What to wash items with to remove bed bugs? - briefly
Use hot water (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) with regular laundry detergent, then dry the items on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. This combination kills all life stages of bed bugs and their eggs.
What to wash items with to remove bed bugs? - in detail
Use hot water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for all washable fabrics, blankets, clothing, and linens. The temperature must be sustained for at least ten minutes to ensure mortality of all life stages. Add a regular laundry detergent; the surfactants help detach eggs and nymphs from fibers.
Include a bleaching agent when the material permits. Chlorine bleach diluted to a concentration of 5 % (approximately one cup per gallon of water) provides an extra lethal effect. For color‑fast items, use an oxygen‑based bleach (e.g., sodium percarbonate) at the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
After washing, place items in a dryer on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. The combination of heat and tumbling removes any surviving insects and prevents re‑infestation.
For items that cannot tolerate high temperatures or bleach, consider the following alternatives:
- Encase in a sealed plastic bag and expose to direct sunlight for at least four hours; solar radiation raises internal temperature above the lethal threshold.
- Apply a steam cleaner delivering steam at 100 °C (212 °F) for a continuous pass of 20 seconds per surface; steam penetrates seams and folds.
- Use a commercial insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control, following label instructions precisely; treat only non‑porous surfaces.
Items such as mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture require special handling. Remove removable covers and wash them as described above. For the core of a mattress, use a portable heat‑treatment unit capable of maintaining 55 °C (131 °F) for eight hours, or apply a certified cryogenic spray that freezes insects instantly.
Separate contaminated laundry from regular loads. Seal the contaminated bag in a plastic container for at least 48 hours before disposal to prevent accidental spread.
Maintain a dry environment after treatment; moisture encourages survival of any residual bugs. Regularly inspect cleaned items for signs of activity, and repeat the washing cycle if any are detected.