With what should I wash linen to remove bedbugs? - briefly
Wash the linen in water at least 120 °F (49 °C) with detergent, then tumble‑dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
With what should I wash linen to remove bedbugs? - in detail
Laundering infested bedding requires high heat, effective surfactants, and thorough drying. Follow these steps for complete eradication:
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Pre‑wash preparation
- Remove all visible debris.
- Place items in sealed plastic bags for transport to the laundry area to prevent spread.
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Water temperature
- Use hot water of at least 120 °F (49 °C). Temperatures below this threshold allow nymphs and eggs to survive.
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Detergent
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Additives
- For white or colorfast fabrics, add non‑chlorine bleach (oxygen‑based) or a small amount of chlorine bleach (5–6 %).
- For colored items that cannot tolerate bleach, use a commercial laundry sanitizer containing quaternary ammonium compounds.
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Cycle length
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Drying
- Transfer immediately to a dryer set on high heat (≥130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 30 minutes. Heat penetrates seams and folds where insects hide.
- If a dryer is unavailable, place items in direct sunlight for several hours; solar UV radiation contributes to mortality but is less reliable than mechanical heat.
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Post‑wash handling
- Store cleaned linens in sealed bags until the surrounding environment is confirmed free of bedbugs.
- Dispose of any packaging that may have contacted insects.
Additional measures
- Steam treatment – Apply a handheld steamer (≥212 °F / 100 °C) to mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture after laundering.
- Freezing – For items that cannot be heated, seal in a freezer at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for 72 hours; this temperature kills all life stages.
Combining hot water washing, appropriate detergents, high‑temperature drying, and supplemental thermal or freezing methods provides a comprehensive approach to eliminate bedbugs from bedding.