Cleaning Bed Bug Infested Toys

If your home has a bed bug infestation there are many objects that need to be cleaned. One thing that many parents worry about is cleaning their kids’ toys. Different types of toys will need to be cleaned differently.

Soft Toys

Soft toys like stuffed animals or cloth books should be put into a dryer. The dryer should be at a medium to high heat setting. The toys should be in the dryer for 30 min. The heat of the dryer will kill all the bed bugs. After the toys have been in the dryer they should be kept in a clean plastic bag or box until the home has been treated for bed bugs.

Plastic or Wood Toys

Plastic or Wood toys can be cleaned with a warm damp cloth. It is important to wipe of all the surfaces of the toy. Make sure you clean all the cracks and crevices in the toy. Rinse off your cloth often as you are cleaning the toys. If the toy is very complicated and difficult to clean put the toy in a plastic bag. Place the plastic bag in a freezer that is at least 0°F (-18°C) for four days.  After the toys are clean keep them in a clean plastic bag or box until the home has been treated for bed bugs. 

Books

The best way to treat books that may be infested with bed bugs is to place them in a plastic bag freezer that is at least 0°F (-18°C) for four days. Freezing items that have bed bugs is easy, but takes time and care. Please make sure to read “Using Freezing Conditions to Kill Bed Bugs“ if you are going to use this method.