vvEPA
EPA 740-F-17-009
December 2017
Avoid Bed Bugs at the Laundromat
Bed bugs can hitchhike from home to home through laundromats. Here are some
tips to help you keep bed bugs from getting into your clean clothes.
Protect Dirty Clothes
•	Unpack clothes from sealed plastic bags or
laundry bags directly into the washer.
•	Wash and dry cloth laundry bags with clothes.
Use Heat
• Wash and dry at hottest temperature fabric
can withstand.
Laundry Baskets
•	Check for bed bugs before use.
•	Don't set baskets on the floor or near seats.
If You Think You've Found Bed Bugs...
•	Don't panic. Catch one in a clear zip-top bag
for identification.
•	Notify the laundromat management.
•	Contact your local health department or tribal
health office for assistance.
•	Find helpful information at epa.aov/bedbuas.
Bed bugs are not a sign of unhealthy living
conditions.We can unknowingly bring them
home in clothes and other items.
Tables
•	Check for bed bugs before using to fold clean
laundry; or
•	Bag clean laundry and fold it at home.
Seats
•	Inspect for bed bugs before sitting down.
Actual
Size
Identification is Key!
I
Learn more at epa.gov/bedbugs.

-------