Here’s the short version: bed bugs die at 120°F (49°C). Your dryer, on high heat, easily reaches 130–150°F. But here’s the kicker—the bugs need to be actually exposed to that temperature for at least 20–30 minutes continuously.
That doesn’t mean you can toss a damp comforter in for 30 minutes and call it a victory. The heat has to penetrate every layer of fabric. If your load is too thick, the center might stay at a cozy 80°F—perfect bug spa temperature. (Yeah, they’d love that.)
My rule of thumb? Run a full cycle on high heat for 45 minutes. Then let everything tumble in the cool-down for another 10. That extra time ensures the heat soaked into folds and seams, where the little jerks hide.
Why the “dry” part matters more than you think
Here’s a fun fact: bed bugs die faster in dry heat. Moisture from damp clothes can lower the internal temperature of the drum. So if you’re pulling wet laundry from the washer, dry it first for 20 minutes on high, then hold it for another 30.
I know—you’re thinking, “But I read online that 10 minutes kills them!” Yeah, maybe if you’re zapping a single bug on a thin shirt. Real life is messier. A pile of jeans, a duvet, and a stuffed animal can create cold pockets. Don’t risk it.
Side note: if your dryer has a “sanitize” setting, use it. That cycle runs at 165°F for a good hour. Perfect for bed bug genocide.
