Knowing how to manage laundry during bed bug infestation is important because clothing and bedding can accidentally carry bed bugs from one room to another. Bed bugs can hide in folds, seams, hampers, and piles of clothing, making laundry an easy way for an infestation to spread if it is handled carelessly.
The goal is to separate potentially affected items, use appropriate washing and drying practices, and keep cleaned laundry protected until the infestation is under control.
Separate Potentially Infested Laundry
Avoid carrying loose laundry through multiple rooms. Instead, collect potentially affected clothing and bedding carefully and place them directly into sealed plastic bags or containers before transporting them to the laundry area.
Do not overfill bags. Keeping items contained helps reduce the chance of bed bugs escaping during transportation.
If you use a laundry hamper, inspect and clean it regularly. A hamper can become another hiding place if potentially infested clothing remains inside for an extended period.
Washing Clothes After Bed Bugs
Washing clothes after bed bugs requires attention to both washing and drying. Follow the care label for each item and use the hottest washing and drying settings that are safe for the fabric.
Drying is particularly important because sufficiently high heat can kill bed bugs and their eggs. However, not every fabric or item can safely tolerate high temperatures, so always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Items that cannot be washed should not automatically be discarded. Consider whether they can be safely treated using another appropriate method.
Keep Clean Laundry Isolated
After washing and drying, place clean clothing and bedding into clean, sealed bags or containers. Keeping clean items isolated prevents them from becoming re-infested while treatment is still underway.
Avoid placing freshly cleaned laundry back into an infested closet, dresser, bed, or upholstered furniture until those areas have been inspected and treated.
Don’t Move Laundry Between Rooms
During laundry during bed bug infestation, avoid sorting clothing on beds, couches, or carpets. These areas may contain hidden bed bugs.
Instead, sort laundry in a controlled area and keep clean and potentially affected items separate. This simple habit can help reduce accidental spread.
What About Bedding?
Sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and other washable bedding should be handled carefully. Place them directly into sealed bags before moving them and follow their care instructions when washing and drying.
After treatment, continue using clean bedding and regularly inspect mattress seams, bed frames, and nearby furniture for signs of activity.
Protect Your Home During Treatment
Proper laundry handling is only one part of controlling an infestation. Inspect clothing storage areas, closets, furniture, and sleeping areas as well.
If you are washing clothes after bed bugs, keep cleaned items protected until you are confident the surrounding areas have been treated.
For more prevention advice, read How to Protect Your Home After Successfully Getting Rid of Bed Bugs.
Dealing with an infestation? Rent a DIY bed bug heater today and follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and safety requirements for proper treatment.