What kind of clothes should I avoid washing with very hot water?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the types of clothing that should be avoided when washing with very hot water, particularly in the context of eliminating bugs such as clothes moths and bed bugs. Participants explore various fabric types, cleaning methods, and products that may be effective in dealing with infestations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest avoiding washing wool products in hot water due to the risk of severe shrinkage.
  • Others mention that cotton can also shrink and express concerns about damaging plastic fibers in clothing.
  • There is a discussion about using chlorine bleach versus other cleaning agents, with some preferring vinegar despite its potential to ruin colors.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of reading laundry labels to determine suitable washing conditions for various fabrics.
  • Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of hot water versus other methods, such as fumigation or using specialized laundry treatments for bugs.
  • Some participants share personal experiences with scabies mites and clothes moths, discussing the need for comprehensive heating to eliminate infestations.
  • There are inquiries about the specific types of bugs being dealt with, with some confusion about whether "bed bug" refers to a specific species or a broader category.
  • Suggestions are made regarding the use of laundry treatments that claim to eliminate bugs without damaging clothing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the effectiveness of various cleaning methods and products, with no clear consensus on the best approach to take when washing clothes to eliminate bugs. Disagreements exist regarding the suitability of different fabrics for hot water washing and the effectiveness of alternative treatments.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the limitations of relying solely on hot water for bug elimination, noting that some fabrics may be damaged and that certain bugs may require specific treatments. There is also mention of the challenges in finding effective cleaning products during the pandemic.

kenny1999
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I don't normally wash clothes with very hot water but in order to eliminate clothes bugs I need to soak them in very hot water, as advised. I'd like to know what kind of clothes or texture should avoid being soaked in very hot or boiling water? The only texture I can think of is artificial leather because it is like plastic, any more? Thx
 
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Most wool products will shrink, some severely, in hot water.
 
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Cotton can also shrink. And I am not sure I want to cook the plastic fibers in others. How about a strong chemical? I prefer chlorine if possible, but vanish oxygen might do as well.
 
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fresh_42 said:
vanish oxygen
I guess that is a UK brand? If so it does not seem to claim to kill "bugs".

By "chlorine" do you mean bleach?
 
Keith_McClary said:
I guess that is a UK brand? If so it does not seem to claim to kill "bugs".

By "chlorine" do you mean bleach?
I meant ##Cl## because bleach isn't a specific chemical, it's a product manufactured from varying chemicals. Another idea is vinegar but that ruins the colors.
 
Read the laundry labels attached to your clothing, then sort and wash similar items as suggested by the manufacturer. Further sort by color. Note that white fabrics must be isolated from colored items while black or other dark fabrics can safely be mixed with other dark colors.

Most clothing labels on items I own either preclude water washing -- wool, items marked 'dry clean only', sweaters, silk, jackets and coats -- or advise against hot temperatures, else specifically advise low temperature washing and drying. If the OP requires hot water to remove an infestation, consider small loads of like items. Ask your dry cleaner for guidance on items unsuitable for machine washing.
 
What kind of "bugs"?? Having once done battle with scabies mites (itchy S.O.B.'s) I know that a trip through the hot clothes dryer was what eventually brought them down. It may be possible to fumigate the clothes to kill the critters and then wash them in more temperate water but I would certainly consult a professional or a local board of health. If you live in a place that gets cold enough that may be sufficient (I think you can do bedbugs this way) ). Likely some things will not make it through the rough treatment. Good luck.
 
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hutchphd said:
What kind of "bugs"?? Having once done battle with scabies mites (itchy S.O.B.'s) I know that a trip through the hot clothes dryer was what eventually brought them down. It may be possible to fumigate the clothes to kill the critters and then wash them in more temperate water but I would certainly consult a professional or a local board of health. If you live in a place that gets cold enough that may be sufficient (I think you can do bedbugs this way) ). Likely some things will not make it through the rough treatment. Good luck.

Possibly not scabies mites (Isn't it not noticeable by naked eyes? How did you detect them?). In my case, they are clothes moths (99% I believe)... hot clothes dryer ? Can I use hair dryer instead??
 
