Let’s cut to the chase. The golden rule is 30 minutes on high heat. Yes, just half an hour in a hot, dry tumble will send those little vampires packing.
Don’t believe me? Studies show that bed bugs and their eggs die at 118°F (48°C). Your dryer typically hits 125°F to 135°F. That’s a sizzling death zone for them.
But here’s the pro tip: add 10 extra minutes for thick items like comforters or jeans. Why? Thick fabrics take longer to reach the core temperature. Better safe than itchy, right?
The “Dry Clean Only” Myth (Busted!)
Wait—what about your delicate sweaters or that fancy jacket? A lot of people toss them in the “too risky” pile. Don’t! You can dry them first, then wash them normally.
Here’s the trick: put the item in the dryer on high heat for 15 minutes. That’s enough to kill bugs and their eggs. After that, feel free to hand-wash or dry-clean as usual. You’ve already won.
No need to use chemicals. No special sprays. Just heat. It’s the most satisfying, non-toxic weapon in your bug-fighting arsenal.
How Long Kill Bed Bugs Dryer at Keith Maxey blog
