What to wash with to remove bedbugs? - briefly
Wash fabrics in water of at least 120 °F (49 °C) with regular detergent and follow with a high‑heat tumble‑dry cycle of at least 30 minutes. For heat‑sensitive items, pre‑soak in a 1 %–2 % sodium hypochlorite solution before laundering.
What to wash with to remove bedbugs? - in detail
Effective laundering is a proven method for eradicating bed‑bug infestations from clothing, bedding, and washable fabrics. The process relies on heat, detergent action, and proper handling before and after washing.
Use water temperatures of at least 120 °F (49 °C). At this temperature, bed‑bug eggs and adults cannot survive. If the fabric permits, increase the temperature to 140 °F (60 °C) for added certainty. For items that cannot withstand high heat, combine a hot wash with a subsequent dryer cycle at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C) for 30 minutes.
Select a regular laundry detergent; enzymatic formulas improve removal of organic residues that may shield insects. Adding a small amount of an insecticide‑compatible laundry additive (e.g., a benzyl benzoate solution approved for fabric use) enhances mortality, but ensure the additive is safe for the material.
Drying is critical. Transfer washed items to a dryer set on high heat for at least 30 minutes. The dryer’s tumbling motion prevents re‑infestation by dislodging any surviving insects.
For delicate items that cannot be heated, place them in a sealed, airtight bag and expose them to a professional‑grade cold‑temperature freezer (‑4 °F / ‑20 °C) for a minimum of four days. Freezing kills all life stages of the pest.
Summarized protocol:
- Wash at ≥120 °F (49 °C); prefer 140 °F (60 °C) when fabric allows.
- Use regular detergent; optional enzyme‑based additive.
- Dry on high heat for ≥30 minutes, temperature ≥130 °F (54 °C).
- For non‑heat‑tolerant items, freeze at ‑4 °F (‑20 °C) for ≥96 hours.
After laundering, store clean items in sealed containers to avoid re‑contamination. Thorough execution of these steps removes bed‑bugs from washable materials and prevents their return.