Effective Way to Clean Pet Bedding to Kill Fleas and Ticks

 

The most effective way to kill fleas and ticks in your pet’s bedding is to use high heat during both washing and drying. This means you should wash the bedding in hot water (at least 130°F, or about 54°C) and then dry it completely in a hot dryer cycle. Heat kills all life stages of fleas and ticks, including eggs and larvae, which are not always visible.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Pet Bedding from Fleas and Ticks

 

• Remove Loose Hair and Dirt: Shake the bedding outside to get rid of pet hair, dirt, and as many fleas and eggs as possible before it goes in the washer. This also reduces the amount of pests and debris that reach your laundry machine.
• Use Hot Water: Place the bedding in the washing machine and select the hottest water temperature allowed by the bedding's care label. Most ticks and fleas die in water above 130°F (54°C). If the bedding manufacturer states to use cold water only, consider replacing it with a washable, heat-tolerant one.
• Add Laundry Detergent: Use your regular detergent. Liquid detergents break down oil and dirt, helping to wash away flea and tick eggs as well as any insecticides you may have used.
• Optional: Use a Pet-Safe Disinfectant: Some laundry additives are made to kill bacteria and pests. Make sure the product is safe for pets and follow the label instructions carefully.
• Extra Rinse Cycle: If available, use an extra rinse to remove all detergent and residues. This is especially important for pets with sensitive skin.
• Dry Completely on High Heat: Dry the bedding in a machine dryer on the highest heat setting the bedding can tolerate. The heat from the dryer is crucial because it will kill any remaining adult fleas, larvae, eggs, and ticks—moisture and low temperatures might let some pests survive.
• Clean Laundry Area: Thoroughly clean the washer and dryer after each use to prevent any fleas, eggs, or ticks from staying behind. Wipe down drum interiors with hot, soapy water.

 

What To Do With Non-Machine Washable Pet Bedding

 

• Hand Wash with Hot Water: For beds or toys that cannot go into a washing machine, soak them in the hottest water that the material allows. Scrub thoroughly with pet-safe detergent, rinse, and then let them dry in direct sun or use a hair dryer on maximum heat.
• Vacuum Thoroughly: Use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction to remove as many fleas, eggs, and tick nymphs as possible from surfaces, seams, and crevices. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the dust container outside.
• Sunlight Exposure: Place non-washable items in direct sunlight for several hours. Heat and UV rays can help kill some pests, though this is less reliable than machine heat.

 

Extra Tips for Preventing Future Infestations

 

• Clean pet bedding at least once a week if you’re fighting fleas and ticks, or every two weeks for prevention.
• Wash and dry any blankets, toys, or clothing your pet uses—follow the same hot water and drying process.
• Regularly bathe your pet with a vet-approved flea/tick shampoo if needed.
• Vacuum floors, furniture, and carpets to remove stray fleas, eggs, and ticks, and empty the vacuum outdoors.
• Keep your pet on a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick control plan to reduce recurring infestations.

 

Key Points to Remember

 

• High heat from both washing and drying is necessary to fully kill fleas and ticks and their eggs.
• Always check bedding labels for the highest safe washing/drying temperatures.
• Cleaning only with cold water, air drying, or insufficient heat will not guarantee complete removal of pests.
• Repeat cleaning regularly during an infestation and for ongoing prevention.