How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets To Avoid Bed Bugs As Global Outbreaks Rise

Experts have shared their recommendations on how often you should wash your sheets in the midst of a bed bug infestation.

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. About the size of an apple seed, they are oval-shaped, reddish-brown, and lack wings.

These pests typically enter homes by hitching a ride in luggage, clinging to clothing and accessories, or infesting upholstered furniture.

Detecting bed bugs can be difficult, as they often go unnoticed until a full-blown infestation is already in place. Once established, these pests are notoriously hard to eliminate, and professional help is usually required to deal with them.

To prevent such an ordeal, experts suggest various measures, one of which is regularly washing your sheets. But how often should you do this household chore to help protect your home?

Last year, Paris experienced widespread bed bug panic, with social media users posting videos of bed bugs on public transportation, leading some to avoid sitting on fabric seats. The situation even reached parliament, where one politician stated, “These little insects are spreading despair in our country.”

This isn’t just a problem in Paris; experts have noted a global resurgence of bed bugs, with a scientific review highlighting an increase in infestations worldwide. In the U.K., pest control company Rentokil reported a 65% rise in bed bug infestations year-over-year. The U.S. has also seen a similar rise, with pest control company Orkin publishing its 2024 list of the top 50 cities with the most bed bug infestations. Chicago topped the list for the fourth consecutive year, followed by New York and Philadelphia.

Experts agree that no one is immune from a bed bug infestation. Jody Green, an urban entomologist at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, explains: “We’re the perfect host.” Alvaro Romero, a professor in urban entomology at New Mexico State University, adds: “You can be rich or poor, they don’t discriminate.”

The rise of bed bugs can be attributed to modern living, with many people now residing in urban areas, making it easier for the pests to spread. They can even hitch a ride on a plane if they crawl into your luggage or clothing. Additionally, researchers have noted that bed bugs are becoming resistant to pest control chemicals, making them even harder to eliminate.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent an infestation. Experts suggest regularly washing and heat-drying your bed sheets, blankets, bedspreads, and other clothing items.

But how often should this be done? Bedbugs.net recommends washing your bedding weekly and ensuring it’s washed at a high temperature. It’s also advisable to use a high-temperature dryer for around 30 minutes. According to Bed Bug Specialist, washing laundry at 60°C (140°F) for 30 minutes will kill both bed bugs and their eggs, while washing at 40°C (104°F) will only kill adult bed bugs, leaving about 25% of the eggs alive.

To avoid spreading bed bugs during laundry, it’s important to place towels and bedding in a sealed bag or container before transferring them to the washing machine. Experts recommend using disposable bags with seals, or simply tying the bag closed, then opening it inside the laundry area.

While changing your sheets, it’s also important to inspect your mattress for bed bugs. Plunkett’s pest control company advises: “When you strip your bed to wash the sheets, take the time to give your mattress a quick once-over. Flip it over once or twice, and check the corners, nooks, and zippers for any bed bugs. Vacuum the mattress to remove crumbs, dirt, or dead skin. Don’t forget to check the frame, headboard, and bed skirt as well.”

If you do find bed bugs, experts suggest stripping the mattress and washing everything—sheets, pillowcases, and comforters.

For more information and resources on preventing bed bug infestations, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency website.