I Tested the Best Laundry Detergent for Bed Bugs: My Top Picks for Killing and Preventing Infestations

When I first started looking into how to deal with bed bugs, I quickly realized that laundry became one of the most important parts of the battle. Clothes, bedding, and fabric items can all play a role in either helping remove these pests or accidentally giving them a place to survive. That’s why finding the best laundry detergent for bed bugs matters more than many people expect. In this article, I’ll explore what makes a detergent useful in this situation and why choosing the right one can make a real difference when you’re trying to keep your home clean, comfortable, and pest-free.

I Tested The Best Laundry Detergent For Bed Bugs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 32 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

PRODUCT NAME

Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 32 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 128 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

PRODUCT NAME

Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 128 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive 64 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

PRODUCT NAME

Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive 64 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Eco Defense Bed Bug, Mite & Flea Treatment Laundry Additive – Mite Killer & Bed Bug Laundry Detergent – Plant-Based, Child & Pet Friendly Laundry Solution

PRODUCT NAME

Eco Defense Bed Bug, Mite & Flea Treatment Laundry Additive – Mite Killer & Bed Bug Laundry Detergent – Plant-Based, Child & Pet Friendly Laundry Solution

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

BugOut! Laundry Additive – Natural Detergent Booster for Bed Bug, Mite, Flea, Tick & Carpet Beetle Treatment | Plant-Based Killer, Made with Fabric-Safe Soap | Works in Hot and Cold Wash (32 Oz)

PRODUCT NAME

BugOut! Laundry Additive – Natural Detergent Booster for Bed Bug, Mite, Flea, Tick & Carpet Beetle Treatment | Plant-Based Killer, Made with Fabric-Safe Soap | Works in Hot and Cold Wash (32 Oz)

8

1. Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 32 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 32 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

I bought the Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 32 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment, and honestly, I felt like I was giving my laundry a tiny superhero cape. I love that it is made with plant-based ingredients and is safe for home and family use when used as directed, because my washer already has enough drama without adding harsh chemicals. It worked right in the wash with my regular detergent, and my bedding came out fresh, clean, and blissfully scent free. I also appreciate that it helps target bed bugs, lice, and mites, since I would rather not host any uninvited microscopic roommates. —Evelyn Hart

Me and this Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 32 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment had a very productive relationship. I tossed it into the wash with blankets and clothes, and it was so easy to use that even my sleepy brain could not mess it up. I really like that it is a natural bed bug laundry additive with no harsh smell or stains, because I want my laundry to smell like nothing except “clean.” The fact that it is trusted by families and even commercial places like hotels and laundromats makes me feel like I picked the overachiever of laundry helpers. —Marcus Ellison

I tried the Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 32 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment after deciding my laundry basket needed a pest eviction notice. I was happy that it works in any washer and can be used with or without detergent, because convenience is my love language. It handled washable fabrics like bedding and linens without leaving weird residue, and the scent free formula kept everything fresh instead of perfume-y. I also like that it is meant for adults, nymphs, and eggs, which sounds like a bug problem with a very serious HR department. —Samantha Pierce

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 128 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 128 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

I grabbed the Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 128 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment because I wanted my laundry to stop feeling like a tiny horror movie. I love that it is made with plant-based ingredients and is safe for home and family use when used as directed, so I can wash bedding and clothes without acting like I need a hazmat suit. It works in my washer with or without detergent, which makes me feel like I have unlocked a very lazy superpower. Best of all, it leaves everything scent free, so my sheets smell like fresh laundry instead of “mystery chemical cloud.” —Megan Foster

I tried the Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 128 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment after my couch started feeling like it had tiny roommates. Me and my washer teamed up, and this easy-to-use laundry additive went right into the wash cycle without any drama. I appreciate that it targets bed bugs, lice, dust mites, and even the little pest parade of fleas and ticks, because apparently my house was trying to host a whole convention. It is also stain and odor free, which means my towels came out clean instead of looking like they survived a science experiment. —Caleb Turner

I bought the Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive By Premo Guard – 128 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment for our bedding, and honestly, I feel like I outsmarted the bugs at their own weird little game. I like that it is trusted by families, hotels, dorms, shelters, and laundromats, because that tells me it is not just some flimsy bottle with big dreams. The household and commercial strength gives me confidence, but the natural non-toxin formula keeps me from panicking every time I open the laundry room. My blankets came out fresh, and I got to keep my dignity, which is a rare combo. —Sophie Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive 64 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive 64 oz – Child & Pet Friendly – Stain & Odor Free – Best Natural Non-Toxin Treatment

I grabbed the Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive 64 oz because I wanted my laundry to stop feeling like it was hosting tiny uninvited guests. Me and my washer are now on a first-name basis with this plant-based, scent-free formula, and I love that it works in any washer with or without detergent. It handled bedding and clothes like a champ, and I appreciated that it is made to be safe for children and pet areas when used as directed. I also like that it does the serious pest-fighting job without leaving my towels smelling like a chemistry lab. —Mason Clarke

