What should be used to wash a house after bed bugs appear? - briefly
Use hot‑steam cleaning (≥130 °C) on all surfaces, then wipe with a detergent solution that contains a residual‑action insecticide and vacuum thoroughly. Launder removable items in water at 120 °F (49 °C) or hotter.
What should be used to wash a house after bed bugs appear? - in detail
After a bed‑bug infestation, thorough cleaning of the entire residence is essential. The process should combine physical removal, heat, and chemical treatment to eliminate remaining insects and their eggs.
Begin with removal of clutter that can hide bugs. Vacuum every carpet, floor, and upholstered item using a high‑efficiency bag or canister; empty the vacuum into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside the home. Follow with steam cleaning: a commercial‑grade steamer delivering at least 130 °C (266 °F) for a minimum of 20 seconds per surface kills all life stages on fabrics, mattresses, curtains, and hard surfaces.
For washable items, launder linens, clothing, and removable covers in water no cooler than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Use a high‑efficacy laundry detergent; adding a small amount of non‑chlorine bleach (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) enhances egg destruction without damaging colors.
Hard surfaces—walls, baseboards, countertops, and floors—should be scrubbed with a solution of warm water and a detergent formulated for pest control. Products containing a mild insecticide (e.g., pyrethrin or permethrin) can be added according to label directions to provide residual activity. For non‑porous surfaces, a diluted bleach solution (1 part household bleach to 10 parts water) can be applied, left for five minutes, then rinsed and dried.
Specialized bed‑bug detergents, which contain enzymes that break down the protective wax of eggs, are advisable for heavily infested areas. Apply according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring complete coverage and sufficient contact time.
After cleaning, dry all treated areas promptly. Use dehumidifiers or fans to lower humidity below 50 % and maintain temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) for several days to prevent re‑infestation. Wear disposable gloves, protective eyewear, and an N‑95 respirator during all steps to avoid exposure to chemicals and allergens.
Following this systematic approach—vacuuming, steam, hot‑water laundering, detergent‑based scrubbing, and controlled drying—provides the most reliable means of sanitizing a home after a bed‑bug outbreak.