Yes! The good news is that washing your clothes can definitely help get rid of these annoying bugs.
It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that washing clothes alone may not be enough to completely eliminate a bed bug infestation. These bugs can hide in a variety of places, including furniture, carpets, and bedding, so it’s important to take a comprehensive approach to getting rid of them.
Dos and don’ts of washing bed bugs out of clothes
Dos
- Wash your clothes on the highest heat setting that the fabric can handle.
- Use a strong detergent that is designed to kill bed bugs.
- Run the clothes through a full cycle, including the drying cycle if possible.
- Place any clothes that may have come into contact with bed bugs in a plastic bag and tie it tightly before transporting to your laundry room.
- Repeat the washing process for each load of potentially infested clothing or bedding.
- Use a portable clothes steamer or iron on high heat to treat delicate items that can’t be washed, such as shoes or stuffed animals.
Don’ts
- Use a gentle or delicate cycle, as bed bugs are resistant to these settings.
- Overload the washing machine, as this can prevent the clothes from getting properly cleaned and treated.
- Use bleach or fabric softeners, as these products can damage fabrics and may not effectively kill bed bugs.
- Store any unwashed clothes in your closet or dresser if they may be infested.
- Handle infested clothing or bedding without wearing gloves and protective clothing.
Our 5 step guide to washing bed bugs out of your clothes
Step 1
Sort and bag potentially infested clothing. Carefully gather any clothing or bedding that may have come into contact with bed bugs and place them in a plastic bag. Tie the bag tightly and transport it to your laundry room.
Step 2
Pre-treat any stains. Check each item of clothing for stains and pre-treat them with a stain remover if necessary. Bed bugs tend to congregate in areas with stains, so it’s important to remove any visible stains before washing.
Step 3
Wash on high heat. Load the clothing into the washing machine and set the temperature to the highest heat setting that the fabric can handle. Add a strong detergent designed to kill bed bugs, and run the clothes through a full cycle, including the drying cycle if possible.
Step 4
Inspect and rewash. After the cycle is complete, remove the clothing from the washing machine and inspect each item for any remaining signs of bed bugs. If you find any evidence of bed bugs, repeat the washing process for that item or load of clothing.
Step 5
Dry on high heat and store. Once all of the clothing has been washed and inspected, dry them on high heat in a dryer or using a portable clothes steamer or iron. Store the clothing in a sealed plastic bag or container to prevent any re-infestation.
FAQs washing bed bugs out of your clothes
Will washing my clothes get rid of all bed bugs?
While washing your clothes can help eliminate bed bugs, it may not be enough to fully eliminate an infestation. Bed bugs can hide in a variety of places, including furniture, carpets, and bedding, so it’s important to take a comprehensive approach to exterminate them.
Can I wash bed bug-infested clothes with other clothes?
It’s not recommended to wash bed bug-infested clothes with other clothes, as this can spread the infestation to other items. Instead, wash potentially infested clothing separately and take precautions to prevent the spread of bed bugs to other areas of your home.
What temperature should I use to wash bed bug-infested clothes?
It’s important to wash bed bug-infested clothes on the highest possible heat setting that the fabric can handle. Bed bugs are sensitive to heat, and exposing them to high temperatures can help eliminate them. However, be sure to check the care instructions for each item of clothing to ensure that you don’t damage the fabric.
Final thoughts 💭
Well, there you have it! Everything you need to know about washing bed bugs out of your clothes. While bed bugs may not be the most fun topic to think about, taking the right steps to eliminate them can make a big difference in your quality of life.
So don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and tackle those infested clothes with confidence! By following the dos and don’ts, using the right techniques, and taking a comprehensive approach, you can say “goodbye” to those pesky bugs and “hello” to a bug-free wardrobe. Happy washing!
Leave a Reply