Does Washing Clothes Kill Bed Bugs? What You Need To Know
Let us face it, bed bugs are one of the most frustrating pests you can encounter. They sneak into your home, hide in unexpected places, and come out to feed when you are fast asleep.
But when you discover bed bugs in your bedding or clothes, a common question arises: Does washing clothes kill bed bugs?
In this article, we will dig deep into what works, what does not, and how you can use your laundry routine to beat these stubborn invaders.
Can Bed Bugs Live in Clothes?
Yes, bed bugs can hide in clothes, but they do not live on humans like lice or fleas. Instead, they use clothes as temporary hiding spots, especially when those garments are stored in piles, bags, or drawers near infested areas.
If you have found signs of bed bugs, it is important to treat your clothes as potential carriers.
Read also: Can Bed Bugs Come From Your Neighbors Apartment? Tenants Should Know This
Does Washing Clothes Kill Bed Bugs?
Does washing clothes kill bed bugs? Well, the short answer is yes, washing clothes can kill bed bugs, but only under certain conditions. Simply rinsing clothes with cold or lukewarm water may not be enough.
Bed bugs and their eggs are resilient, and unless they are exposed to high temperatures or detergent for a sufficient period, some may survive the wash cycle.
How to Properly Wash Clothes to Kill Bed Bugs
If you want to make sure you eliminate bed bugs in your laundry, follow this step-by-step process:
- Sort Clothes Carefully: Keep infested clothes sealed in plastic bags to avoid spreading bed bugs around the house.
- Use Hot Water: Wash clothes at the hottest temperature recommended on the label—ideally above 120°F (49°C).
- Add Detergent: Soap and detergent help break down bed bug exoskeletons and suffocate them during the wash.
- High Heat Drying: Dry clothes on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. The heat is key in killing both bugs and eggs.
- Immediately Store Clothes In Clean Bags: Once dry, seal clothes in fresh, bug-free bags until your home is treated.
Does Cold Water Kill Bed Bugs?
No, cold water alone does not kill bed bugs. While it might rinse off some bugs, it will not affect the eggs or adult bed bugs that cling to fabric. Heat is essential. Always opt for hot water and a hot dryer cycle to be safe.
Can Bed Bug Eggs Survive the Washing Machine?
Unfortunately, yes. Bed bug eggs have a protective coating that makes them more resistant to basic washing.
However, prolonged exposure to hot water and especially to heat in a dryer will destroy them. This is why drying clothes on high heat is more effective than washing alone.
Best Practices for Bed Bug Laundry Treatment
- Use Dissolvable Laundry Bags: These can go straight into the machine, reducing contact with bugs.
- Clean Laundry Baskets and Hampers: Wipe down or steam-clean them to remove any lingering pests.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Washer: Bed bugs can survive in tightly packed clothes where water doesn’t reach evenly.
Read also: How to Tell If Bed Bugs Are Gone: A Step-By-Step Guide
Are Dry Cleaners Effective Against Bed Bugs?
Some dry cleaners are equipped to handle bed bug-infested clothing, but not all. If you opt for dry cleaning, be sure to inform the staff so they can take precautions.
The high heat during pressing and cleaning may help eliminate bed bugs, but it’s not always a guaranteed treatment for eggs.
How Long Do Bed Bugs Live on Clothes?
Bed bugs can survive on clothes for a few days to a couple of weeks, especially if the clothing is unworn and stored in a cool, dark place.
They do not need to feed every day, so it is easy to overlook them until they become a full-blown problem.
Additional Tips to Prevent Reinfestation
- Vacuum Regularly: Especially around laundry areas, beds, and closets.
- Use Bed Bug-Proof Storage Bags: To prevent bugs from crawling back onto clean clothes.
- Treat Your Home: Washing clothes is one part of the solution. Combine it with professional or DIY bed bug control for long-term results.
Read also: Can Bed Bugs Live in Carpet? Here Is What You Need to Know
FAQs: Does Washing Clothes Kill Bed Bugs?
Will Bed Bugs Die in the Washer and Dryer?
They may die in the washer if hot water is used, but the dryer’s high heat is more effective at killing both bugs and eggs.
Can Bed Bugs Spread through Laundry?
Yes. If infested clothes are carried around or mixed with clean clothes, bed bugs can spread.
Should I Wash All My Clothes if I Have Bed Bugs?
Yes, especially those that have been on or near the bed or infested areas.
Does Dry Cleaning Kill Bed Bugs?
It can help, but it depends on the cleaning method and heat levels used.
Conclusion
So, does washing clothes kill bed bugs? Yes, but only if done correctly. Hot water, high-heat drying, and proper handling are crucial to getting rid of bed bugs hiding in your laundry.
If you are dealing with an infestation, treat both your clothes and your home thoroughly to avoid a rebound. Don’t underestimate these tiny pests; they are persistent, but with the right strategy, you can outsmart them.
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