Bed bugs can hide in clothing, bedding, blankets, and other washable fabrics, making laundry an important part of a broader treatment plan. The right bed bug laundry detergent or additive can help clean heavily used fabrics while supporting heat-based washing and drying routines. Some formulas are designed specifically for bed bug treatment, while others also target mites and other pests. In this guide, we review 9 of the best bed bug laundry detergents based on formula type, fabric compatibility, ease of use, concentration, and overall usefulness in a bed bug control routine.
1. Hygea Natural Extra Strength Bed Bug & Lice Laundry Additive
Hygea Natural Extra Strength Bed Bug & Lice Laundry Additive is designed for people who want to treat clothing, bedding, curtains, and other washable fabrics as part of a broader bed bug control routine. The 32-ounce formula can be used with regular detergent or as a standalone laundry treatment, and the manufacturer says it works in different water temperatures while remaining scent-free.
Key Features
- 32-ounce extra-strength formula
- Designed for bed bugs and lice
- Contains sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium chloride, and citric acid
- Scent-free liquid formulation
- Suitable for washable clothing and bedding
- Works with regular laundry detergent
- Compatible with different water temperatures
- Made in the USA
- Manufacturer describes it as 66% stronger than its standard formula
Why It’s Best For
This Hygea Natural formula is particularly suitable for households dealing with a more serious bed bug problem where numerous washable items need attention. Instead of relying only on standard detergent, it adds a pest-focused step to normal laundry treatment.
The formula is also convenient when several types of fabrics need to be processed. Hygea states that it can be used with clothing, bedding, curtains, and other laundry-safe materials.
Its scent-free design is another practical advantage for people who do not want heavily fragranced bedding after repeated treatment cycles.
Performance & Durability
Hygea recommends adding the appropriate quantity according to washing-machine and load size, then drying dryer-safe items at the highest heat the fabric can safely tolerate. The company also recommends storing treated laundry in clean sealed bags until the surrounding infestation is controlled.
That workflow is important because laundry treatment works best when combined with heat and measures to prevent clean fabrics from being re-exposed.
The concentrated 32-ounce bottle can cover multiple loads, although the exact number depends on washing-machine capacity and load size.
Pros, Cons & Overall Verdict
Pros: The formula is scent-free, easy to add to an existing laundry routine, compatible with multiple washable fabrics, and specifically marketed for bed bugs and lice.
Cons: It remains only one part of bed bug management. Treating laundry alone will not address insects hiding in mattresses, furniture, cracks, or walls.
Overall Verdict: Hygea Natural Extra Strength is a strong laundry-focused option for people who want a specialized additive rather than relying exclusively on ordinary detergent. Its concentrated formulation and flexible fabric compatibility make it especially practical during intensive bed bug cleanup.
2. Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Additive – 64 oz
The 64-ounce Premo Guard Laundry Additive is formulated for washable clothing, bedding, and linens exposed to bed bugs, mites, lice, fleas, and related pests. It is designed to be used with or without regular laundry detergent and has an unscented, stain-free approach that suits repeated laundry cycles during pest treatment.
Key Features
- 64-ounce liquid bottle
- Designed for bed bugs, mites, and lice
- Also marketed for fleas and ticks
- Plant-based formulation
- Unscented design
- Suitable for washable bedding and clothing
- Can be used with regular detergent
- Compatible with standard washing machines
- Intended for household and commercial settings
Why It’s Best For
This 64-ounce size makes sense for households that expect to run multiple treated loads but do not necessarily need the largest available container.
Premo Guard positions the product for homes, hotels, dormitories, laundromats, and other environments where bedding and fabric turnover can be frequent.
The unscented formulation is particularly useful when sheets, blankets, clothing, and towels need to be washed repeatedly. Strong fragrance can become unpleasant during intensive cleaning, so a neutral formula can be easier to integrate into normal laundry routines.
Performance & Durability
Premo Guard recommends approximately half a cup per load and says the additive can be used alongside regular detergent. The manufacturer recommends washing and drying using the highest temperatures that the fabric can safely tolerate.
The 64-ounce volume provides more treatment capacity than a small 32-ounce bottle while remaining easier to handle than a full gallon.
Because it functions as an additive, performance also depends on the complete laundry process. Proper bagging, washing, drying, and preventing recontamination remain important during bed bug treatment.
Pros, Cons & Overall Verdict
Pros: The larger bottle is useful for repeated loads, the formula is unscented, and it can be incorporated into ordinary laundry without replacing the user’s preferred detergent.
