How to Properly Wash Clothes After a Bed Bug Infestation
- may705
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
Dealing with bed bugs can be stressful, but one of the most effective ways to eliminate them from your home is by properly treating your clothing and bedding. Bed bugs don’t just hide in mattresses—they can cling to fabrics, making their way into your wardrobe, linens, and upholstery.
At Montana Pest Solutions, we know how crucial it is to take the right steps to remove bed bugs from your clothes and prevent reinfestation. Follow these expert tips to ensure your laundry routine helps eliminate these pests for good.
Step 1: Sort with Caution
Before throwing everything in the wash, carefully separate infested items.
Use plastic bags to transport clothing and bedding from the affected room to the laundry area. This prevents bed bugs from spreading to other areas of your home.
Sort items based on fabric type and washing instructions—just as you normally would.
Keep delicate or dry-clean-only items separate, as they may need alternative treatments like steaming or professional cleaning.
Step 2: Wash at the Right Temperature
Heat is one of the best ways to kill bed bugs at all life stages. Follow these washing guidelines:
Set the washer to the hottest water temperature safe for the fabric. Bed bugs die at 120°F (49°C) or higher.
Use regular detergent—no need for special chemicals, as the heat and agitation do most of the work.
If washing alone isn’t an option, place infested items in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes to kill any lingering bed bugs.
Step 3: Dry Clothes Thoroughly
The dryer is where heat treatment works best against bed bugs.
Choose the highest heat setting safe for your clothes.
Let the cycle run for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 60 minutes for thick fabrics like blankets or comforters.
Once the cycle is complete, transfer the clothes to a clean bag or sealed container—not the laundry basket used before washing.
Step 4: Store Clean Clothes Securely
To avoid reinfestation, follow these steps when handling freshly washed items:
Use sealed plastic bags or airtight bins for clothing storage if you’re still treating the infested room.
Avoid placing clothes back in dressers or closets until your home is fully treated for bed bugs.
Regularly inspect hampers, laundry rooms, and closets for any signs of remaining pests.
Bonus Tip: What to Do with Dry-Clean-Only Items
If an item is labeled dry-clean only, take it to a professional cleaner and let them know about the bed bug issue. Many cleaners have heat treatments or special processes to eliminate pests.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
While proper laundering can help reduce bed bug populations, it won’t eliminate an infestation on its own. If you’re dealing with a severe case, professional pest control is the safest and most effective solution.
At Montana Pest Solutions, we specialize in bed bug treatments that target every hiding spot, from mattresses to furniture and beyond. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a bed bug-free home!
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