Can Bed Bugs Survive Laundry? How to Kill Them for Good

Have you ever rushed to wash your bedding after spotting a tiny crawling bug? You’re definitely not alone. It’s a common reaction—and a smart one. Many people ask the same question when dealing with a possible infestation: Can bed bugs survive a trip through the laundry?

The truth is, it’s a great question. Laundry seems like a safe and simple way to clean things up, but when it comes to bed bugs, not all cleaning methods work equally well. Just tossing your sheets in the wash might not be enough to get the job done.

That’s because bed bugs are tougher than they look. These tiny pests are experts at hiding in seams, folds, and fabric creases. Worse, they can cling to clothes or bedding during the wash if the temperature isn’t hot enough to kill them.

So how can you be sure your laundry routine is actually helping? In this post, we’ll walk through how bed bugs behave around clothing and laundry—and show you what really works to get rid of them for good.

Bed bugs are tiny, flat insects that love hiding in small, dark places. That includes the folds of your clothes, seams of your bed linens, and even inside your laundry hamper.

They don’t need to live in your bed to cause trouble. In fact, dirty laundry left on the floor or in a bag can be an ideal hiding spot for them—especially after a trip or a night in an infested location.

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Why Laundry Matters in Bed Bug Control

At first, it might seem like throwing your clothes in the wash is enough to deal with bed bugs. It sounds simple—but it’s not always effective.

These pests are surprisingly resilient. If the water temperature in your wash isn’t hot enough, bed bugs can survive the cycle. And if you skip the dryer or use low heat, you might accidentally bring them right back into your space.

That’s why knowing how to handle your laundry the right way is so important. When done correctly, it can be a powerful step in keeping bed bugs under control.

Can Washing Clothes Kill Bed Bugs?

It depends on temperature.

Bed bugs start to die at around 118°F (48°C), but to kill them quickly, you’ll need to reach at least 120°F (49°C) or higher. Most standard washing machines use water in the 100°F to 140°F range. That means you’ll need to select a hot water setting and combine it with high-heat drying for best results.

Just washing isn’t enough. You need to combine heat and time.

What About Drying Clothes?

This is where the magic happens.

Dryers are much more effective at killing bed bugs than washers. A typical high-heat dryer reaches 130°F or more. When you run your clothes for at least 30 minutes on the highest heat setting, you can kill bed bugs at all life stages—including eggs.

Pro tip: Even if you can’t wash something, running it through a hot dryer for 30–40 minutes can still be effective.

How to Launder Items to Kill Bed Bugs

Follow these steps to treat your laundry the right way:

Step 1: Sort and Bag

• Separate infested clothing or linens from the rest.

• Place them in sealed plastic bags to avoid spreading bugs.

Step 2: Load the Washer

• Use the hottest water safe for the fabric.

• Don’t overload the machine—bed bugs may cling to corners.

Step 3: Wash and Dry

• Wash using hot water and a full detergent cycle.

• Immediately transfer to a high-heat dryer.

• Run the dryer for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bag Again (Optional)

• Once dry, store clothes in clean plastic bags if your home is still infested.

• This prevents re-infestation during treatment.

Can Bed Bug Eggs Survive Laundry?

Eggs are the toughest to kill. While adult bed bugs can die fairly quickly with heat, eggs need more time and higher temperatures. That’s why drying is crucial.

Drying for 30+ minutes on high heat is the best way to kill not just live bugs, but also eggs. Skipping this step can lead to reinfestation.

Do Bed Bugs Spread Through Laundry?

Yes. In fact, laundry is one of the easiest ways to accidentally carry bed bugs from place to place. If you visit a hotel, laundromat, or friend’s house, and your clothes get exposed to bed bugs, they can hitchhike back into your home via laundry bags or suitcases.

That’s why travelers are especially at risk. Always wash clothes immediately after returning home from a trip—even if you didn’t see any bugs.

10 FAQs: Can Bed Bugs Survive in Laundry?

1. Can bed bugs survive a wash cycle?

Yes, they can—especially if the water doesn’t get hot enough. If the temperature stays below 120°F, many of the bugs and their eggs might survive the wash.

2. What temperature actually kills bed bugs in laundry?

To be safe, use water that’s at least 120°F or higher. But even more important is the drying process. High heat from your dryer does most of the heavy lifting in killing them.

3. Is cold water effective against bed bugs?

No. Cold water won’t kill bed bugs or their eggs. It might remove a few, but it won’t eliminate the problem.

4. Do I need a special soap or detergent?

Not at all. Regular laundry detergent is fine. It’s the heat—not the soap—that kills bed bugs during washing and drying.

5. Will just using the dryer work to get rid of them?

Yes! A high-heat dryer cycle is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Just make sure you run it for at least 30 minutes on the highest setting.

Yes. A 30-minute high-heat dryer cycle can kill both bugs and eggs, even without washing.

6. Can I air-dry clothes after washing to save energy?

No. Air-drying does not kill bed bugs. It may leave eggs or bugs alive on your clothing.

7. How do I wash delicate items that can’t handle high heat?

Use a dryer-safe heat treatment bag or steam method. Or freeze them for 4+ days at 0°F (-18°C).

8. Can bed bugs hide in laundry baskets or hampers?

Yes. Wash or vacuum hampers regularly, and avoid leaving dirty clothes lying around.

9. What should I do with clothes I can’t wash?

Seal them in a plastic bag and leave them in the sun or use a hot dryer if possible.

10. Is laundry enough to get rid of bed bugs completely?

No. Laundry helps control spread, but full home treatment is needed to eliminate infestations.

Extra Tips to Prevent Laundry-Related Infestations

• Always store dirty clothes in sealed bags or lidded hampers.

• If staying in hotels, keep luggage off the floor and wash clothes immediately upon return.

• Use dryer sheets after drying to reduce static and help detect bed bugs (they show up better on white sheets).

• Vacuum laundry areas regularly to remove stray bugs.

• Don’t mix potentially infested items with clean ones.

Conclusion

Can Bed Bugs Survive in Laundry?

The short answer? Yes—if you don’t wash and dry properly.

Bed bugs can live in your clothes, sheets, and hampers. But they’re no match for high heat and proper laundering. Washing alone isn’t always enough. But when you combine hot water with 30–40 minutes of high-heat drying, you drastically reduce the chance of bugs surviving.

Just remember: laundry is a tool, not a complete fix. You’ll need additional pest control measures to fully get rid of an infestation.

Want to Learn More?

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• 7 Best Waterproof Bed Bug Mattress Covers for Queen Size Beds.
• Best Waterproof Bed Bug Mattress Covers For King Size Beds.
• How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Permanently At Home.
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