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Yes. Bed bugs can survive a typical washing-machine cycle. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says washing alone generally will not kill them; its guidance recommends putting washable bedding and clothing in a high-temperature dryer for 30 minutes. Keep potentially infested laundry contained while moving and sorting it.
Washing and drying are not equivalent treatments
A washer’s hot setting is not a reliable guarantee: the water temperature and the exposure throughout a load may vary. The EPA distinguishes washing from high-temperature drying in its bed bug control guidance, updated March 30, 2026. The University of Minnesota Extension gives a separate laundry guideline. These recommendations should not be combined into a universal washer setting or guarantee for every machine.
| Method | Guidance | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Washing alone | The EPA says “just washing will generally not kill bed bugs.” | A hot-water setting is not proof that the load reached a particular temperature for a particular time. |
| High-temperature drying | The EPA recommends a high-temperature dryer for 30 minutes for bedding and clothing. | Use this only for items that can tolerate the heat. |
| Hot-water laundering and/or drying | University of Minnesota Extension says hot-water laundering and/or drying above 122°F for 20 minutes kills all life stages; its bed bug guidance was reviewed in 2023. | This is Extension guidance, not a verified exposure measurement for every home washer or load. |
How to handle potentially infested laundry
- Contain it before moving it. Seal potentially infested clothes and bedding in plastic bags until they can be treated. A bag helps contain items; it does not kill bed bugs.
- Keep items contained while sorting. If using a laundromat, bring items in sealed bags and unpack them directly into the washer, as advised in the EPA’s laundromat guidance.
- Choose heat the fabric can withstand. The EPA advises washing and drying at the hottest temperature the fabric can tolerate. Follow the item’s care label rather than risking heat damage.
- Wash reusable cloth laundry bags with the load. The EPA’s laundromat guidance recommends washing and drying cloth bags along with the clothes.
- Take care in shared laundry areas. Bed bugs can hitchhike through laundromats. Inspect shared baskets and tables, and avoid setting baskets on the floor or near seats.
Laundry does not treat an entire infestation
Treating clothing and bedding can address bed bugs on those items, but it does not show that bugs elsewhere in a home are gone. Bed bugs may be in other locations, so the EPA recommends an integrated pest management approach; its DIY bed bug control guidance notes that do-it-yourself methods may not eliminate an infestation entirely. Consider professional pest-control help when appropriate. If using a pesticide, choose one registered for bed bugs and follow its label directions.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Eco Defense Bed Bug Laundry Detergent Additive, Mite and Flea Treatment
- KILLS MITES, BED BUGS & FLEAS - CARPET BEETLE: A powerful mite killer and bed bug laundry detergent designed to eliminate mites, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, dust mites, and more from bedding and clothes and works as carpet beetle deterrent
- PROVEN BED BUG LAUNDRY ADDITIVE: More than detergent, this laundry additive doubles as a bed bug killer and pest solution, penetrating deep into fabrics to flush out mites, fleas, and other hidden threats
- PLANT-BASED FORMULA YOU CAN TRUST: Powered by essential oils, this natural bed bug laundry detergent is engineered to fight pests while caring for fabrics. Also functions as a dependable pet laundry detergent
- EASY TO USE WITH EVERY LOAD: Just add alongside your regular detergent. Works in both HE and standard machines, turning everyday laundry into an effective solution for lice, mites, fleas, and other pests
- QUALITY CRAFTED FORMULA: Crafted with care from formula to packaging, delivering reliable results you can count on with a commitment to consistent performance
Rank #4
BED BUG DETERGENT- 50 Loads
- bed bug detergent
- bed bug laundry
- laundry
- Clean laundry
- laudry 3x power concentration
Rank #3
Sale
Donaldson Farms Bed Bug Laundry Additive, Unscented Pest Solution, 32oz
- PEST SOLUTION: Formulated to target bed bugs, mites, fleas, lice, and various other crawling pests on washable fabrics during your standard laundry cycle.
- PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS: Contains no synthetic additives, offering a formula when used as directed. Exempt from EPA registration under FIFRA Section 25(b).
- UNSCENTED & NON-STAINING: Features an unscented, non-staining formula designed for use on clothing, bedding, linens, towels, rugs, and pet fabrics without leaving harsh residues or lingering odors.
- HE & STANDARD MACHINE COMPATIBLE: Easy to use in both High-Efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines; simply put 1/4 cup for small loads or 1/2 cup for medium to large loads.
- MADE IN THE USA: Proudly manufactured in the USA using quality active ingredients including Lauryl-based surface agents, mineral salts, and Citric Acid.
Rank #2
Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Natural Laundry Detergent Additive
- Safe For Home & Family Use: Natural bed bug laundry additive made with plant-based ingredients. Gentle on bedding, linens, and washable clothing. Safe for children and pet areas when used as directed
- Targets Bed Bugs, Lice & Mites: Proven to address bed bugs, lice, dust mites, spider mites, bird mites, mold mites, fleas, and ticks. Effective against adults, nymphs, and eggs
- Scent Free Formula: Chemical-free bed bug and lice treatment laundry wash leaves no stains or harsh smells. Keeps fabrics fresh while helping protect your household from pests
- Easy-To-Use Laundry Additive: Works in any washer with or without detergent. Add during wash cycle to help eliminate pests from clothes, bedding, and other washable fabrics
- Household & Commercial Strength: Trusted by families, hotels, dorms, shelters, and laundromats. A powerful yet natural solution for bed bug prevention and laundry pest control
#1 Best Overall
Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Natural Laundry Detergent Additive
- Safe For Home & Family Use: Natural bed bug laundry additive made with plant-based ingredients. Gentle on bedding, linens, and washable clothing. Safe for children and pet areas when used as directed
- Scent Free Formula: Chemical-free bed bug and lice treatment laundry wash leaves no stains or harsh smells. Keeps fabrics fresh while helping protect your household from pests
- Targets Bed Bugs, Lice & Mites: Proven to address bed bugs, lice, dust mites, spider mites, bird mites, mold mites, fleas, and ticks. Effective against adults, nymphs, and eggs
- Easy-To-Use Laundry Additive: Works in any washer with or without detergent. Add during wash cycle to help eliminate pests from clothes, bedding, and other washable fabrics
- Household & Commercial Strength: Trusted by families, hotels, dorms, shelters, and laundromats. A powerful yet natural solution for bed bug prevention and laundry pest control
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