How Long to Kill Bed Bugs in a Dryer
Listen, the dryer is amazing for fabric. But it won’t kill bugs hiding in your mattress or walls. That’s where vacuuming, steaming, or calling an exterminator comes in.
But for your clothes, linens, and soft items? The dryer is a miracle worker. It’s chemical-free, which is nice, and it’s already in your house.
One warning: don’t stop at one cycle. Do the full 45-60 minutes, then leave the items in the dryer until you’re ready to use them. That prevents a re-infestation.
Real talk: Does it kill instantly?
No. It’s not like a microwave where bugs explode. Sorry to disappoint. But within 15-20 minutes at 120°F, most adults die. Eggs take a bit longer—maybe 30 minutes.
The extra 15 minutes we added? That’s your insurance policy. It’s the difference between a dead bug and a very annoyed, very alive bug crawling back out.
So, answer: 30 minutes is the bare minimum; 45-60 minutes is your golden ticket.