Does Washing Bedding and Clothing in High Heat Kill Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs cannot survive high temperatures. Washing linens that you suspect to have bed bugs, then, can be an effective way to kill the pests. While this method shouldn’t be relied upon to completely get rid of your bed bug problem, it can help lessen the severity of an ongoing infestation.
However, it’s important to take caution in using this method to get rid of bed bugs, as you may run the risk of spreading the bed bugs throughout your home when transferring linens.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in the Washing Machine
If you are waiting for professional treatment or trying to get rid of the threat of bed bugs yourself, your washing machine can be a great asset. One of the best things you can do to control the spread of a bed bug problem is wash clothes, bedding, and any other infested items in a hot water washing machine. Here’s how:
- Strip your bed of all linens and sort with any clothes you need to wash as well.
- Place each sorted pile into plastic bags. Transport the bag and tip out linens into the washing machine.
- Use your normal detergent as needed.
- Wash the bedding at a high temperature (at least 140°F) for 90 minutes or more.
- Quickly transfer washed clothes to the dryer and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
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Will Bed Bugs Survive in the Washing Machine?
One of the most reliable ways to get rid of bed bugs is by using extreme temperatures. This is because bed bugs can not withstand too hot or too cold of a temperature. Washing your clothing and bedding in a high heat wash should effectively kill off any bugs, as well as any eggs they’ve possibly laid. It’s important to exercise caution in moving infested linens during the process to avoid spreading the bed bugs to other rooms!
Can I Get Rid of Bed Bugs Myself By Washing My Sheets?
Although washing and drying linens in high temperatures help, this method isn’t available for all infested items or areas of the home. Controlling an infestation requires treatment of the entire infested area. This is best done with the assistance of a professional bed bug control expert.
Does Washing Bedding and Clothing in High Heat Kill Bed Bugs? in Bristol TN
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