Have you ever experienced that itch that just won’t go away, even after a thorough wash? Maybe you’ve had a run-in with those tiny, blood-sucking pests known as bed bugs. These notoriously hard-to-kill insects can turn your peaceful slumber into a nightmare, and if they’ve infested your clothes, it can be tough to get rid of them. Fear not, because in this article, we’ll explore effective and proven methods for getting bed bugs out of your clothes, so that you can rest easy and itch-free. Whether you’ve already encountered bed bugs or just want to be prepared in case it happens, read on to discover everything you need to know about getting rid of these pesky critters.
How do you get bed bugs out of clothes?
By following these steps, you can eliminate bed bugs from your clothes and ensure that they do not become a problem again. Remember to always check for bed bugs in your home and take necessary precautions to prevent future infestations.
1. Wash and dry the infested clothes on high heat: The high temperature will kill the bed bugs and their eggs. Make sure to use the hottest setting possible for both washing and drying.
2. Bag and seal the infested clothing: If you’re unable to wash the clothes right away, bag and seal them in a plastic bag to prevent bed bugs from spreading to other items in your home.
3. Use a steamer: A steamer can kill bed bugs and their eggs on clothing items that can’t be washed or dried on high heat, such as delicate fabrics or shoes. Make sure to use a steamer with a high temperature setting.
4. Freeze the clothes: If you have items that can’t be washed or steamed, you can freeze them for several days to kill the bed bugs. Place the items in a plastic bag, seal it, and leave it in the freezer for at least four days.
5. Consider professional help: If you have a severe bed bug infestation or are unable to get rid of them on your own, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control company to treat your home and clothes.
Take a look at this fascinating video on Bed Bugs, I guarantee you’ll find it interesting:
Preventing and Treating Bed Bug Infestations in Clothes:
Bed bugs are pesky and stubborn pests that can have a serious impact on your home and personal belongings. One of the most common areas that bed bugs infest is clothing. Bed bugs can quickly and easily move from one item of clothing to another, making it important to thoroughly treat your clothes when you suspect an infestation. In this article, we will discuss methods for preventing and treating bed bugs in clothes.
Spray Clothes With Rubbing Alcohol
One effective way to prevent and treat bed bug infestations in clothing is to use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a common disinfectant that is available in most households. To use rubbing alcohol, first identify the areas of clothing that have bed bugs. Then, spray the affected areas with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is known to kill bed bugs on contact, making it an effective treatment option. Be sure to treat all infested areas thoroughly, then let the clothes dry before wearing or washing them.
Separate Dry-Clean-Only Garments
When you have a suspected bed bug infestation in your clothing, it’s important to separate dry-clean-only garments from other clothes. These garments should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and taken to a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible. Dry cleaning is an effective method for killing bed bugs and their eggs. However, be sure to inform the dry cleaner of the reason for the dry cleaning as they may have specific protocols for handling bed bug infestations.
Sort Clothes Into Trash Bags
It’s important to sort clothes into trash bags to prevent bed bugs from spreading. To do this, place all clothes suspected of having bed bugs into a plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and dispose of it immediately in an outdoor trash bin. If you do not have an outdoor trash bin, place the sealed bag in a second plastic bag and double-seal it. Place this bag in a room with no carpeting or upholstered furniture, such as a bathroom, until you are able to wash the clothes.
Set the Washing Machine
To treat bed bugs in clothes, it’s important to wash them in hot water. Heat is known to kill bed bugs and their eggs. To begin, set your washing machine to the hottest water temperature that is safe for the fabric. Add laundry detergent and run the machine for a complete cycle. It’s important not to overload the machine, as this can prevent clothes from getting thoroughly cleaned.
Transfer Clothes to the Washer
When transferring clothes from the trash bag to the washing machine, it’s important to do so carefully to prevent spreading bed bugs further. Wear gloves and empty the bag directly into the washer. Try to avoid shaking the clothes as this can dislodge any remaining bed bugs. Once the clothes are in the washer, dispose of the trash bag promptly.
Select the Best Dryer Cycle
After washing the clothes, it’s important to dry them in a hot dryer. Heat is also an effective method for killing bed bugs and their eggs. Select the highest heat setting that is safe for the fabric and run the dryer for a complete cycle. Be sure not to overload the dryer, as this can prevent the clothes from getting thoroughly dried. Clothes that cannot be washed and dried in a dryer should be hung outside in direct sunlight for several hours.
Fold Laundry
Once the clothes are dry, it’s important to fold them properly. Bed bugs and their eggs can be hidden in the seams and folds of clothing. To prevent infestation, fold the clothes tightly and store them in sealed plastic bags until you are sure that the bed bug infestation has been completely eliminated.
In conclusion, bed bugs can infest clothing and quickly spread from garment to garment. An effective way to prevent and treat bed bug infestations in clothing is to use rubbing alcohol, separate dry-clean-only garments, sort clothes into trash bags, set the washing machine, transfer clothes to the washer, select the best dryer cycle, and fold laundry properly. Follow these guidelines to eliminate bed bugs from your clothing and prevent future infestations.
