What should be done with bedbugs in laundry? - briefly
Wash all affected fabrics in water at 60 °C (140 °F) or hotter and dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; for items that cannot tolerate heat, seal them in a plastic bag and freeze at –18 °C (0 °F) for several days or discard them. Afterwards, clean the washing machine drum with hot water and a disinfectant to prevent re‑infestation.
What should be done with bedbugs in laundry? - in detail
When clothing, linens, or other fabrics are suspected of harboring bedbugs, immediate isolation prevents further spread. Place the items in sealed plastic bags or containers until they can be processed.
The washing routine should include:
- Temperature – Use the hottest setting the fabric can tolerate, preferably 120 °F (49 °C) or higher. Heat at this level kills all life stages of the insect.
- Detergent – Apply a regular laundry detergent; its surfactants help remove eggs adhered to fibers.
- Cycle length – Choose a long wash cycle (30 minutes or more) to ensure thorough exposure.
After washing, drying is critical:
- Set the dryer to the highest heat setting and run for at least 30 minutes. High‑temperature air penetrates fibers and eliminates any surviving specimens.
- For items that cannot withstand dryer heat, use a commercial steam cleaner or press them with a steam iron (minimum 212 °F / 100 °C) for several minutes on each side.
If the fabric cannot be laundered at high heat:
- Enclose the item in a sealed bag and store it in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of four days. Prolonged freezing also kills bedbugs and eggs.
- Alternatively, consider professional dry‑cleaning services that employ heat or chemical processes validated for pest control.
Post‑laundry actions include:
- Machine sanitation – Run an empty hot wash cycle with bleach or a commercial laundry sanitizer to remove any residual insects or eggs from the drum, seals, and hoses.
- Surface cleaning – Vacuum the laundry area, focusing on seams, folds, and corners. Dispose of vacuum contents in sealed bags.
- Clutter reduction – Remove unnecessary items from the washing space to limit hiding places.
Discarding heavily infested or non‑washable items may be necessary. Seal such materials in heavy‑duty bags and place them in an outdoor trash container that is collected promptly. Never place infested items in a regular indoor trash bin, as this can lead to re‑infestation.
Preventive measures:
- Inspect new clothing or second‑hand items before adding them to the household.
- Store clean laundry in airtight containers.
- Perform regular inspections of sleeping areas and promptly treat any detected bedbug activity to reduce the likelihood of contaminating fabrics.
Following these steps ensures that laundering eliminates bedbugs effectively and minimizes the risk of re‑introduction into the living environment.