Bedbugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human and animal blood. They are a nuisance pest that can be very difficult to get rid of once established in a home. A common question about bedbugs is whether they can survive a trip through the washing machine. Here is a look at the evidence on whether bedbugs can live through a wash cycle.
Can bedbugs survive the washing machine?
The good news is that bedbugs are very unlikely to survive a complete cycle in a washing machine. The combination of hot water, detergent, and mechanical agitation inside a washing machine is very effective at killing bedbugs and their eggs. However, there are some important caveats to this:
- Bedbugs may survive if they are trapped in folds and seams of clothing and linens where detergent and water do not penetrate well.
- They are more likely to survive a gentle or cold wash cycle versus a hot, vigorous wash cycle.
- Some bedbug eggs may survive the wash cycle, although the hatchlings are unlikely to.
- Dead bedbugs and eggs may still remain on laundered items if they are physically trapped in materials.
So while washing clothes and linens can greatly reduce bedbug numbers, it may not eliminate them completely in all cases. The temperature of the water and completeness of the wash cycle will affect the success. For the most effective treatment, use the hottest water setting safe for the fabrics and make sure all items are thoroughly soaked.
Hot water is key to killing bedbugs
Exposure to hot water is one of the most effective ways to kill bedbugs and their eggs. Temperatures over 50°C (122°F) are considered lethal for eliminating bedbugs. Most washing machines can reach these temperatures on hot settings:
Washing Machine Setting | Approximate Water Temperature |
---|---|
Cold wash | 27-32°C / 80-90°F |
Warm wash | 37-43°C / 100-110°F |
Hot wash | 49-71°C / 120-160°F |
Sanitize setting | >71°C / >160°F |
As shown in the table, only hot and sanitize washes reach lethal temperatures for bedbugs. However, even hot water washes may not completely penetrate fabrics and kill all bugs. The hottest water setting compatible with the clothing is recommended.
Agitation helps expose bedbugs to water
Along with hot water, the agitation inside a washing machine also contributes to killing bedbugs. The motion helps soak fabrics completely and forces bedbugs out of hiding spots inside seams and crevices. When combined with detergent, the agitation exposes bedbugs to the cleanser and hot water for effective elimination.
Laundry detergent boosts bug removal
Adding laundry detergent to a hot wash cycle further aids bedbug removal in several ways:
- Detergents help penetrate fabrics better than water alone.
- They remove organic debris that could potentially shelter bedbugs.
- Some detergent ingredients may have insecticidal effects.
- Detergents help wash away dead bedbugs and eggs.
For best results, use a full dose of laundry detergent appropriate for the cycle and water temperature according to packaging directions.
Drying clothes kills surviving bedbugs
After washing clothes and linens, it is recommended to immediately place them in the dryer. Tumbling and heating in the dryer will kill any bedbugs that may have survived the wash cycle. Aim for at least 30 minutes on the highest heat setting appropriate for the fabrics. High heat helps eliminate bedbugs hiding deep in materials.
Other ways to kill bedbugs in laundry
For severely infested laundry, sometimes normal washing is not enough. Here are some other techniques that can be used:
- Dry cleaning: Most dry cleaning methods use perchloroethylene, which is lethal to bedbugs.
- Laundromats: Use the hottest self-service washers and dryers possible. Do not re-infect cleaned clothes by placing them into dirty bags or baskets.
- Steam: A professional steamer can penetrate fabrics and kill all bedbug life stages.
- Freezing: Storing items in below 0°F / -18°C temperatures for 4+ days can kill bedbugs.
Preventing bedbug transfer in laundry
When dealing with a current bedbug infestation, care should be taken to avoid transferring bedbugs to other areas in the home. Here are some tips for bug-free laundry:
- Inspect items carefully and remove any visible bedbugs before washing.
- Place laundry directly into washer/dryer from sealed bags.
- Clean washing machine tub after use.
- Use new clean bags or containers for transport.
- Fold laundry directly from dryer and seal in clean bags.
- Isolate laundered items until bedbug elimination is confirmed.
Clothes dryers kill bedbugs via heat
Clothes dryers provide a one-two punch to eliminate bedbugs from laundry. First, the very hot air kills bedbugs and eggs on contact. Average dryer air temperatures range from 135°F to 155°F, which far exceeds the lethal point. Second, the tumbling action damages the bugs physically. The dryer’s hot airflow and agitation are very effective for forcing bedbugs out of hiding and killing them.
Select the highest heat drying setting
To ensure effective bedbug extermination, choose the highest temperature setting compatible with the clothing. Most home dryers have various heat levels including:
- No heat / air fluff
- Low heat
- Medium heat
- High heat
Use the “high heat” option when trying to kill bedbugs through drying. This setting maintains air temperatures over 135°F throughout the cycle. Medium or low heat allows the air to cool off and may enable some bedbugs to survive.
Time required to exterminate bedbugs
Along with high heat, sufficient drying time is also needed to kill all bedbug life stages. Research shows that at least 30 continuous minutes on high heat will kill all bedbugs and eggs inside clothing and linens. Shorter times or intermittent heat are less effective and may accidentally allow some bugs to survive.
Dry items completely
For total extermination, it is important to run the full drying cycle until all laundry is completely dry. Any remaining moisture allows bedbugs to rehydrate and recover. Ensure all fabrics are bone dry to destroy the bugs through desiccation. Check that thick items with bulky pockets are dried on the inside too.
Store dried laundry sealed in clean containers
After laundering and drying bedbug-infested items, avoid reintroducing bugs by storing clothes and linens properly. Pack dried items directly from the dryer into clean, sealable plastic bins or bags. Store these sealed containers separate from untreated laundry until the bedbug infestation has been eliminated.
Be cautious when using laundromats
Using a shared laundromat can potentially spread bedbugs if not careful. When washing bedbug contaminated laundry at a laundromat:
- Use plastic bags to transport items and avoid trailing bedbugs.
- Inspect machines carefully before use. Look for signs of bedbugs.
- Wash with detergent using the hottest water setting allowed.
- Transfer dried clothes directly to clean bags before transporting.
- Discard any bags or baskets that held dirty laundry.
Repeated laundromat use may be necessary over several weeks to fully eliminate a bedbug infestation at home.
Conclusion
Washing and drying clothes at high temperatures can effectively kill bedbugs and their eggs. However, bedbugs may survive if they are shielded in fabric folds and crevices. Use the hottest water setting safe for the clothing and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. With vigilance, laundering can help eliminate bedbugs and prevent their spread.