Does Washing Clothes & Bedding At High Heat Kill Bed Bugs?

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in the Washing Machine

1. Remove all bedding and clothes from the area. Strip your bed of all linens and sort through any clothes you need to wash. It’s crucial to remove all bedding and clothing from the infested area promptly to prevent further spreading.
2. Store infected bedding and clothes in plastic bags. Place each sorted pile into plastic bags. Transport the bag and tip-out linens into the washing machine. Sealing infested items in plastic bags before transporting them prevents bed bugs from spreading to other rooms. Once emptied, seal the plastic bag again before disposing of it.
3. Use detergent when washing. Use your normal detergent as needed. Combined with hot water, detergent can kill bed bugs and remove their eggs from fabrics.
4. Wash on the hottest setting. Wash the bedding at a high temperature (at least 140°F) for 90 minutes or more. Bed bugs cannot survive exposure to extreme temperatures. Ensure your items are machine-washable and can withstand high temperatures before proceeding.
5. Dry on high heat. Quickly transfer washed clothes to the dryer and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. The dryer’s heat eradicates any remaining bed bugs and their eggs. Promptly transferring items prevents the chance of re-infestation.
6. Store clean items in sealed bags. Fold your laundry and place it in sealed bags to keep it clean from bed bugs. Sealing cleaned items in plastic bags keeps them safe from contamination. This is important while we treat the infested area.

Can Bed Bugs Survive in the Washing Machine?

Bed bugs are hardy pests, but they cannot survive the high temperatures found in most washing machines and dryers. When washed in hot water and dried on high heat, bed bugs at all life stages (adults, nymphs, and eggs) are killed. This makes washing an efficient and straightforward way to manage a bed bug infestation in its early stages.

Wash and dry the clothes on the highest heat possible. For small infestations, washing affected items can greatly lower pest numbers. This also helps stop the pests from spreading to new areas. However, it’s important to note that this method is most effective when bed bugs are confined to washable items like clothes and bedding. If the infestation has spread to furniture or walls, washing alone won’t solve the problem entirely.

What Temperature Do You Need to Wash Clothes at to Kill Bed Bugs?

To effectively kill bed bugs, you should wash clothes and bedding at a temperature of at least 140°F (60°C). Bed bugs and their eggs can’t survive high heat. So, using this temperature will get rid of them. Wash the items on the hottest setting your machine allows for the best results.

Why You Still Need an Exterminator

While washing your clothes and bedding at high heat is a powerful tool in your bed bug-fighting arsenal, it’s often just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s why professional pest control remains essential for truly eliminating a bed bug infestation:

• Bed bugs are expert hiders. These sneaky pests burrow into mattress seams, box springs, headboards, baseboards, electrical outlets, and even behind wallpaper. No amount of laundry can reach these hiding spots.
• Eggs are easily missed. Bed bug eggs are tiny (about the size of a pinhead) and often laid in hard-to-see crevices. Even if you’ve washed everything in sight, eggs hidden elsewhere can hatch and restart the infestation within weeks.
• Infestations spread quickly. By the time you notice bed bugs in your bedding, they may have already migrated to other areas of your home. A professional exterminator can identify all affected areas and treat them effectively.
• DIY methods have limitations. Washing and drying on high heat works great for fabrics, but what about your mattress, furniture, or carpeting? Professional-grade treatments (including heat treatments, targeted insecticides, and ongoing monitoring) address the full scope of the problem.
• Peace of mind matters. Bed bug infestations are stressful. Working with experienced pest control professionals ensures the job is done right the first time, so you can sleep soundly again.

Count on the Professionals at Active Pest Control

Professional bed bug control is essential for infestations that extend beyond washable items. Experts can assess the extent of the problem and provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.

If bed bugs are becoming a larger issue in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Learn more about our treatment for bed bugs or how we can help you exterminate bed bugs today.

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