How To Prevent Bed Bugs From Coming Home When Using A Laundromat

Out of the 132 million households in the United States, about 30 million, or around 23%, rely on laundromats for clean laundry. This means that millions of people transport their linens and clothing to their neighborhood locations weekly, using communal machines to wash and dry their belongings. While this can be an incredibly convenient option for those who don't have their own machines, there are a few risks that come with using laundromats — one being the presence of the world's worst hitchhiker: bed bugs.

If you've experienced the unfortunate situation of finding bed bugs in your home, then you understand the importance of caution when it comes to bringing clothing and linens home from a shared space. Even something as trivial as a thrift store haul can turn into a bed-bug infestation, let alone the laundromat. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce this risk, including vigilant checking and opting for the self-service option so you have control over how your laundry is handled. As long as you take these preventative measures, you and your household should remain bed bug-free. 

Bed bugs are primarily spread through personal items, such as clothing or furniture, so make sure you are doing the laundry yourself instead of choosing a drop-off service. This allows you to take preventive measures, such as ensuring you are only using clean and sealed plastic bags to transport your items. Bed bugs can easily climb onto fabric or cloth bags, which should be washed along with your laundry. 

As soon as you step into the establishment, you should be vigilantly looking out for signs of bed bugs. Before you sit or place down your bags at the laundromat, make sure to look out for reddish stains (blood), dark fecal matter, or pale yellow eggs or shells on any shared surfaces. These are some typical giveaway signs of bed bugs. Avoid placing your items on the floor or near other people's laundry.

When washing and drying your clothes, make sure to place the appliances on the highest heat setting your clothing can endure to get rid of any bed bugs. The pests can be killed at temperatures of 113 degrees Fahrenheit if exposed to it for at least 90 minutes, or for a shorter time at a higher temperature. Make sure the dryer is working properly and your laundry is fully dried because bed bugs and their eggs can survive in cool spots. When your laundry cycles are complete, quickly inspect the clothing's pockets, tags, and seams when removing the laundry. Avoid folding your laundry on surfaces at the laundromat. It's safer to transport your belongings home first before laying them out to fold.