Does Washing Bedding, Sheets, and Clothing in High Heat Kill Bed Bugs?
Yes. Washing linens, sheets, clothing, and other items in hot water has proven effective in killing bed bugs. Although it’s not a reliable way to eliminate the entire bed bug infestation, we recommend this tactic to lessen its severity.
Will Bed Bugs Survive in the Washing Machine?
Extreme temperatures are one of the most reliable ways to kill off bed bugs. Just to make sure, we recommend washing and drying all items on the highest heat setting. It works extremely well to kill off adult bed bugs and eggs. Be sure to exercise caution while moving infested sheets and linens during the process to avoid spreading bed bugs to non-infested rooms.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Sheets in Your Washing Machine
Here’s how to wash bed bug sheets, bedding, clothes, and other items:
- Strip the linens off of your bed and sort with other items to be washed.
- Place each sorted pile into plastic bags and seal. Transport the bag carefully to your laundry room and tip the bag into your machine.
- Insert a normal amount of your typical detergent.
- Wash the load at a high temperature (at least 140°F) for 90 minutes.
- Carefully transfer washed clothes to the dryer and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
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Can You Wash Other Bed Bug-Infested Items?
Yes. Anything that’s washable and fits inside your washer/dryer can benefit. You can use the “bed bugs washing machine” trick on any of these items and more:
- Sheets
- Clothes
- Pillowcases
- Blankets
- Comforters
- Pet bedding
- Small throw rugs
- Bags
Can My Washer and Dryer Kill All My Bed Bugs?
While washing and drying your bedding and clothes in high temperatures helps, obviously this method will not work for all infested items or areas of the home. Complete control of a bed bug infestation requires treating the entire infected area, not just items.
Even after you’re done disinfecting sheets and bedding, we still highly recommend calling a professional bed bug control expert. It’s highly likely that there are still many more bed bugs hiding in crevices, wall outlets, furniture, and other nooks and cavities throughout the house.
How Do I Clean My Washing Machine After Bed Bugs?
Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about cleaning your washing machine after using it to kill bed bugs. The bed bugs are all dead by this point and most were drained with the water. There is no risk.
How to Wash Away Bed Bugs in Illinois and Indiana
If you’re dealing with bed bugs, the “bed bug washing machine” trick can be a great help – but it’s not the best way to get rid of bed bugs entirely. To completely eliminate a bed bug infestation and get back your peace of mind, you should get in touch with a professional bed bug control specialist.
If you’re looking to wash bed bugs off your blankets and sheets, the washing machine is a great help. If you want to wash them away for good, give us a call.