Cons: Larger infestations can require many loads, meaning even 64 ounces may be used relatively quickly. Laundry treatment also cannot eliminate bugs hiding elsewhere in the home.
Overall Verdict: Premo Guard 64 oz offers a useful balance between bottle size and convenience. It is particularly practical for families processing several loads of potentially exposed clothing and bedding while wanting a pest-focused additive that fits into a normal wash routine.
3. Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Additive – 128 oz
The 128-ounce Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Additive provides the same pest-focused laundry approach in a much larger gallon-size container. This version is particularly useful when bed bug treatment involves large quantities of bedding, clothing, towels, curtains, or other washable materials. Its concentrated, unscented liquid formula is designed to be added to regular washing cycles.
Key Features
- Large 128-ounce container
- Concentrated liquid formula
- Designed for bed bugs, mites, and lice
- Unscented formulation
- Plant-based positioning
- Phosphate-free listing
- Suitable for washable fabrics
- Can be used with regular detergent
- Useful for frequent or large-volume laundry treatment
Why It’s Best For
The gallon-size format is the primary reason to consider this version. Bed bug cleanup can generate a surprisingly large amount of laundry, especially when treating multiple bedrooms or repeatedly washing sheets, blankets, clothing, and fabric accessories.
A 128-ounce container reduces the need to replace smaller bottles frequently and may be more practical for large households, rental properties, hotels, or anyone completing an extensive laundry-treatment routine.
It can also make sense for people who plan to continue using a pest laundry additive periodically after the most visible infestation has been addressed.
Performance & Durability
Premo Guard recommends using about half a cup per load and pairing laundering with the highest heat that the specific fabric can safely withstand.
At that usage rate, the 128-ounce container offers substantially more treatment capacity than the 32- or 64-ounce versions.
The formula is listed as unscented and concentrated, which helps make it practical for repeated laundering without introducing a heavy fragrance.
The container itself is large, however, so it requires more storage space and is less convenient for travel or occasional use.
Pros, Cons & Overall Verdict
Pros: The large gallon size is well suited to repeated loads, the formula is unscented, and users do not need to replace the bottle as often during extensive cleanup.
Cons: The container is bulky, and households with only a small amount of laundry may not need this much product.
Overall Verdict: Premo Guard 128 oz is the more practical size for high-volume treatment. For a household processing numerous loads during a bed bug infestation, its larger capacity can make the laundry side of pest control significantly more convenient.
4. BugOut! Plant-Based Laundry Additive
BugOut! Laundry Additive by ECOPEST is a 32-ounce plant-based detergent booster designed for bed bugs, mites, fleas, ticks, carpet beetles, and several other pests associated with washable fabrics. Its formula uses ingredients including geraniol, cinnamon oil, and cottonseed oil and is designed to work in both hot and cold washing cycles.
Key Features
- 32-ounce liquid bottle
- Plant-based pest-control formula
- Contains geraniol and cinnamon oil
- Designed for bed bugs and mites
- Also targets fleas, ticks, and carpet beetles
- Compatible with hot and cold washes
- Works in HE and standard washers
- Designed for clothing, bedding, towels, and pet gear
- Naturally scented with essential oils
Why It’s Best For
BugOut! is particularly attractive for households dealing with more than just bed bugs. Its broad pest positioning makes it useful for people who also encounter fleas, ticks, mites, carpet beetles, or pests carried indoors on clothing and pet fabrics.
This makes the product especially relevant after travel, camping, hiking, secondhand-item exposure, or other situations where unwanted insects may hitchhike on washable materials.
The ability to treat pet bedding and outdoor gear also increases its usefulness beyond normal sheets and clothing.
Performance & Durability
The formula is designed to work as an additive alongside normal detergent. Product information states that it is compatible with both hot and cold water and with HE or standard washing machines.
Because it comes in a 32-ounce bottle, it is easier to store and handle than gallon-size alternatives, although households completing many consecutive loads may prefer a larger volume.
The essential-oil formulation also gives it a different scent profile than unscented products, which may appeal to some users while being less desirable for others.
Pros, Cons & Overall Verdict
Pros: BugOut! targets several household pests, works across different washing-machine types, and is convenient for bedding, clothes, towels, and washable pet items.
Cons: The 32-ounce bottle may not last as long during a major infestation, and users who strongly prefer fragrance-free laundry may favor an unscented alternative.
