Washing flea-infested bedding in a home washing machine can be effective in reducing the number of fleas, but it may not completely eliminate all of them. However, there are certain precautions you should take to ensure safety and effectiveness:
Shake the bedding outside: Before putting the bedding in the washing machine, take it outside and shake it vigorously to dislodge as many fleas and eggs as possible. This will help prevent them from spreading inside your home or clogging your washing machine.
Use hot water: Wash the bedding on the highest temperature setting recommended for the fabric. Fleas are sensitive to high temperatures, and hot water can help kill both adult fleas and their eggs.
Use detergent: Add regular laundry detergent to the wash. Fleas can survive in water alone, so using detergent will help break down their protective barriers and increase the chances of eliminating them.
Avoid overloading the machine: Ensure you don't overload the washing machine, as this will give the bedding enough room to agitate properly and improve the washing process.
Dry thoroughly: After washing, make sure to dry the bedding on high heat in a clothes dryer. The heat will help kill any remaining fleas or eggs.
Clean the washing machine: Once you're done washing the flea-infested bedding, run an empty cycle with hot water and bleach or vinegar to clean the washing machine and kill any remaining fleas or eggs that may have been dislodged during the wash.
While washing the bedding can help reduce the flea population, it's essential to take a comprehensive approach to flea control. You should also treat your pets, vacuum your home regularly, and use appropriate flea control products to address the issue effectively. If the flea infestation is severe or persists, consider seeking advice from a professional pest control service.