If you suspect that your clothes might be infested with bed bugs, it's essential to take appropriate precautions when laundering them to prevent the bugs from spreading further. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wash clothes that may have bed bugs:
Isolate infested items: Separate the infested clothes from the rest of your laundry to prevent the bugs from spreading to unaffected items.
Bag the infested clothes: Place the infested clothes in a sealed plastic bag or a garbage bag immediately. This containment step is crucial to prevent any potential bed bugs from escaping and infesting other areas.
Pre-treat stains: If there are visible stains on the infested clothes, pre-treat them by gently dabbing the stains with a stain remover or a mixture of water and mild detergent. Allow the pre-treatment solution to sit for a few minutes before laundering.
Launder on high heat: Bed bugs are sensitive to heat, so washing the infested clothes on the hottest water temperature recommended for the fabric is essential. Typically, a temperature of 140°F (60°C) or higher is effective at killing bed bugs and their eggs. Refer to the care labels on your clothing for the maximum recommended temperature.
Use a dryer on high heat: After washing, transfer the clothes directly from the washing machine to the dryer. Set the dryer to the highest heat setting recommended for the fabric, as the high temperature will help eliminate any remaining bed bugs. Tumble dry the clothes for at least 30 minutes or longer to ensure sufficient heat exposure.
Monitor and inspect: After the clothes have been washed and dried, carefully inspect them for any signs of bed bugs. Look for live bugs, eggs, or exoskeletons. If you find any, repeat the washing and drying process or consider seeking professional help for bed bug extermination.
Store clean clothes properly: Once you've confirmed that the clothes are free of bed bugs, store them in a sealed plastic bag or container to prevent re-infestation. Keep them separate from any infested items until the infestation is resolved.
Remember, bed bug infestations can be challenging to eliminate completely, and it's recommended to seek professional assistance from a pest control expert if you have a severe infestation or if your efforts to eradicate the bed bugs are not successful.