Don’t let the bedbugs bite you.

It may be a sweet good night greeting, but when there is really a bedbug on your bed, it is not sweet anymore.

Your linens and comforters invite bedbugs, and they can easily flatten their bodies and hide in the narrow spaces between the seams or spaces of the linens and comforters. Bedbugs only bite you at night.

If you notice red itchy spots on your skin when you wake up, you are probably bitten by bedbugs. These itchy welts are commonly found around your ankle or exposed skin when sleeping. But, we sometimes realize late because the red itchy spots are similar to mosquito bites. Thus, you have to check and identify the bedbug infestation.

Check Signs of Bedbug Infestation

You have to check and identify for bedbug infestation if you wake up with itchy skin that you did not have when you went to sleep. Other signs that you have bedbug infestation are:

• Your pillowcase or bedsheet has blood stains.
• Signs of bedbug egg shells, shed skins, or fecal spots.
• Dark spots on sheets and comforters because of bedbug excrements.
• Comforters and linens smell musty.

If you do not notice this on your linens and comforters, check your closet. It can be attached to your clothing. The key to caring for comforters, linens, and garments that are riddled with bedbugs is washing and drying them.

Laundry Comforter, Linen, and Clothing Infested with Bedbugs

You must use high heat when washing your comforter, linen, and clothes that are infested with bedbugs. However, you still must check the wash label, especially with your delicate clothes. Delicate clothes or items with “dry clean only” on their wash labels have to go separately.

Bedbugs are easy to kill with high heat. You do not have to add any chemicals to the load. Comforters and linens may be too large and bulky for your household washer, do it at the nearest laundromat. If you will do it at the laundromat, inform the laundry service provider so they can disinfect the machines after.

Wash bedding and clothes in hot water for 30 minutes. Afterwards, put them in the dryer and set them to the highest heat setting for 30 minutes. But, if you want to wash them with laundry detergent, you may do so.

Tips When Washing Laundry with Bedbug Infestation

• Avoid leaving the clothes, linens, or comforters on the floor before or during the disinfection process. The bedbugs might transfer to the floor, giving them a chance to relocate and hide in other places.
• If unsure how to clean an infested laundry, take the garments and linens to a laundry service provider. Be honest with the dry cleaner about the infestation, and this helps the infestation from spreading to other garments.

Other Bedbug Treatments

It is only right to wash your comforter and linens to get rid of the bedbugs. But, you also have to include how to prevent bedbugs infestation.

• Scrub the comforters, linens, and mattress with a stiff-bristled brush to remove bedbugs and their eggs—vacuum the comforter, linen, and mattress after scrubbing them.
• Vacuum the surrounding area of your bed frequently.
• Get rid of clutters around your bed.
• If there are cracks or peels on your wallpaper, do an immediate repair. It can be a place where bedbugs can hide.

However, if your mattress is badly infested, you might reconsider getting rid of it and having a new one. When you reconsider this last option, ensure that you have deep cleaned the rest of your house to ensure no bedbugs will infest your new mattress.

Generally, the efficient and safest way to remove bedbug infestation is to put your linens and comforters in the laundry. However, if it persists even when laundry and other bedbug treatments are done, it is time to replace your mattress and hire a bedbug exterminator. Do not treat mattresses, linens, or your room with insecticides; it can be harmful. The most effective option is to hire an experienced pest control professional.