How Long to Kill Bed Bugs in the Dryer

How Long to Kill Bed Bugs in the Dryerを詳しくリサーチ! 知っておきたい 情報と解説を分かりやすく展開します。

Adult bed bugs are tough, but their eggs are tiny armor-plated monsters. They can survive at 120°F for up to 90 minutes. Yes, you read that right—an hour and a half.

To kill the eggs, you need 130°F for 60 minutes minimum. So if you’re treating infested clothing, don’t stop after thirty minutes. Let that dryer sing its hot lullaby for a full hour. Trust me, a long cycle now saves you from a second infestation later.

I once thought I’d won after a 30-minute dryer session. Two weeks later, I found tiny nymphs in my sock drawer. I wanted to burn the house down. (I didn’t. But I did buy a steam cleaner.)

How Long Dry Clothes To Kill Bed Bugs | Detroit Chinatown

Pro tips so you don’t mess up like I did

First, don’t overload the dryer. You need room for hot air to circulate. If you shove in a mountain of laundry, you’ll get a warm, bug-friendly core. Half loads are your friend here.

Second, check the lint trap before starting. A clean vent means better airflow and higher temps. A clogged one? Your dryer might top out at 100°F. Bed bugs will laugh at that.

Third, use a thermometer if you’re paranoid. I bought a cheap oven thermometer and tossed it into a pillowcase once. Reading: 140°F after 15 minutes. That was my “aha” moment. Now I’m a dryer savant.