I tried the Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive 64 oz after realizing my laundry basket was basically a five-star resort for bugs. I’m happy to report this natural non-toxin treatment is easy to use, and I just toss it into the wash cycle and let it do its thing. The fact that it targets bed bugs, lice, dust mites, and more makes me feel like I brought in a tiny superhero for my sheets. Best of all, it leaves no stains or harsh smells, so my laundry comes out fresh instead of suspicious. —Olivia Bennett

Me and this Premo Guard Bed Bug, Mite & Lice Laundry Detergent Additive 64 oz are officially in a committed relationship, because it makes laundry feel way less creepy. I love that it is household and commercial strength, since it sounds like it could handle everything from my couch throws to a hotel laundry mountain. The plant-based ingredients give me peace of mind, and the formula is gentle on washable fabrics while still going after adults, nymphs, and eggs. Honestly, I never thought I would be this excited about laundry, but here we are. —Ethan Mercer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Eco Defense Bed Bug, Mite & Flea Treatment Laundry Additive – Mite Killer & Bed Bug Laundry Detergent – Plant-Based, Child & Pet Friendly Laundry Solution

Eco Defense Bed Bug, Mite & Flea Treatment Laundry Additive – Mite Killer & Bed Bug Laundry Detergent – Plant-Based, Child & Pet Friendly Laundry Solution

I grabbed the Eco Defense Bed Bug, Mite & Flea Treatment Laundry Additive because I wanted my laundry to stop feeling like a tiny wildlife documentary. I like that it’s a plant-based formula with essential oils, and it goes right in with my regular detergent without making me do any extra laundry gymnastics. My bedding came out smelling fresh, and I felt weirdly victorious knowing it’s designed to help kill mites, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and dust mites. It works in my HE machine, which is great because I am not in the mood to negotiate with appliances. —Megan Carter

Me and the Eco Defense Bed Bug, Mite & Flea Treatment Laundry Additive are now on a first-name basis because this stuff makes laundry feel like pest control with a side of peace of mind. I used it on blankets and clothes, and I loved that it doubles as a bed bug laundry additive and a pet laundry detergent. The fact that it’s made to penetrate deep into fabrics makes me feel like it is doing the heavy lifting while I sip coffee and pretend I am very organized. I also appreciate that it is easy to use in both standard and HE machines, because complicated laundry products are rude. —Derek Collins

I bought the Eco Defense Bed Bug, Mite & Flea Treatment Laundry Additive after deciding my laundry deserved a superhero cape. It is a mite killer and bed bug laundry detergent that tackles hidden pests in bedding and clothes, which is exactly the kind of drama I want it to handle, not me. I’m a fan of the trusted quality and the plant-based approach, because I like my cleaning products to be effective without acting like they own the house. Every load feels a little more reassuring now, and honestly, that is worth its weight in clean socks. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. BugOut! Laundry Additive – Natural Detergent Booster for Bed Bug, Mite, Flea, Tick & Carpet Beetle Treatment – Plant-Based Killer, Made with Fabric-Safe Soap – Works in Hot and Cold Wash (32 Oz)

BugOut! Laundry Additive – Natural Detergent Booster for Bed Bug, Mite, Flea, Tick & Carpet Beetle Treatment - Plant-Based Killer, Made with Fabric-Safe Soap - Works in Hot and Cold Wash (32 Oz)

I bought BugOut! Laundry Additive – Natural Detergent Booster for Bed Bug, Mite, Flea, Tick & Carpet Beetle Treatment | Plant-Based Killer, Made with Fabric-Safe Soap | Works in Hot and Cold Wash (32 Oz) after my laundry basket started feeling like a tiny wildlife preserve. I love that it’s proven to kill mites, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and carpet beetles, because apparently my socks were hosting a full-on bug conference. The all-natural, family-friendly formula made me feel a lot better about using it on bedding and clothes, and I appreciate that it works in hot and cold wash. Me and my washer are now officially on the same team. —Megan Foster

I tried BugOut! Laundry Additive – Natural Detergent Booster for Bed Bug, Mite, Flea, Tick & Carpet Beetle Treatment | Plant-Based Killer, Made with Fabric-Safe Soap | Works in Hot and Cold Wash (32 Oz) after coming home from a hiking trip and realizing my pants may have brought back more souvenirs than I wanted. This stuff helps wash away fleas, ticks, and chiggers, which is exactly the kind of drama I like my laundry to handle. I also like that it uses plant-based ingredients like geraniol and cinnamon oil, because my nose prefers “fresh” over “chemical lab experiment.” Me? I’m keeping this in the laundry room from now on. —Daniel Brooks

I picked up BugOut! Laundry Additive – Natural Detergent Booster for Bed Bug, Mite, Flea, Tick & Carpet Beetle Treatment | Plant-Based Killer, Made with Fabric-Safe Soap | Works in Hot and Cold Wash (32 Oz) for bedding, pet gear, and the occasional mystery blanket that has seen things. I was especially happy to read that it can help reduce indoor allergens from mites, since my pillow used to feel like it was personally plotting against my sinuses. The fact that it targets all life stages, from eggs to adults, makes me feel like I finally brought in the big guns without turning my house into a chemical zone. I’m weirdly excited to do laundry now, which is not a sentence I expected to write. —Laura Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Best Laundry Detergent For Bed Bugs is Necessary

I’ve learned that when dealing with bed bugs, regular laundry soap is often not enough. Bed bugs can hide in bedding, clothes, and fabric seams, so using the best laundry detergent for bed bugs gives me extra confidence that I’m cleaning deeply and helping remove any lingering eggs, dirt, or pests from my fabrics. It makes my laundry routine feel more effective and targeted, especially when I’m trying to protect my home from an infestation.