Overall Verdict: BugOut! is a versatile option for people who want one laundry additive for several pest concerns. Its broad fabric use and plant-based formulation make it particularly practical for active households, travelers, and pet owners.
5. Eco Defense Bed Bug, Mite & Flea Laundry Additive
Eco Defense Bed Bug, Mite & Flea Treatment Laundry Additive is a 32-ounce plant-based formula designed to supplement ordinary detergent during pest-related laundry treatment. It targets bed bugs, mites, fleas, ticks, and other pests associated with clothing and bedding while remaining compatible with HE and standard washing machines.
Key Features
- 32-ounce liquid laundry additive
- Plant-based formulation
- Geraniol scent
- Designed for bed bugs, mites, and fleas
- Also marketed for ticks and dust mites
- Suitable for bedding, clothes, and linens
- Works with regular laundry detergent
- Compatible with HE and standard washers
- Designed for routine wash-cycle use
Why It’s Best For
Eco Defense is particularly suitable for users looking for a straightforward plant-based additive that can be added to an existing detergent instead of replacing the household’s normal laundry product.
Its broad pest coverage also makes it useful when bedding may be exposed to more than one type of unwanted insect or mite.
For families processing sheets, pillowcases, blankets, travel clothing, or other washable items, the simple pour-and-wash format keeps the treatment process relatively easy to follow.
Performance & Durability
Product information describes Eco Defense as compatible with bedding, clothing, and linens and suitable for use in both HE and standard machines.
The 32-ounce size is compact enough for normal laundry-room storage while providing multiple applications depending on the amount used per load.
As with other bed bug laundry additives, the washing step should be combined with appropriate drying. Heat from a dryer, when safe for the fabric, is a particularly important part of laundering items during bed bug control.
The additive should therefore be viewed as a supplement to a complete fabric-treatment process rather than a replacement for proper washing and drying.
Pros, Cons & Overall Verdict
Pros: Eco Defense offers easy detergent-compatible use, plant-based ingredients, broad pest coverage, and compatibility with common washing-machine types.
Cons: The 32-ounce size may be less economical for very large treatment jobs, and its geraniol scent may not suit users who prefer completely fragrance-free laundry products.
Overall Verdict: Eco Defense is a practical option for routine pest-focused laundry treatment. Its easy application and versatile machine compatibility make it especially appealing for households that want to add an extra pest-control step without significantly changing their normal laundry process.
6. BugOut! Plant-Based Laundry Additive – 128 oz
BugOut! Plant-Based Laundry Additive is a gallon-size detergent booster designed for households that need to process a large amount of bedding, clothing, towels, or other washable fabrics during pest management. This 128-ounce version uses a plant-based formula featuring geraniol, cinnamon oil, and cottonseed oil and is marketed for bed bugs, mites, fleas, ticks, and other fabric-associated pests.
Key Features
- Large 128-ounce gallon container
- Plant-based liquid formula
- Contains geraniol, cinnamon oil, and cottonseed oil
- Designed for bed bugs and mites
- Also marketed for fleas and ticks
- Liquid detergent-booster format
- Useful for high-volume laundry
- Designed for washable fabrics
- Larger alternative to the 32-ounce BugOut! bottle
Why It’s Best For
The biggest advantage of this BugOut! version is capacity. Bed bug cleanup can involve repeated loads of sheets, blankets, pillowcases, clothing, towels, washable pet bedding, and other fabrics. A gallon container is much more practical for this situation than repeatedly replacing small bottles.
It is particularly appealing for large households, rental properties, frequent travelers dealing with possible hitchhiking pests, or anyone processing several rooms of laundry.
The botanical formula also differentiates it from more conventional pest-control approaches. Users who prefer plant-derived active ingredients may find its combination of geraniol and essential oils more aligned with their laundry preferences.
Performance & Durability
The gallon-size bottle contains 128 fluid ounces, providing significantly more treatment capacity than the smaller 32-ounce version. Its larger volume makes it easier to maintain a consistent treatment routine across many wash cycles.
Because it is a laundry additive rather than an ordinary stain-focused detergent, users can continue using their preferred cleaning detergent alongside it according to the current label.
For actual bed bug control, laundry should still be integrated with heat treatment when the fabric permits. EPA guidance states that placing clothing and bedding in a dryer on high heat for about 30 minutes can kill bed bugs; washing alone generally is not sufficient.
