Does Washing Clothes Kill Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on blood. Though not considered a danger to humans, they can cause allergic reactions in some people that may require medical attention.
The thing with bed bugs is that they usually hide during the day and pester people at night. One way bed bugs infest a household is via used furniture that was brought home. That is why in order to avoid bed bugs, inspect all pieces of furniture before bringing them inside the house.
There are several ways to get rid of these tiny pests in your home effectively. You can use insecticides, steam the places they hide, and use desiccants. Another method a lot of homeowners do is washing all clothes as well as beddings, linens, and curtains — both used and clean.
How does washing clothes kill bed bugs and is it really effective?
Washing Clothes to Kill Bed Bugs
Washing clothes can kill bed bugs if done properly. For this method, temperature plays a big role in ensuring that all bed bugs can be eliminated. If not, chances are bed bugs will just infest clothes and beddings again, making all the exerted efforts in washing them useless.
Here’s how to properly wash clothes and other beddings that are infested by bed bugs:
- Wash Clothes in Hot Water: Wash all clothing, beddings, linens, and curtains for 20 minutes or more at 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Include even those clean ones stored in the closets as it is likely they have been infested as well. You must do this step using hot water. Using room temperature water will not be as effective and not kill all bed bugs, because bed bugs are sensitive to heat.
- Set Dryer to Highest Heat Setting: Once the wash cycle is done, put all the clothes and other stuff on the dryer. Set the dryer on the highest setting possible for another 30 minutes. This will ensure that any remaining bed bugs and their eggs will be exterminated.
How About Dry Clean Only Clothes?
Dry clean clothes should never be put in the washer, even if it’s infested with bed bugs. You can, however, place them in the dryer and set it to either medium or high setting. Make sure to do this for not less than 30 minutes. Once done, bring them to a professional dry-cleaning shop as you would normally do.
Keep Bed Bugs Away From Your Home
Keeping bed bugs away from your home is important. They may not spread diseases, but someone in your home may be allergic to their bites. Thankfully, you can easily get rid of bed bugs by washing your clothes and bedding. Just make sure that it is done correctly so that not even a single bed bug will survive the washing and drying process.
Once you’re done with that, make sure to go back to your bed and vacuum it thoroughly. Otherwise, there may be more bed bugs there that could get on your linens again, forcing you to start the process all over again. As much as you are able to do on your own, bed bug infestations can be difficult to completely eradicate. If you’re still having concerns after that, then you might need to get the help of a pest control service to solve the issue once and for all.
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