What should you do with laundry if it contains bedbugs? - briefly
Wash the items in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) and dry them on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Afterwards, seal the laundry in airtight bags or dispose of heavily infested pieces to prevent re‑infestation.
What should you do with laundry if it contains bedbugs? - in detail
If garments or linens are found to harbor bedbugs, treat them immediately to prevent spread. Separate the contaminated items from other laundry and place them in sealed, airtight bags until processing begins.
Use the hottest water the fabric can tolerate, typically at least 120 °F (49 °C). Run a full wash cycle; add a laundry detergent that contains an enzymatic cleaner to break down organic material that attracts insects. After washing, transfer items directly to a dryer set to the highest heat setting, maintaining the temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat at this level kills all life stages of the pest.
For fabrics that cannot endure high temperatures, follow these alternatives:
- Encase in a freezer capable of reaching –4 °F (–20 °C) and keep frozen for at least 72 hours.
- Apply a certified bed‑bug insecticide spray to the surface, following label instructions and allowing proper drying time.
- Seal in a vacuum‑packed bag and store in a heated room (above 115 °F / 46 °C) for several days.
After treatment, inspect each item carefully. Any remaining live insects require re‑washing or professional extermination. Clean the washing machine drum with hot water and a disinfectant solution, then run an empty hot cycle to remove residual bugs.
Dispose of any items that cannot be decontaminated safely. Place them in sealed bags, label as infested, and discard according to local waste‑management guidelines.
Finally, monitor the living area for new activity. Use mattress encasements, regular vacuuming, and intercept traps to detect re‑infestation early. Prompt, thorough laundering combined with heat or freezing treatment eliminates the risk from contaminated textiles.