will washing alone in SUPER HOT water work? « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

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will washing alone in SUPER HOT water work?

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washing clothes

waiting in panic

newbite
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Sep 13 2010 0:57:01
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I know everyone recommends washing and drying clothes on high heat to kill bedbugs, but what if you only have a washer? I have been boiling water to increase the hot water temp. My landlord has the tank preset to 120 degrees. Can anyone tell me if I boil water and have the soaking temp REALLY hot, if this will work? I let them soak for a long time, as in hours.
O Buggery

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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Sep 13 2010 2:40:52
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If you can maintain the hot water at at least 120 F for at least 20 min (and if I understand all this stuff right), that should kill any bedbugs.

A candy thermometer might be a good way to monitor the temp (I'd suggest seeing if you can pick up one cheaply at a thrift store, but... ).
Sleepless in NYC

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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Sep 13 2010 3:00:10
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If I remember correctly, I'm not 100% sure, loubugs had said something about the dryer being more important than washing in killing the bugs.

Even so, I'm sure washing ur clothes in boiling water is better than washing them in warm/cold water or doing nothing at all.

Maybe someone else can remember his post regarding this.
waiting in panic

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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Sep 13 2010 12:15:01
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Thank you for the responses. I, too, have read that the dryer is more important that the wash, but I am not sure if that is because dryers are really hot and much hotter than typical wash temps. or if a dry heat is important. I'm assuming that wet heat would be acceptable since steaming is one of the ways to manage an infestation. I appreciate the suggestion to use a candy thermometer. That would be a good way to monitor.
cilecto

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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Sep 13 2010 13:00:21
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Waiting, I'm not an expert, but here are some thoughts.
- If there are BB in your items, then a hot wash (as discussed above) or a dry would kill them. The dryer gives several advantages:
- For already clean clothes, can bypass wash and save 30-60 minutes per load.
- Can be used for clean non-washables (i.e. things you would normally need to dry clean).
- Can place just "dried" items in bags and know you're done.

With a hot wash and line dry, you need to find a place to dry (where your items will not be re-infested) and be sure your item is really dry before you bag (or you may end up with moldy, smelly stuff).

You also have the option (if you feel confident about it) of bagging your unwashed items securely (and clearly marked as "untreated") until a later time when you can deal with them.

Bear in mind that washing items is only a part of the battle against BB. If your mattress, box spring, headboard or mouldings etc. have BB, then these items need to be be dealt with.

Finally, some pros do not require washing of "everything", only the items that were on or immediately around your infested surface (i.e., bed or couch). This is because they believe that other items only get infested in extreme cases and if your place is treated, the bugs will end up getting poisoned as they come out of your stuff to feed. If you are working with a pro, you might want to check or if you're going it alone (and not moving imminently), you might want to take a "wait and see" approach.
waiting in panic

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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Sep 13 2010 15:34:29
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Cilecto,

Thanks for the helpful insights. Yes, I realized this morning after washing my white sheet in super hot water that drying it in the apartment would be problematic if I had BBs. I am Waiting in Panic because I live in a high risk apartment complex and one infestation has been found in the complex. Add to that, I have severe asthma so have difficulty using the common area laundry facilities. I do my wash by hand in my apartment, but I have to air dry (unless I can catch the dryer free of fabric toss sheets residue.)

Thus far, I am BB-free to the best of my knowledge. A canine inspection is scheduled building-wide on Wednesday. I'm Waiting in Panic because I fear it is not IF we get them widespread in the building, but rather WHEN. I'm trying to have a plan in advance as well as minimize my risk of bringing them in from common areas.

--Waiting