Can Fleas Drown in the Washing Machine?
WouterWhen washing clothes in the washing machine, you should never put fleas in the washing machine. The reason is that fleas can’t safely submerge themselves in water. However, you can use washing up liquid to kill them. The washing up liquid contains surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water, which will kill fleas. However, fleas will not die right away. They need around 24 hours to drown before they will be dead.
The most effective way to kill fleas in your clothes is to wash them with hot water. But, be careful not to use too hot water. This might damage your clothes or bedding. Check the tags to make sure you use the correct water temperature. Another good way to kill fleas in your laundry is to use the spinning cycle. This way, the clothes will be tossed, and the fleas will be unable to survive.
Fleas can also be killed with a flea powder. After using the powder, vacuum the carpets. This is because fleas can leave behind traces of blood that can leave marks in your carpets. Another effective way is to use a limonene or linalool solution on the carpets. If you have an outdoor pet, this treatment may be required more frequently. In addition to vacuuming, you should also check for holes in your windows and eliminate food sources.
Warm water in the washing machine is effective at killing fleas, as well as their eggs. Though this is not a 100% cure for flea infestation, it will kill a large number of them. In addition to clothing, you should also wash everything else in your home, including curtains, fabric covers, and towels.
