What to Do With Clothes Infested With Bed Bugs?
Clothes infested with bed bugs need immediate and strategic action to eliminate the infestation; either by thoroughly laundering and drying them at high temperatures, or, if necessary, discarding them to prevent further spread. Quick, effective treatment is crucial to stop bed bugs from establishing themselves throughout your home.
Assessing the Severity of the Infestation
Before you decide on the best course of action, accurately assess how heavily your clothing is infested. While not all items harboring bed bugs are beyond saving, understanding the extent of the problem is the first, crucial step.
Light Infestation: What Qualifies and How to Identify
A light infestation in clothing might mean finding only a few bed bug fecal spots (tiny black or brown stains) or the occasional bed bug skin casting (exoskeleton) on the fabric. You might also spot a live bed bug or two. Clothes primarily stored in drawers or closets closer to the bed are more susceptible. Careful inspection, especially along seams, folds, and around buttons or zippers, is essential.
Heavy Infestation: Signs and When to Consider Discarding
A heavy infestation presents more obvious signs. You will likely find a larger number of live bed bugs, nymphs (baby bed bugs), and eggs clumped together. Visible blood stains, significant fecal spotting, and a noticeable odor are also indicators. Clothes stored directly under or near an infested mattress or box spring are at high risk. In cases of heavy infestation, particularly with delicate or difficult-to-clean fabrics, discarding the affected items may be the most prudent option to prevent further spread.
The Two Primary Options: Cleaning vs. Discarding
Once you’ve assessed the severity, you have two primary options: cleaning and disinfecting the clothes or discarding them altogether. The decision depends on several factors, including the value of the clothing, the fabric type, and the severity of the infestation.
Thorough Cleaning and Disinfection
This is the preferred option for most clothes, provided the fabric can withstand high temperatures. The key is heat.
- Washing: Place the infested clothing in a sealed plastic bag to prevent bed bugs from escaping during transport to the laundry area. Empty the bag directly into the washing machine. Wash the clothes in hot water (at least 120°F or 49°C) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Use a strong detergent.
- Drying: Immediately transfer the washed clothes to the dryer. Dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial as the high heat effectively kills bed bugs and their eggs.
- Dry Cleaning: If the clothing is delicate or cannot be washed and dried, take it to a professional dry cleaner and specifically inform them about the bed bug infestation. Dry cleaning processes can kill bed bugs, but it’s important to ensure the dry cleaner understands the situation.
When to Consider Discarding
Discarding clothing should be considered when:
- The clothing is heavily infested and cannot be effectively cleaned.
- The clothing is made of delicate material that cannot withstand the high temperatures required to kill bed bugs.
- The clothing is of low value and the cost of cleaning outweighs the cost of replacement.
- The infestation has spread to other areas of your home, and discarding the clothing can help prevent further spread.
If discarding, place the infested clothing in a sealed plastic bag, clearly label it as “infested with bed bugs,” and dispose of it properly. Do not donate or sell infested clothing.
Precautions During Handling and Treatment
Handling infested clothing requires careful precautions to prevent the spread of bed bugs to other areas of your home.
Protecting Yourself and Your Home
- Wear gloves while handling infested clothing to avoid direct contact with bed bugs.
- Seal infested clothing in plastic bags immediately upon discovery.
- Thoroughly vacuum the area where the infested clothing was stored or handled.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling infested clothing.
- Consider using disposable gloves and shoe covers to minimize the risk of spreading bed bugs.
Preventing Re-infestation
- Once the clothing has been cleaned and disinfected, store it in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers.
- Regularly inspect your bed and furniture for signs of bed bugs.
- Use mattress encasements to protect your mattress and box spring from bed bugs.
- Vacuum regularly and thoroughly.
- Consider using bed bug interceptors under the legs of your bed to monitor for bed bug activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can bed bugs live in my laundry hamper?
Yes, bed bugs can live in your laundry hamper if it contains infested clothing. Regularly clean your laundry hamper with a disinfectant solution.
2. Can bed bugs survive the spin cycle in a washing machine?
While the spin cycle can dislodge some bed bugs, it’s the high heat of the washing machine and dryer that effectively kills them. Relying solely on the spin cycle is not a sufficient treatment.
3. Does freezing clothing kill bed bugs?
Freezing clothing can kill bed bugs, but it requires a specific temperature and duration. Clothing must be kept at 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days. Ensure the freezer maintains this temperature consistently.
4. Can I use a steam cleaner on my clothes to kill bed bugs?
A steam cleaner can be effective for treating clothes, but it requires careful application. The steam must penetrate all folds and seams to reach and kill the bed bugs. However, steam can damage some fabrics, so test a small, inconspicuous area first.
5. How do I know if my clothing is completely free of bed bugs after treatment?
The best way to confirm that your clothing is free of bed bugs is to carefully inspect it after treatment. Look for any signs of live bed bugs, nymphs, eggs, or fecal spotting. If you are unsure, consider treating the clothing again.
6. Can bed bugs live in my shoes?
Yes, bed bugs can live in shoes, especially those stored near infested areas. Treat shoes by placing them in sealed plastic bags and freezing them for at least four days, or by using a specialized bed bug spray safe for fabrics and shoes.
7. Is it safe to store clean clothes next to possibly infested clothes?
No, it is not safe to store clean clothes next to possibly infested clothes. This can lead to cross-contamination and spread the infestation to your clean clothes.
8. Should I treat my closet after removing infested clothes?
Yes, you should treat your closet after removing infested clothes. Vacuum the closet thoroughly and consider using a residual insecticide labeled for bed bugs, paying attention to cracks and crevices.
9. What kind of plastic bags are best for containing infested clothing?
Heavy-duty, airtight plastic bags are best for containing infested clothing. Ensure the bags are sealed tightly to prevent bed bugs from escaping.
10. Can bed bugs travel on clothes in my car?
Yes, bed bugs can travel on clothes in your car, especially if you transport infested clothing. Clean your car interior thoroughly, especially the seats and floor mats, and consider using a bed bug spray safe for car interiors.
11. Are there any natural remedies that can kill bed bugs on clothing?
While some natural remedies, like diatomaceous earth, can be effective against bed bugs, they are generally not recommended for clothing. The best approach is to use high heat through washing and drying or freezing.
12. How often should I wash my bedding and clothing to prevent bed bugs?
To prevent bed bugs, wash your bedding and clothing regularly, at least once a week, in hot water and dry on high heat. This helps to kill any bed bugs that may have made their way onto your items.