Does dry cleaning get rid of bed bugs?

Updated: October 27, 2025

Need help removing bed bugs from your clothes? Book your professional dry cleaning service now with Clean Avenue Laundry.

Can Dry Cleaning Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

The short answer: yes — dry cleaning can help eliminate bed bugs from clothing and delicate fabrics.

Bed bugs are among the most frustrating pests to deal with. These tiny insects can hide not only in mattresses and furniture but also in clothes, making them difficult to eliminate completely. If you’ve discovered bed bugs in your home, it’s normal to ask: does dry cleaning get rid of bed bugs? Let’s find out how it works — and what else you can do to protect your clothes and home.

How Dry Cleaning Helps Remove Bed Bugs

Dry cleaning uses a combination of high temperatures, chemical solvents, and specialized machines to clean garments. This process effectively kills bed bugs and their eggs on fabrics that can’t be machine-washed.

Most professional dry cleaners operate at temperatures that are lethal to bed bugs, making dry cleaning a safe and effective option for infested clothing.

However, keep in mind that this method only targets bed bugs on your clothes — not those hiding in your furniture, mattress, or home environment. To better understand how dry cleaning works, you can read our guide on what happens during the dry cleaning process.

How to Prepare Clothes for Dry Cleaning

To get the best results when dry cleaning clothes that may have been exposed to bed bugs:

1. Separate infested clothing. Place potentially infested items in sealed plastic bags before bringing them to your dry cleaner.
2. Inform your dry cleaner. Let them know about the possible exposure so they can handle and treat your items safely.
3. Seal your cleaned clothes. After dry cleaning, store clothes in airtight bags or containers until your home has been fully treated.

Other Steps to Eliminate Bed Bugs at Home

While dry cleaning treats your clothes, getting rid of bed bugs for good requires a full-home approach:

• Vacuum thoroughly. Focus on your mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.
• Wash and heat-dry bedding. Use high heat (at least 60°C / 140°F) when washing and drying linens, towels, and clothes.
• Hire professional pest control. If the infestation is severe, contact a licensed exterminator for chemical or heat treatments.
• Declutter and seal cracks. Reducing clutter and sealing hiding spots can prevent bed bugs from spreading further.

For similar laundry-related concerns, you can also read:

• Freshen Up: Can Dry Cleaning Remove Sweat Smells?
• Does Dry Cleaning Remove Pet Hair?

Preventing Re-Infestation

Once your clothes have been cleaned and your home treated, take these preventive steps:

• Inspect second-hand furniture or clothing before bringing them home.
• Use mattress encasements designed to block bed bugs.
• Regularly wash and heat-dry bedding and clothes.
• Watch for early signs of infestation such as bites or small blood stains on your sheets.

Final Thoughts

So, does dry cleaning get rid of bed bugs?

Yes — dry cleaning effectively kills bed bugs and their eggs on clothing and fabric items. However, it should be part of a broader treatment plan that includes home cleaning and pest control.

At Clean Avenue Laundry, we understand how stressful bed bugs can be. Our dry cleaning services in NYC keep your clothes clean, safe, and professionally handled while you focus on restoring comfort in your home.

Book your dry cleaning today — and let us help you keep your wardrobe bed-bug free.