Pros, Cons & Overall Verdict
Pros: The 128-ounce container is excellent for repeated laundry loads, the plant-based formula targets several pests, and the gallon format reduces the need for frequent replacement.
Cons: A gallon bottle takes more storage space and may be unnecessary for a minor or precautionary treatment.
Overall Verdict: BugOut! 128 oz is best suited to high-volume laundry treatment. Its large capacity and broad pest-focused formulation make it particularly practical when numerous washable items need to be processed during an ongoing bed bug management routine.
7. ERADICATOR Bed Bug & Dust Mite Laundry Treatment – 32 oz
ERADICATOR Bed Bug & Dust Mite Laundry Treatment is a 32-ounce liquid treatment developed specifically for washable items exposed to bed bugs, dust mites, and lice. Unlike a general household detergent, this formula is intended to provide an additional pest-focused step during laundering. Its compact size makes it convenient for home use without requiring the storage space of a gallon container.
Key Features
- 32-ounce liquid laundry treatment
- Designed for bed bugs and dust mites
- Also marketed for lice
- Intended for washable fabrics
- Compact bottle size
- Can supplement a regular laundry routine
- Useful for bedding and clothing
- Pest-focused treatment rather than ordinary detergent
- Convenient for occasional or moderate-volume use
Why It’s Best For
ERADICATOR is particularly useful for people who want a dedicated pest laundry treatment without committing to a large container.
A 32-ounce bottle is easier to store and handle, making it suitable for apartments, small households, guest rooms, travel-related bed bug concerns, or situations where only several loads need treatment.
It also offers a more targeted purpose than standard laundry products. When bed bugs are suspected in sheets, clothing, blankets, or other machine-washable items, incorporating a specialized additive can make the laundry process feel more systematic.
Performance & Durability
The product is marketed specifically as a bed bug, dust mite, and lice laundry treatment. The 32-ounce format provides enough liquid for multiple uses while staying manageable in a normal laundry cabinet.
However, a laundry additive should not be treated as the only control measure. Bed bugs may remain inside mattresses, box springs, bed frames, upholstery, cracks, and baseboards even after clothing is cleaned.
Heat remains an especially important tool for washable and dryer-safe items. EPA guidance recommends drying appropriate bedding and clothing at high temperature for about 30 minutes to kill bed bugs and notes that washing alone generally will not do the job.
Pros, Cons & Overall Verdict
Pros: The compact bottle is convenient, the formula is specifically aimed at pest-related laundry, and it fits easily into existing washing routines.
Cons: The smaller size may disappear quickly when several bedrooms or large amounts of bedding require treatment.
Overall Verdict: ERADICATOR Laundry Treatment is a practical middle-ground option for households that want a dedicated bed bug laundry product without purchasing a bulk-size container. Its straightforward 32-ounce format works particularly well for moderate treatment needs.
8. Premo Guard Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Additive – 32 oz
Premo Guard’s 32-ounce Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Additive is a concentrated, unscented treatment intended for bedding, clothing, linens, and other washable items. This version is particularly convenient for households that want to try the Premo Guard formula without moving immediately to a 64- or 128-ounce container. The company says it can be used with regular detergent and in different water-temperature settings.
Key Features
- 32-ounce liquid bottle
- Unscented formula
- Designed for bed bugs, lice, and mites
- Suitable for washable bedding and clothing
- Can be used with regular detergent
- Works in top- and front-loading washers
- Manufacturer states hot water is not required
- Plant-based formulation
- Compact size for easier storage
Why It’s Best For
This 32-ounce Premo Guard bottle is especially suitable for users who want a compact pest laundry additive for a smaller treatment project.
It is easier to lift, pour, and store than the gallon version, making it practical for apartments, individual bedrooms, or travel-related laundry treatment. The unscented and stain-free positioning is another benefit for bedding and clothing that may require repeated laundering.
Premo Guard also allows users to continue using their preferred ordinary laundry detergent, which means pest treatment does not require completely changing their normal wash products.
Performance & Durability
Premo Guard currently recommends 1/2 cup per load and says its laundry additive can be used alongside standard detergent. It is designed for both front- and top-loading washing machines and is marketed for cold, warm, or hot wash settings.
At half a cup per load, a 32-ounce bottle provides fewer treatments than the company’s larger sizes, so users dealing with extensive infestations may find the 64- or 128-ounce options more economical.
Regardless of additive choice, dryer heat remains important. EPA guidance identifies high-heat drying for approximately 30 minutes as an effective method for killing bed bugs on suitable clothing and bedding.
