If you’ve ever dealt with bed bugs, you know that it can be a daunting task to get rid of them for good. These tiny pests are notorious for being incredibly resilient, and getting them out of your home can be a long and frustrating process. But what happens when you’ve done everything you can to get rid of them, only to find out that they’ve taken up residence in your washing machine? This is a common problem that many people face, and it can be both frustrating and confusing to deal with. In this article, we’ll take a look at some effective solutions for getting bed bugs out of your washing machine once and for all. So if you’re ready to finally say goodbye to these pesky bugs, keep reading.
How do you get bed bugs out of your washing machine?
These steps will not only help you get bed bugs out of your washing machine, but also prevent them from spreading to other areas of your home. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to eliminating bed bugs.
1. Before washing any bed bug-contaminated fabric, thoroughly inspect them to eliminate any bugs or eggs before they enter the washing machine.
2. To kill bed bugs in your washing machine, wash the infested fabrics in hot water at a minimum temperature of 60°C (140°F).
3. Use a potent laundry detergent designed to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Make sure to read the label and follow the instructions for appropriate use.
4. After the wash cycle, put your clothes in a high-heat dryer for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure any stubborn bed bugs, if present, are killed.
5. Regularly clean your washing machine to help prevent bed bug infestations. Run an empty hot wash cycle and add bleach or vinegar to disinfect the machine and remove any bed bugs and their eggs hiding inside.
Take a look at this fascinating video on Bed Bugs, I guarantee you’ll find it interesting:
How to Get Bed Bugs Out of Your Washing Machine
Bed bugs can be a nightmare to deal with, and the last thing anyone wants is to have them infest their washing machine. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to remove bed bugs from your laundry and your washing machine.
Sorting Your Laundry
The first step in removing bed bugs from your washing machine is to sort your laundry. Take the sheets off your bed and any other fabrics that might be infested with bed bugs. Once you have separated these items, sort them with other things that need to be washed, such as clothing or towels.
Sealing the Laundry in Plastic Bags
Once you have sorted your laundry, it’s essential to seal it in plastic bags. This step will help prevent any bed bugs from escaping and re-infesting your laundry or washing machine. Seal each pile of clothing in a plastic bag, making sure to squeeze out any air before sealing it shut.
Pro-tip: Label each bag so that you remember which pile of laundry contains the bed bug-infested items.
Setting the Right Temperature for Bed Bugs
Heat is an effective way to kill bed bugs, and your washing machine may be able to help. Set your washing machine to an extremely high temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature will kill any bed bugs and their eggs that may be lurking in your clothing.
Duration of Washing for Bed Bugs
Once you have set the right temperature, you’ll need to run the washing machine for a minimum of 90 minutes. This duration will ensure that the temperature remains high enough to kill any bed bugs or their eggs.
Pro-tip: If your washing machine does not have a temperature gauge, you can add a thermometer to check the temperature during the wash.
Choosing the Right Detergent
It’s essential to use the right detergent when washing bed bug-infested laundry. Use a standard amount of a typical detergent to clean your clothes. Avoid using scented or chemical-heavy detergents, as these may not kill bed bugs but can leave harmful residue on your clothing.
Pro-tip: Add a cup of vinegar to your laundry load to help kill any remaining bed bugs or eggs.
Preparing Your Washing Machine
Before you start washing your laundry, it’s crucial to prepare your washing machine. Turn your washing machine on the hot setting without any laundry inside. Add a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle to clean out any bacteria and bed bugs that might be in your machine.
Preventing Bed Bugs from Re-infesting Your Laundry
After you have removed bed bugs from your washing machine, it’s essential to prevent them from re-infesting your laundry. Keep your laundry areas clean and clutter-free, and store any infested items in sealed plastic bags until you’re ready to wash them.
Pro-tip: Consider using bed bug-proof covers on your mattresses and pillows to prevent future bed bug infestations.
In conclusion, removing bed bugs from your washing machine requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively remove bed bugs from your laundry and prevent future infestations. Remember to take precautions when handling bed bug-infested items and keep your laundry areas clean to prevent re-infestations.
