What should you do with bedding if it has bedbugs? - briefly
Wash all sheets, pillowcases and blankets in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or hotter and dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; place any items that cannot be laundered in sealed plastic bags and either discard them or have them professionally treated.
What should you do with bedding if it has bedbugs? - in detail
If bedding is confirmed to contain bedbugs, immediate isolation is essential. Place all affected sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters in sealed plastic bags to prevent insects from spreading to other areas of the home.
Next, launder the items using the hottest water the fabric can tolerate, typically 120 °F (49 °C) or higher. Run a full wash cycle, then transfer the garments directly to a dryer set on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills both adult bugs and eggs, ensuring complete eradication.
For fabrics that cannot endure high temperatures, seal them in airtight bags and store them in a freezer set to –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of four days. This method also eliminates all life stages of the pest.
After cleaning, keep the bedding in sealed containers or zip‑lock bags until the surrounding infestation is fully resolved. Do not place cleaned linens back on a potentially infested mattress or furniture.
Consider the following supplemental actions:
- Inspect the mattress and box spring for live bugs; treat visible insects with a suitable insecticide or apply a mattress encasement designed to trap and starve bedbugs.
- Vacuum the sleeping area thoroughly, focusing on seams, folds, and crevices; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Reduce clutter that offers hiding places, and wash or dry‑clean any additional textiles (curtains, clothing) that may have contacted the bed.
- If the infestation persists despite these measures, engage a licensed pest‑control professional for targeted chemical or heat treatments.
Finally, after the environment is declared clear, remove the sealed storage bags, re‑launder the bedding one more time as a precaution, and return the clean items to a treated or encased mattress. This comprehensive approach prevents re‑infestation and restores a safe sleeping environment.