We know that everyone uses a detergent when washing the clothes but theres no scientific evidence that bed bugs can be killed by a washing agent or any similar chemicals.
Can bed bugs be killed in washing machine. In the washing machine you can use cold water to wash your bedding but chances of killing bed bugs are minimal if not non-existent. The short answer is that yes you can use the washing machine to kill bed bugs. With a few common-sense practices you can easily disinfest clothes and ensure these items do not become bed bug hiding places as you remove bed bugs from the rest of your home.
Washing To Kill Bed Bugs After returning from a trip you should always launder clothes to reduce the chances of spreading bugs to other items like suitcases drawers or beds. This is because there was not enough heat to actually do much aside from causing them discomfort. Technically bed bugs are unlikely to live on the clothes youre wearing but they can quickly take up residence on items in a suitcase and even whats in your drawers or on your floor.
The washing machine will kill a few bed bugs through agitation water submersion and detergent. Drying will kill the bugs but not clean the clothes. It can therefore be said that the survivability of bedbugs in cold water is inconclusive but they will definitely die when placed in water at a temperature above 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unfortunately you may be disheartened to know that this method alone is unlikely to get rid of your bed bug. There is a chance that bed bugs will survive the washing machine if you do not use hot water. Theres no doubt washers and dryers can take their toll on our outfits but does washing clothes kill bed bugs.
Most washing machines do not get the water up to a high enough temperature to kill bed bugs effectively. Yes it does but only a few will die and leave you with the majority. This means that if you dont use hot water bed bugs can survive.
Agitating the water such as in a washing machine also results in drowning which has the potential to kill the bed bugs. The temperature needs to be at least 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the bed bugs. Bed bugs can live for over 24 hours submerged in water.