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Bed bugs are tiny, stubborn pests that can infest bedding, clothes, and furniture. If you suspect an infestation, you may wonder: Can bed bugs survive the washer? The good news is that washing your clothes properly can help eliminate bed bugs, but only if done correctly. In this guide, we’ll explain how to kill bed bugs in the washer and ensure they don’t spread.
Can Bed Bugs Survive the Washer?
Bed bugs cannot survive hot water and detergent in a washing machine. However, if the wash cycle is not hot enough, some bed bugs and their eggs might survive.
How Washing Affects Bed Bugs
✔️ Hot Water Kills Bed Bugs: Washing at 120°F (49°C) or higher is effective in killing bed bugs.
✔️ Detergent Helps: While detergent alone may not kill bed bugs, it helps remove them from fabrics.
✔️ Agitation Removes Bugs: The movement of water and clothes in the washer dislodges bed bugs and their eggs.
💡 Fact: Bed bug eggs are more resistant than adult bugs, so proper washing and drying are necessary to eliminate them completely.
How to Wash Clothes to Kill Bed Bugs
To ensure that bed bugs do not survive the washer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Sort Infested Items Carefully
- Place infested clothes, bedding, and fabric items in sealed plastic bags to prevent spreading bed bugs to other areas.
- Sort clothes by color and fabric type, just like regular laundry.
Step 2: Set the Washer to High Heat
- Use the hottest water setting (at least 120°F / 49°C) safe for your fabrics.
- Add detergent and wash on a heavy-duty cycle to maximize cleaning power.
Step 3: Use a Dryer for Extra Protection
- Dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes to kill any remaining bed bugs and eggs.
- If possible, extend drying time to 60 minutes for thicker fabrics.
Step 4: Seal and Dispose of Dirty Bags
- Throw away the plastic bags that held the infested clothes immediately after transferring them to the washer.
- Clean the area where you placed the bags to prevent reinfestation.
Step 5: Store Clean Laundry Properly
- Place washed clothes in sealed, bed bug-proof bags until you are sure your home is free of bed bugs.
Can Bed Bugs Survive the Dryer?
❌ No, bed bugs cannot survive high heat in a dryer.
- Drying on medium to high heat for 30–60 minutes is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs.
- Even if some bugs survive the wash, the dryer will eliminate them.
💡 Tip: If you have dry-clean-only clothes, place them in a hot dryer for 30 minutes before taking them to the dry cleaner.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Spreading in Laundry
🛑 Wash infested clothes immediately to prevent bed bugs from spreading.
🛑 Never mix infested laundry with clean clothes.
🛑 Clean the laundry basket after handling bed bug-infested items.
🛑 Vacuum the area where you sorted and stored infested clothes.
Can Bed Bugs Survive a Cold Wash?
Yes, cold water will not kill bed bugs effectively. Bed bugs can survive in cold temperatures, so a cold wash may only remove them from fabrics but won’t kill them.
To completely eliminate bed bugs, always wash in hot water and dry on high heat.
Conclusion
So, can bed bugs survive the washer? Not if you use hot water (120°F or higher) and follow the correct washing and drying process. To fully eliminate bed bugs from your laundry, always:
✔️ Use hot water and detergent
✔️ Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes
✔️ Store clean clothes properly to prevent reinfestation
By following these steps, you can ensure that bed bugs are completely removed from your clothes and bedding, keeping your home pest-free.
