Does washing clothes kill bed bugs?

Does washing and drying kill bed bugs?

Washing and drying clothes and bedding can kill bed bugs if done correctly. High temperatures are key: wash your laundry in hot water at at least 120°F (hotter if possible) and then place it in a dryer on a high temperature for 30 minutes or more. This method can eliminate bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs.

However, in general, washing clothes does not get rid of bed bugs entirely. They often hide in mattresses, furniture, electronics, and baseboards—items that don’t fit in the washer or dryer— so laundering alone won’t solve a full infestation. Items that can’t be washed require heat treatment or other professional pest control methods. Using a professional bed bug exterminator is often the best approach.

In summary, washing clothes kill bed bugs on fabrics if done at sufficiently high temperatures, but combined measures are normally needed to fully eliminate them from your property.