑washable objects for a 14‑day sealed period.
- Sanitize washing machine and dryer after each treatment.
Executing these procedures systematically removes bedbugs from all washable materials and reduces the risk of recurrence.