Bed bugs are notorious pests that can infest homes and cause significant distress.
One common question is whether these resilient insects can survive the washing machine or dryer, and if laundering clothes and bedding is an effective way to get rid of them.
Washing Machines
Bed bugs and their eggs can cling stubbornly to fabric, but most washing machines use water and detergents at temperatures that can kill them. However, the effectiveness depends largely on the temperature of the wash cycle.
Studies and pest control experts agree that washing clothes and bedding in water at a temperature of at least 60°C (140°F) is necessary to reliably kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Cold or warm water washes, which are commonly used to protect delicate fabrics, may not be enough to eliminate bed bugs completely. Soaking clothes without sufficient heat can allow some bed bugs to survive and re-infest your home.
Dryers
The dryer is often more effective at killing bed bugs than washing alone. The high heat generated in most tumble dryers can destroy bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs. A dryer set to a high heat for at least 30 minutes is recommended by pest control professionals.
Simply washing clothes and then air drying or using a low heat setting in the dryer may not kill all bed bugs. Therefore, a combined approach of washing in hot water and drying on high heat is the best way to ensure bed bugs are eliminated from textiles.
Additional Tips
– Seal laundered items in plastic bags until the infestation is fully resolved to prevent re-infestation.
– Regularly vacuum and clean mattresses, furniture, and cracks where bed bugs hide.
– Consider professional pest control for severe infestations, as bed bugs can hide in places laundering can’t reach.
Conclusion
While washing machines and dryers can be effective tools against bed bugs, their success depends on using the correct temperature settings.
Hot water washing (above 60°C) combined with high-heat drying is essential to reliably kill these persistent pests and their eggs.
For comprehensive control, laundering should be part of a broader pest management strategy.