Do bed bugs die in the washing machine?

"I think I’ve picked up bed bugs whilst traveling. Do bed bugs survive washing machines, and how can I stop them from spreading in my home?"

One of the best ways to help prevent bed bugs from spreading after a trip is to wash your clothes at high heat. ​​​​​​

To be effective, bedding and clothing should be washed on the hottest setting the fabric can tolerate. Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 118°F, so a hot wash followed by a high-heat dryer cycle gives you the best chance of killing them. The dryer, in fact, is often more reliable than the washer; 30 minutes on high heat can be enough to do the job on items that have already been washed.

Our senior entomologist Josiah Ritchey breaks down the simple steps to take as soon as you get home from a trip:

Laundry tips if you suspect bed bugs

Following some basic guidance can improve your chances of killing bed bugs in the washing machine:

• Wash all bedding, clothing, and soft furnishings on the hottest setting safe for the fabric
• Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes after washing
• Seal clean items in plastic bags immediately after drying to prevent re-infestation
• Don't carry potentially infested items through other rooms; bag them before moving them
• Check items like curtains, cushion covers, and soft toys too, not just bedding

When laundry isn't enough

If you've found signs of bed bugs, washing your bedding is a sensible first step, but it won't resolve the infestation. Professional bed bug treatments target bugs in every crack and crevice that a washing machine simply can't reach.