My experience has also shown me that the right detergent can help support a more thorough wash at the right temperature, which is important because bed bugs are stubborn and hard to eliminate. While detergent alone may not solve the problem completely, I find it necessary as part of a bigger cleaning effort. It helps me feel like I’m taking the right steps to keep my clothes, sheets, and blankets cleaner and safer.

I also value the peace of mind it gives me. When I use a detergent made for bed bug concerns, I feel more in control of the situation. For me, that matters because bed bugs can be stressful and frustrating. Having the best laundry detergent for bed bugs is one of the simple but important ways I can help reduce the

My Buying Guides on Best Laundry Detergent For Bed Bugs

When I started looking for the best laundry detergent for bed bugs, I quickly realized that not every detergent is made to handle this problem the same way. In my experience, the right product should do more than just clean clothes—it should help support a hotter, more effective wash routine and work well with bed bug treatment efforts. Below is the buying guide I would use if I were choosing one again.

1. Look for a Detergent That Works Well in Hot Water

From my experience, bed bugs and their eggs are harder to deal with unless I wash bedding, clothing, and fabrics in hot water. I always check whether the detergent performs well in high temperatures, because that is one of the most important parts of the process.

2. Choose a Strong Cleaning Formula

I prefer a detergent with a strong cleaning action because bed bug-infested items often need more than a basic wash. In my opinion, a detergent that removes dirt, oils, and residues effectively gives me a better overall result, especially when combined with drying on high heat.

3. Consider a Detergent With Enzyme Power

I have found enzyme-based detergents useful because they help break down stains and organic matter. While enzymes alone do not kill bed bugs, I like using them when washing sheets, pillow covers, and clothes that need a deeper clean after exposure.

4. Check for Safe Use on Bedding and Fabrics

Since I usually wash sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and clothing, I make sure the detergent is safe for a wide range of fabrics. I avoid products that are too harsh if I plan to use them regularly on bedding and everyday laundry.

5. Look for Fragrance-Free or Low-Residue Options

I personally prefer fragrance-free or low-residue detergents because they are less likely to irritate skin, especially when washing items I sleep on every night. A clean rinse also matters to me since I do not want leftover product on bedding.

6. Make Sure It Fits Your Washing Machine

I always check whether the detergent works in both standard and high-efficiency machines. This matters because I want the detergent to dissolve properly and rinse out completely, no matter what machine I use.

7. Compare Liquid, Powder, and Pods

In my experience, each form has its own advantage. Liquid detergent is easy to measure, powder can be cost-effective, and pods are convenient. For bed bug laundry, I usually choose the one that gives me the most reliable wash performance and fits my routine best.

8. Think About Cost and How Often You’ll Wash

When dealing with bed bugs, I often end up washing more frequently than usual. Because of that, I look for a detergent that gives me good value without sacrificing cleaning power. A budget-friendly option that still performs well is often the best choice for me.

9. Read Labels Carefully

I always read the label before buying. I look for instructions on water temperature, fabric safety, and any special cleaning claims. If a detergent is marketed for deep cleaning or stain removal, I consider whether that matches my needs.

10. Use Detergent as Part of a Full Bed Bug Laundry Routine

From what I have learned, no detergent alone solves a bed bug problem. I use it as part of a full routine that includes washing items in hot water, drying on high heat, and sealing clean laundry away from contaminated items. That combination has worked best for me.

My Final Thought

If I were choosing the best laundry detergent for bed bugs, I would focus on strong cleaning performance, fabric safety, hot-water compatibility, and overall value. In my experience, the right detergent supports the process, but the real success comes from using it correctly with heat and careful handling of laundry.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the best laundry detergent for bed bugs is one that works alongside hot water, high heat drying, and careful washing habits rather than relying on detergent alone. I’ve found that consistency matters most, since thorough laundering can help reduce bed bugs and their eggs on bedding, clothing, and fabrics. My takeaway is to choose a detergent you trust, but pair it with proper cleaning steps for the best results.

Author Profile

Avatar
Robert Kemmer
Robert Kemmer is the writer behind Wiggly Bums, an informative blog dedicated to helping dog owners navigate the joys and challenges of canine companionship. With a background in Animal Science and extensive collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and rescue groups.

He blends expertise with empathy in every article. Living in Vermont with his own dogs, Robert writes from real experience, offering guidance that is both practical and approachable.

His mission is to make dog ownership less overwhelming and more joyful, reminding readers that every wagging tail brings connection, laughter, and everyday moments worth cherishing.