How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Clothes: Bed bugs are more than just a nuisance they're persistent, stealthy, and remarkably good at hitchhiking into your life through places like luggage, bedding, and yes, even your clothes. Once they’ve found their way into your wardrobe, they can multiply fast and cause recurring infestations, even after you think they’re gone. But the good news is, there are safe and effective ways to deal with them, especially if you're trying to avoid chemical-based treatments.
If you're looking for a natural way to get rid of bed bugs in clothes without endangering your family or pets, this guide is for you. Let's look at how you can treat infested clothing and prevent future outbreaks using simple household steps and safe products like those made with cedarwood oil.
Why Do Bed Bugs Infest Clothes?
Unlike lice or fleas, bed bugs don’t live on your body or clothes full-time. However, clothes can become temporary hiding spots especially when they're left on the floor or stored near an infested bed or couch. These insects are attracted to warmth and the carbon dioxide we exhale, making items we frequently wear or sleep in ideal spots to hide.
Here are a few reasons your clothes might be infested:
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Leaving clothes on or near the bed
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Piling up laundry without washing it promptly
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Bringing home clothes from a hotel, train, or airplane that had bed bugs
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Storing seasonal clothes in a dark, undisturbed place where bugs can hide
If left untreated, your wardrobe could become a source for reinfestation long after your bed or sofa has been cleared.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Bed Bugs from Clothes
Let’s go through each step carefully to make sure the bugs are gone for good.
1. Isolate the Infested Items
The first and most crucial step is to avoid spreading the infestation.
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Put suspected clothes in a sealed plastic bag.
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Avoid shaking or dragging clothes through other rooms.
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Keep these bags away from clean laundry and furniture.
2. Wash Clothes in Hot Water
Bed bugs and their eggs die at high temperatures. Washing your clothes at a temperature of at least 120°F (49°C) is recommended.
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Use a heavy-duty, unscented laundry detergent.
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Make sure the clothes stay in hot water for at least 30 minutes.
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Wash in small batches for better penetration.
3. Dry on High Heat
If washing isn’t an option (delicate fabrics, for example), the dryer becomes your best friend.
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Run clothes through a high-heat cycle for at least 30–40 minutes.
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Heat is more effective at killing bugs than water alone.
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Clean the dryer lint trap afterward to remove any dead insects or eggs.
4. Use Steam for Delicate or Dry-Clean Only Clothes
- For garments that can’t handle machine washing:
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Use a handheld garment steamer or professional-grade steam cleaner.
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Focus on seams, folds, and zippers where bugs often hide.
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Let the garment air dry thoroughly before storing.
Natural Alternatives to Chemical Sprays
Many commercial bed bug sprays contain synthetic chemicals that can leave harmful residues. These are especially unsafe around children, pets, or sensitive individuals. That’s where cedarwood oil stands out.
Why Choose Cedarwood Oil?
Cedarwood oil is a naturally derived essential oil from cedar trees. It works by interfering with an insect’s pheromones, the chemical signals they rely on to navigate their environment. When exposed to cedar oil, bed bugs become disoriented and are unable to feed, mate, or reproduce properly.
Benefits of Using Cedar Oil on Clothes
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Safe for all fabric types (except pure silk or leather test first)
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Non-toxic for humans and pets
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No harmful fumes or strong odors
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Prevents re-infestation with regular use
How to Use Cedar Oil on Clothing
After washing and drying clothes, you can treat them with a light mist of cedar oil spray.
Steps:
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Lay clothes flat or hang them in an open area.
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Spray lightly, focusing on seams, cuffs, and waistbands.
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Allow to air dry completely before storing or wearing.
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Repeat weekly for prevention, especially during travel or high-risk seasons.
Cedar Oil Store offers Dr. Ben’s Evictor and Bug-Free Home Kits that are perfectly suited for this purpose. They're pre-formulated, ready to use, and free from harsh ingredients.
Prevention Tips: Keep Bed Bugs Off Your Clothes
Once you’ve eliminated the current infestation, follow these simple habits to avoid it happening again.
Here’s what you can do:
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Store off-season clothes in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight bins.
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Avoid piling clothes on beds, floors, or near furniture.
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Spray your wardrobe weekly with a cedar oil mist.
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Inspect your luggage and clothes after trips or hotel stays.
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Avoid secondhand clothing or furniture unless thoroughly cleaned.
Cedar Oil Store Product Recommendations
To help maintain a bug-free closet and laundry space, Cedar Oil Store offers a range of products designed to repel pests naturally. Consider:
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Dr. Ben’s Evictor Personal Use Spray – for spraying clothing directly
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Bug-Free Home Fogging Kit – treat entire closets or storage areas
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Cedar Pellets and Granules – for drawers, suitcases, and storage boxes
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Nature’s Defender Outdoor Spray – for travel bags and camping gear
Each product is made using natural cedarwood oil, offering a non-toxic approach to pest control.
When Should You Consider Help?
If bed bugs have spread beyond your clothes and are appearing in other areas like the mattress, walls, or furniture crevices, you may need to do more than just laundry.
Call a professional if you notice:
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Multiple bites appearing overnight
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Bugs crawling on curtains, walls, or electronic devices
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Blood stains or droppings on sheets and clothes
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A musty odor around your bedding or closet
That said, early-stage infestations especially those limited to clothing can usually be managed with a diligent routine and cedar oil solutions.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with bed bugs in clothes can be frustrating, but it's entirely manageable with the right approach. High heat, isolation, and regular use of cedarwood oil sprays can remove and prevent infestations without exposing your home to chemicals. With products from Cedar Oil Store, you’re not just treating the problem you’re preventing it from coming back.
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