Do Bedbug Detergents Really Work?

The Science Behind Washing Bedbugs Away

Regular detergent, even without a special label, already helps. The combination of hot water, strong surfactants (the cleaning agents in soap), and agitation in the machine can drown or weaken bedbugs. Adding a “bedbug detergent” may give an extra boost, but it’s not a magic bullet.

The real key is heat. Bedbugs and their eggs die at sustained temperatures above 49°C (120°F). That means the wash cycle alone isn’t enough. The dryer, on high heat for at least 30 minutes, is where the bugs are guaranteed to be killed. Detergent helps prepare the fabric, but heat does the heavy lifting.

What’s Really in These Products

If you look closely, most bedbug detergents use common ingredients you could find in many cleaning products:

• Surfactants (soap-like cleaners)

• Boosters like borax or washing soda

• Sometimes plant-based oils or enzymes for marketing appeal

They aren’t pesticides in the traditional sense. Instead, they help make fabrics less hospitable for bugs, or increase the chance that the heat cycle finishes the job.

So, Should You Buy Them?

If a “bedbug detergent” gives you peace of mind, there’s nothing wrong with using one. Just know that:

• Regular detergent plus high heat drying is usually just as effective.

• Bugs hiding in furniture, walls, or carpets won’t be touched by laundry products.

• Professional treatment is often necessary for a full infestation.
  
  

A Smarter Way to Think About Laundry and Bedbugs

Instead of focusing on brand names or additives, think about your process:

1. Bag and seal infested items before moving them.

2. Wash with a strong detergent in the hottest water your fabric can handle.

3. Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

4. Store clean items in sealed bags until your home has been fully treated.
   
   

Bedbug detergents can play a supporting role, but they aren’t the hero of the story. Heat is.