Bed bugs are notorious pests that can cause immense discomfort and anxiety when they infest your living spaces.
While most people associate bed bugs with mattresses and furniture, there is a common concern about the possibility of bed bugs hiding in unexpected places, but what about washing machines?
Can you get bed bugs from a washing machine?
Let’s find out!
Can You Get Bed Bugs From a Washing Machine?
Bed bugs can live in your washing machine only if the washing cycle is adjusted to a lower temperature. But in most cases, a washing machine can be lethal for a bed bug due to the high heat and agitation during the washing process.
A single bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in its lifetime, so it’s important to act fast if you think you have an infestation.
For example, if you do not clean the area around the washer well enough after transferring your clothes from the machine, bed bugs could crawl over to other surfaces in your home and infest them.
It’s important to remember that bed bugs are very good at hiding, so you may not even realize you have them until it’s too late.
However, please be sure to wash all infested items separately from your other laundry. Otherwise, you risk contaminating your whole load of laundry.
Additionally, make sure to dry your infested clothes on the highest heat setting to kill any remaining bedbugs.
Can bed bugs be transferred through the washing machine?
While bed bugs rarely survive the washing machine, the risk of transferring them to other areas of your home through the laundry process exists.
If bed bugs have infested your clothes or bedding, they can be carried on the fabric into the washing machine.
Once the infested items are washed, any surviving bed bugs or eggs could potentially cling to the inner parts of the machine or to other garments, leading to a risk of re-infestation.
How Do You Clean Your Washing Machine After Bed Bugs?
If you think your washing machine may have bed bugs, it’s important to clean the washing machine as soon as possible to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Here are some guidelines for cleaning your washing machine to eliminate bed bugs:
- Empty your washing machine of all clothing, bedding, and any other items.
- Launder these items in hot water and then tumble dry on high heat to exterminate any potential bed bugs.
- Employ a vacuum cleaner with a slender attachment to vacuum around the seal of your washing machine door, making sure to reach into any cracks or crevices where bed bugs might hide.
- Thoroughly cleanse the interior of your washing machine using a household cleaner known to be effective against bed bugs.
- Rinse the inside of your washing machine meticulously and allow it to air dry.
- Repeat this process as needed until you are confident that all bed bugs have been eradicated from your washing machine.
Despite their name, bed bugs can be found in many places besides just your bed.
Be sure to take preventative measures against infestations by regularly cleaning your home and doing laundry on a regular basis. With proper care and attention, you can keep these pesky pests at bay!
Can Bed Bugs Survive in Water With Detergent?
Yes, bed bugs may survive in detergent-containing water. In fact, they can even survive the high temperatures of a dishwasher.
That’s why it’s so important to wash all your bedding and clothes in hot water and dry them in the highest setting possible.
Is There a Laundry Detergent That Kills Bed Bugs?
Yes, there are a few laundry detergents that kill bed bugs. You can check them out here.
Conclusion
Can you get bed bugs from a washing machine?
While bed bugs can be persistent pests, they are unlikely to survive the washing machine’s high heat and agitation. However, the risk of transferring bed bugs to other items through the laundering process exists.
By following best practices and taking preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of bed bug infestations and effectively deal with them if they do occur.
Regular inspection, proper laundering techniques, and maintaining a clean living space are essential steps in ensuring a bed-bug-free environment.