Pros, Cons & Overall Verdict
Pros: It is compact, unscented, compatible with standard detergent, and easy to integrate into different washer types.
Cons: At the recommended dosage, the 32-ounce container may not last very long when treating numerous loads.
Overall Verdict: Premo Guard 32 oz is particularly well suited to smaller households or users who want to test a specialized bed bug laundry additive before purchasing a larger quantity. Its simple dosing and detergent compatibility make it easy to incorporate into a normal laundry routine.
9. CHOMP! Bed Bug & Pest Liquid Laundry Detergent Additive
CHOMP! Bed Bug & Pest Liquid Laundry Detergent Additive is a 32-ounce plant-based laundry booster designed for more than bed bugs alone. Its product listing includes fleas, ticks, roaches, ants, spiders, and silverfish among its targeted pests. The formula is designed to be added to ordinary detergent and is marketed as residue-free, giving it broad appeal for households wanting one pest-focused laundry additive for multiple potential insect concerns.
Key Features
- 32-ounce liquid bottle
- Plant-based formula
- Designed for bed bugs and other pests
- Also marketed for fleas, ticks, roaches, ants, and spiders
- Intended to leave no harsh chemical residue
- Works alongside regular detergent
- Suitable for hot or cold washing
- Recommended dose of approximately 2–4 ounces
- Designed for routine washable fabrics
Why It’s Best For
CHOMP! is particularly useful for households concerned about multiple types of hitchhiking or fabric-associated pests rather than bed bugs alone.
Its broad pest positioning makes it relevant after travel, hotel stays, camping, secondhand clothing purchases, or other situations where insects might be carried into the home on washable items.
The plant-based formulation may also appeal to users who prefer a laundry additive that does not rely on strongly fragranced or traditional pesticide-style ingredients.
Performance & Durability
The product listing recommends adding approximately 2–4 ounces alongside normal detergent and states that it can be used with hot or cold washing. The 32-ounce bottle therefore offers roughly 8–16 applications depending on dosage and load requirements.
CHOMP! is also promoted as residue-free and designed not to leave a strong chemical odor on fabrics.
For bed bugs specifically, laundering should still be accompanied by effective heat treatment when fabrics permit it. EPA guidance says a high-temperature dryer cycle of about 30 minutes can kill bed bugs on bedding and clothing.
Pros, Cons & Overall Verdict
Pros: The formula targets numerous pests, integrates easily with ordinary detergent, uses a simple measured dose, and is designed to avoid unpleasant residue or odor.
Cons: The 32-ounce size may require frequent replacement when processing a large household’s bedding and clothing.
Overall Verdict: CHOMP! offers an attractive all-purpose approach for households that want more than bed bug-specific laundry treatment. Its broad pest coverage, plant-based positioning, and easy dosing make it particularly useful for routine preventative or post-travel laundering.
FAQs
1. Does regular laundry detergent kill bed bugs?
Regular detergent helps clean fabrics, but it should not be relied on by itself to eliminate bed bugs. EPA guidance states that washing alone generally will not kill bed bugs. For dryer-safe bedding and clothing, high-temperature drying for approximately 30 minutes is a more reliable non-chemical control step.
2. Do I need a special bed bug laundry detergent?
A specialized laundry additive is optional rather than the only way to treat washable items. These products can provide an additional pest-focused step and may be convenient when processing bedding or clothing during an infestation. However, proper heat treatment, isolation of cleaned items, inspection, and treatment of the surrounding room remain important.
3. What temperature kills bed bugs in laundry?
For suitable items, the EPA recommends putting bedding and clothing in a dryer on high heat for about 30 minutes to kill bed bugs. Always make sure the fabric can tolerate the selected dryer temperature and follow its care instructions.
4. Should clean laundry be bagged during a bed bug infestation?
Yes, isolating treated clothing and bedding can help prevent re-infestation while the room is still being treated. EPA guidance recommends storing cleaned items in sealed plastic bags so they remain free of bed bugs until the surrounding infestation is controlled.
5. Can bed bug laundry detergent eliminate an entire infestation?
No laundry product should be treated as a complete solution for an established infestation. Bed bugs can hide in mattresses, box springs, headboards, furniture, baseboards, wall cracks, and other locations that never enter the washing machine. EPA recommends an integrated pest-management approach that may include heat, vacuuming, encasements, monitoring, clutter reduction, and appropriately selected pesticide or professional treatments when necessary.
