Launder and heat-dry all bedding and clothing

What to Do

Gather all bedding, clothing, curtains, and fabric items from the infested area. Place them directly into the dryer on high heat (140°F/60°C) for at least 30 minutes. Then wash and dry normally. Items that cannot be washed can be dried on high heat alone.

Why It Works

The heat from the dryer kills bed bugs and eggs at all life stages. This is one of the most effective DIY actions homeowners can take. The heat kills the bugs, not the washing — the dryer step is the critical one. This removes bed bugs from fabric items that would otherwise serve as hiding spots and reinfest treated areas.

Tips

• Transport items to the laundry in sealed plastic bags to prevent spreading bugs through the house
• Bag dirty laundry separately from clean items
• Stuffed animals, decorative pillows, and shoes can go through the dryer cycle
• Items that cannot tolerate heat can be sealed in plastic bags and frozen for one week as an alternative