Bed bugs are a persistent problem in London, creeping into homes and causing distress with their itchy bites. As infestations rise in 2025, many people are turning to home remedies, hoping for a cheap and easy fix. One common question is: does vinegar in laundry kill bed bugs? In this article, we’ll fact-check this popular remedy, explore its limitations, and show why professional solutions from ThermoPest are the best way to eliminate bed bugs for good.
Bed bugs are small, blood-feeding insects that hide in dark, cozy spots like mattresses, furniture, and clothing. They don’t live on clothes but can use them as a temporary hiding place or a way to travel. In London’s busy environment—think packed buses or shared flats—bed bugs can easily latch onto your jacket or jeans, spreading from one place to another.
Clothes left on a bed, stuffed in a suitcase, or worn in an infested space are prime targets. Bed bugs are drawn to human warmth and scent, sneaking into seams or folds when you least expect it. Their small size makes them hard to spot, especially in piled-up laundry.
Consider Mark, a London barista who found bed bugs in his work apron after a shift. He tried adding vinegar to his laundry, hoping it would solve the problem. While his clothes smelled fresh, the bugs in his flat persisted, forcing him to seek professional help.
So, does vinegar in laundry kill bed bugs? The short answer is no. Despite claims on social media, vinegar—whether white, apple cider, or malt—lacks the power to kill bed bugs or their eggs. While it’s a great cleaner for stains or odours, it’s not a pesticide and won’t stop an infestation.
The idea behind using vinegar comes from its acidity, which some believe can dissolve bed bug exoskeletons or disrupt their biology. Others think its strong smell repels bugs. However, bed bugs are tough creatures with protective shells that resist mild acids like vinegar. Plus, they’re not deterred by the smell—in fact, it might just scatter them to new hiding spots.
Adding vinegar to your laundry might clean your clothes, but it won’t kill bed bugs. Washing in hot water (60°C or higher) can kill some bugs, but this is due to the heat, not the vinegar. Even then, washing alone doesn’t address bugs hiding elsewhere in your home.
Using vinegar in laundry is safe for most fabrics, but it’s not a bed bug solution. It can give a false sense of progress, delaying proper treatment while the infestation grows. The NHS bedbug guide advises against relying on unproven remedies, urging professional intervention instead.
Vinegar won’t penetrate bed bug eggs, which are glued to surfaces and resistant to most household products. Overusing vinegar can also damage delicate fabrics or leave a lingering smell, adding frustration to an already stressful situation.
Mark’s experience shows the danger of home remedies. His vinegar washes cleaned his apron but did nothing for the bugs in his mattress and sofa. By the time he called professionals, the infestation had spread, requiring more extensive treatment.
While vinegar won’t help, proper laundry techniques can kill bed bugs on clothes. The key is heat, not chemicals. Here’s how to do it right:
For items that can’t handle hot water, like silk or wool, consider dry cleaning or sealing them in a bag and drying on high heat if safe. Always check care labels.
If you lack a dryer, use a launderette’s high-heat machines, but transport clothes in sealed bags to avoid spreading bugs.
Laundry can save your clothes, but it won’t solve a full infestation. For that, you need ThermoPest. Our advanced heat treatment wipes out bed bugs at every life stage—eggs, nymphs, and adults—in one visit. It’s eco-friendly, safe, and backed by a 60-day warranty. Learn more at our bed bug treatment page.
Our heat treatment raises temperatures to 49°C–60°C, penetrating deep into mattresses, furniture, and walls. Unlike vinegar or other DIY fixes, it tackles the entire infestation, leaving no bug behind. You can return home the same day, with no chemical residues to worry about.
With years of experience in London, we combine cutting-edge technology with local know-how. Whether you’re in a studio flat or a large house, our tailored approach ensures lasting results. Say goodbye to bed bugs and hello to restful nights.
In short, does vinegar in laundry kill bed bugs? No—it’s a myth that wastes time and delays real solutions. For bed bugs on clothes, hot washing and drying are effective, but only professional treatment can clear your home. Contact ThermoPest today for a free consultation and take back your peace of mind.
For more on bed bugs, check out the NHS bedbug guide. To explore our services, visit our bed bug treatment page or the ThermoPest main website.
