Can You Wash Bed Bugs Out of Clothes? A Definitive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can wash bed bugs out of clothes. However, the key is not just the washing process itself, but the high heat of the dryer. Washing alone may drown some bed bugs, but it’s the heat that effectively kills them and their eggs.
Understanding Bed Bugs and Your Laundry
Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, typically while you sleep. They are notorious for their ability to hide in small cracks and crevices, making them difficult to eradicate. One common hiding place is within clothing, luggage, and other fabrics. Understanding how bed bugs interact with your laundry is crucial for effective treatment.
How Bed Bugs Infest Clothes
Bed bugs can infest clothes in several ways. They may crawl onto your clothes while you’re in an infested area, such as a hotel room, public transportation, or even your own home. They are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide you exhale, making your clothes a convenient mode of transportation to new locations. They can also be transferred to clothes directly from infested furniture, such as beds, sofas, and chairs.
Why Laundry is a Critical Component of Bed Bug Control
Treating your clothing is an essential step in eliminating a bed bug infestation. Ignoring your laundry can lead to a recurring problem, as any surviving bed bugs in your clothes can re-infest your home. Furthermore, infested clothes can unknowingly spread bed bugs to other locations, prolonging the infestation cycle. A thorough laundering process is, therefore, a vital part of a comprehensive bed bug control strategy.
The Washing Process: What Really Works
While washing clothes is a good first step, it’s not enough on its own to kill bed bugs. You need to combine washing with the high heat of a dryer to effectively eliminate these pests.
Optimal Washing Temperature
Although some resources suggest cold water washing for certain delicates, for bed bug eradication, hot water is essential. Aim for a water temperature of at least 120°F (49°C). This temperature will help to kill adult bed bugs and their nymphs. While not always effective for the eggs, it weakens them, making them more susceptible to the dryer’s heat.
Detergent Considerations
Any standard laundry detergent will suffice for washing bed bug-infested clothes. The detergent primarily serves to loosen debris and facilitate the removal of the bed bugs from the fabric during the washing cycle. Don’t feel the need to purchase specialized or expensive detergents; the heat is the crucial factor.
The Dryer: The Ultimate Bed Bug Killer
The dryer is the most important part of the process. Bed bugs cannot survive prolonged exposure to high heat. Run your clothes on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes, and preferably longer, particularly for thicker items like blankets and comforters. This will ensure that the heat penetrates deep into the fabric, effectively killing any remaining bed bugs and their eggs.
Handling Infested Laundry Safely
Preventing the spread of bed bugs during the laundry process is crucial. Here’s how to handle infested laundry safely:
Containment Strategies
Place infested clothes directly into a sealed plastic bag as soon as possible. Avoid leaving infested clothes lying around, as this can allow bed bugs to escape and spread to other areas of your home. When transporting the bag to the washing machine, keep it sealed to prevent any bugs from crawling out. Consider using disposable laundry bags to minimize the risk of re-infestation.
Loading and Unloading Precautions
When loading the washing machine, carefully pour the contents of the bag directly into the drum. Avoid shaking the clothes out, as this can disperse bed bugs into the air. After washing, transfer the clothes directly from the washing machine to the dryer. Dispose of the plastic bag immediately in an outdoor trash receptacle.
Cleaning the Washing Machine and Dryer
While unlikely, some stray bed bugs might find their way into your washing machine or dryer. After handling infested laundry, wipe down the inside of the washing machine drum with a damp cloth and a disinfectant. Run an empty cycle on hot to further sanitize the machine. Similarly, clean the dryer lint trap thoroughly after each use to remove any potential bed bugs or eggs.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve eradicated the bed bugs from your clothes, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations.
Vigilant Inspection and Monitoring
Regularly inspect your bed, bedding, and furniture for signs of bed bugs. Look for small, reddish-brown bugs, shed skins, or dark fecal spots. Use a flashlight to examine seams, cracks, and crevices. Consider using bed bug interceptors under the legs of your bed to monitor for activity.
Protective Measures During Travel
When traveling, be cautious about where you place your luggage. Avoid placing it on the bed or floor, and instead, use a luggage rack. Before unpacking, inspect the hotel room for signs of bed bugs. Upon returning home, wash and dry all clothes, even those that were not worn.
Regular Laundry Practices
Maintain good laundry practices by washing and drying your bedding regularly in hot water and high heat. This will help to prevent bed bugs from establishing a foothold in your home. Vacuum your mattress and surrounding areas frequently to remove any potential bed bugs or eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if I have delicate items that can’t withstand high heat?
For delicate items that cannot be washed in hot water or dried on high heat, consider dry cleaning. Dry cleaning processes often involve high temperatures and chemicals that can kill bed bugs. Alternatively, you can seal the items in a plastic bag and place them in a freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days.
2. Can bed bugs survive in cold water?
Yes, bed bugs can survive in cold water. While drowning may kill some, it’s not a reliable method for complete eradication. The combination of washing and high heat is essential for effectively killing bed bugs.
3. How do I know if my clothes are infested with bed bugs?
Look for signs such as small bloodstains on your clothes or bedding, or the presence of live bed bugs or their shed skins. You may also notice a musty odor. A thorough inspection of seams and folds is recommended.
4. Should I wash clothes that have been stored in a closet where bed bugs were found?
Yes, you should wash and dry all clothes that have been stored in the closet, even if you don’t see any visible signs of bed bugs. It’s better to be safe than sorry and ensure that all potential hiding places are treated.
5. Can I use essential oils or other natural remedies to kill bed bugs in laundry?
While some essential oils may have repellent properties, they are not a reliable method for killing bed bugs in laundry. The effectiveness of these remedies is often limited and inconsistent. High heat remains the most effective and proven method.
6. What about clothes that I haven’t worn in a while?
Even if you haven’t worn clothes in a while, they can still harbor bed bugs. It’s recommended to wash and dry all clothes that have been exposed to a bed bug-infested environment, regardless of how long they’ve been stored.
7. Can bed bugs live in the washing machine?
While it’s unlikely that bed bugs will establish a permanent residence in your washing machine, some may survive the washing cycle. That’s why cleaning the machine after handling infested laundry is recommended.
8. How often should I wash my bedding to prevent bed bugs?
Wash your bedding at least once a week in hot water and dry on high heat to help prevent bed bugs from establishing themselves. More frequent washing may be necessary if you suspect an infestation.
9. What about shoes and other items that can’t be washed?
For shoes and other items that can’t be washed, consider placing them in a sealed plastic bag and freezing them for at least four days. Alternatively, you can use a steamer to apply high heat to these items, paying particular attention to seams and crevices.
10. Can bed bugs travel on pets?
While bed bugs primarily feed on human blood, they can occasionally hitch a ride on pets. It’s important to inspect your pets regularly for signs of bed bugs and consult with a veterinarian about appropriate treatment options. However, remember the primary source of infestation is within the home and transported on human belongings.
11. What if my apartment building has bed bugs? Can they come back on my clothes even after I wash them?
If you live in an apartment building with a bed bug infestation, there is a risk of re-infestation even after washing your clothes. Work with your landlord or property manager to ensure that the entire building is treated professionally. Continue to inspect your belongings regularly and take precautions to prevent bed bugs from re-entering your home.
12. Is professional bed bug treatment necessary if I’ve washed all my clothes?
While washing your clothes is an important step in controlling a bed bug infestation, it is unlikely to be sufficient on its own. Professional bed bug treatment is typically necessary to eradicate the infestation completely, as bed bugs can hide in many other places besides your clothes. Professional treatments often involve the use of insecticides and heat treatments that are more effective than DIY methods.