What will happen if you wash items infested with bed bugs? - briefly
Washing infested fabrics in water at least 49 °C (120 °F) eliminates adult bed bugs and most eggs; thorough high‑heat drying is required to ensure any hidden survivors are killed. Improper drying can allow remaining pests to survive and re‑infest other items.
What will happen if you wash items infested with bed bugs? - in detail
Washing textiles that host bed‑bug populations destroys most adult insects and nymphs when water temperature reaches at least 60 °C (140 °F). Eggs survive lower temperatures; sustained exposure to 55 °C (131 °F) for 30 minutes eliminates most viable eggs.
Water alone does not guarantee mortality. After the wash cycle, immediate high‑heat drying for a minimum of 30 minutes at 70 °C (158 °F) ensures complete eradication. Items that cannot withstand such heat require alternative treatments, such as professional steam cleaning or enclosure in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for 72 hours.
Practical procedure:
- Load infested fabrics into a washing machine; select the hottest water setting available (≥ 60 °C).
- Add a normal detergent; avoid fabric softeners that may reduce heat transfer.
- Upon completion, transfer items directly to a dryer; set temperature to high (≥ 70 °C) and run for at least 30 minutes.
- For non‑machine‑washable objects, place in sealed plastic bags and freeze for three days, then heat in a dryer if feasible.
- Inspect items after treatment; discard any that show damage or persistent infestation signs.
Cross‑contamination risk increases if wet, infested laundry contacts clean surfaces. Keep contaminated loads isolated, clean washing machine drum with hot water and bleach after each cycle, and vacuum surrounding areas.
Thermal treatment combined with thorough drying eliminates the majority of bed‑bug life stages, preventing re‑infestation and reducing the need for chemical insecticides.