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SayByeBugs Laundry Treatment formula is used by thousands of hospitals and hotels nationwide to kill bed bugs in the laundry. The product may be used with or without your regular detergent. The product offers a concentrated dose of our all-natural ingredients to eliminate bed bugs on linens, clothes and other washable items.
1606220533788.png
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  • #10
kenny1999 said:
Possibly not scabies mites (Isn't it not noticeable by naked eyes? How did you detect them?). In my case, they are clothes moths (99% I believe)... hot clothes dryer ? Can I use hair dryer instead??

Unfortunately the scabies mites are very small and their eggs were also a problem so you really needed to heat everything comprehensively. I think moths would be easier but eggs are an issue there also.
 
  • #11
Spinnor said:
SayByeBugs Bed Bug Extermination Laundry Treatment has active natural ingredients to eliminate bed bugs from laundry items by simply adding it to the wash cycle. Its nontoxic formula is safe enough to be used daily or weekly. It can be used for any washable item such as clothing, linens, comforters, duvets, plush toys, throw rugs, washable drapes, and upholstery.

SayByeBugs Laundry Treatment formula is used by thousands of hospitals and hotels nationwide to kill bed bugs in the laundry. The product may be used with or without your regular detergent. The product offers a concentrated dose of our all-natural ingredients to eliminate bed bugs on linens, clothes and other washable items.View attachment 273061
  • Kill Bed Bugs in the Laundry
  • Kills Bed Bugs, Fleas, Ticks & Other Pests on Contact
  • Uses Natural Ingredients
  • Scent Free
  • Stain Free

From, https://shop.saybyebugs.com/products/saybyebugs-bed-bug-extermination-laundry-detergent-32-oz

From, https://www.google.com/search?safe=off&biw=1280&bih=579&sxsrf=ALeKk02yNTpWRZuaIztJ2lmpMTW4fZ7ItQ:1606220052521&ei=FPm8X5qgH8SXwbkP24eciAM&q=laundry+products+that+kill+bugs&oq=laundry+products+that+kill+bugs&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIJCAAQyQMQFhAeOg4ILhDHARCvARCRAhCTAjoFCAAQkQI6CwguELEDEMcBEKMCOgUIABCxAzoOCC4QsQMQgwEQxwEQowI6BQguELEDOgIIADoICC4QxwEQowI6CAguEMcBEK8BOgcILhBDEJMCOgQIABBDOgcIABAUEIcCOgoILhDHARCjAhBDOgQILhBDOgcIABCxAxBDOggIABCxAxDJAzoFCAAQkgM6BQgAEMkDOgoIABDJAxAUEIcCOgYIABAWEB5Qou0TWKS9FGCnwRRoAHABeACAAXKIAfcSkgEEMjkuMpgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXrAAQE&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwia-qT9k5vtAhXESzABHdsDBzE4ChDh1QMIDQ&uact=5

May I ask, if "Bed bug" is one specific type of bug or a broad term for a variety of bugs??
 
  • #12
hutchphd said:
Unfortunately the scabies mites are very small and their eggs were also a problem so you really needed to heat everything comprehensively. I think moths would be easier but eggs are an issue there also.

Excuse me. Heat everything comprehensively? Did you mean all of my clothes only or everything from the ceiling to the floor in my home??
 
  • #13
For scabies typically clothes towels and bedding, all at once. I think we had to do it twice...maybe thrice.
 
  • #14
kenny1999 said:
I don't normally wash clothes with very hot water but in order to eliminate clothes bugs I need to soak them in very hot water, as advised. I'd like to know what kind of clothes or texture should avoid being soaked in very hot or boiling water? The only texture I can think of is artificial leather because it is like plastic, any more? Thx
Here they sell items specifically for sanitizing laundry, without heat or chemicals that will damage clothing, you could look for some, although with all of the insanity around Covid 19, finding them is harder than finding gold. Do you have a clothes drying machine? The heat from the dryer is said to sanitize laundry. For sheets and other colorfast synthetic fabrics, I just pour some Lysol cleaner into the washer, it kills bacteria and viruses, again don't know if that's available to you, but it doesn't seem to harm clothes. I only hand wash wool and similar clothing with detergents made for the.
 
  • #15
kenny1999 said:
May I ask, if "Bed bug" is one specific type of bug or a broad term for a variety of bugs??

One type of nasty bug but the product claims to kill other types of bugs. Does not say anything about eggs though.
 

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