For clothing exposed to bed bugs, transport and heat treatment are part of the process. Washing alone may not be enough and does not replace control of the rest of the home.
Prepare Without Spreading the Infestation
Sort items by what can be safely cared for in the affected area and place them in sealed bags for transport. Avoid carrying loose clothing to another room or sorting it on shared surfaces. Keep containers used for items pending treatment separate from those used for textiles already treated.
Verify the Heat Treatment
The EPA describes a household dryer set to high heat for 30 minutes for compatible items and warns that washing alone may not solve the problem. This guidance does not allow that heat for garments or equipment that exclude it, nor does it permit changing times without verifying the application.
If the garment needs washing in addition to bed bug treatment, coordinate both steps with the applicable instructions. Do not add insecticides to the drum or try to raise the home temperature to treat clothing.
Avoid Reinfestation at the End
- Remove the treated textiles without setting them down in the contaminated area.
- Store them in clean, closed bags or containers according to the control plan.
- Review how to handle used containers without spreading their contents.
- Keep clothing treatment coordinated with the home intervention.
Before going to a shared laundromat, confirm acceptance and procedures with the operator. For items that cannot tolerate heat or have restrictions, consult professional pest control instead of improvising a cycle. Bed bug guidance does not apply to lice, scabies, or mites.
Keep already treated clothing protected and coordinated with home control so it does not get exposed again.