What should I do if there are bedbugs in the laundry? - briefly
Rewash contaminated clothing on the hottest cycle and dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes, then place items in sealed, airtight bags. Run an empty hot‑water wash with an appropriate insecticide or steam‑clean the washing machine to eradicate any remaining bugs.
What should I do if there are bedbugs in the laundry? - in detail
If bedbugs appear in clothing or linens, immediate containment prevents spread. Separate all infested items from other laundry and place them in sealed bags.
Wash the affected fabrics at the highest temperature the material can tolerate, typically 60 °C (140 °F) or above, for at least 30 minutes. Follow washing with a dryer cycle on the hottest setting for a minimum of 30 minutes; heat kills both adult insects and eggs.
Inspect each piece after drying. Items that cannot withstand high heat should be placed in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for 72 hours, then re‑laundered on the hottest safe cycle.
Dispose of garments that show extensive damage or cannot be decontaminated safely. Seal them in plastic bags before discarding to avoid accidental release.
Treat the laundry area. Vacuum carpets, floor seams, and surrounding furniture thoroughly; empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it. Clean washing machine drums with a solution of hot water and detergent, followed by a cycle with a disinfectant approved for laundry equipment.
Inspect the surrounding environment for additional signs of infestation: mattress seams, baseboards, and upholstered furniture. If evidence persists, engage a licensed pest‑control professional for targeted treatment, including heat‑based or chemical methods.
Prevent future occurrences by storing clean clothing in sealed containers, regularly inspecting bedding, and avoiding the introduction of second‑hand items without proper quarantine.
By following these actions, the risk of a bedbug outbreak spreading from laundry is minimized, and the living space can be restored to a safe condition.