Combating Fleas and Ticks: Effective Washing Techniques for Pet Bedding

For businesses that cater to pets—whether you manage a pet boarding facility, veterinary clinic, grooming salon, or animal shelter—fighting flea and tick infestations is an ongoing challenge. Beyond keeping pets themselves free from these pests, it’s equally important to ensure that their environment, particularly bedding, remains clean and pest-free. Flea and tick control is essential not only for the well-being of the animals but also for maintaining a hygienic and reputable business. Proper washing techniques, especially with the use of commercial laundry equipment, can play a pivotal role in your strategy.

Importance of Clean Pet Bedding

Pet bedding is one of the prime locations where fleas, ticks, and their eggs thrive. These pests can lay hundreds of eggs on bedding, which eventually hatch into larvae and pupae, leading to larger infestations. When bedding isn’t cleaned properly, you risk spreading fleas and ticks to other areas of your facility, leading to a costly and time-consuming battle. For businesses, the stakes are high—your reputation and operational efficiency depend on keeping your space pest-free.

The Role of Commercial Laundry Equipment

Commercial laundry equipment, designed for heavy-duty usage, is your best ally in combating fleas and ticks in pet bedding. These machines offer greater capacity, higher temperatures, and stronger wash cycles, allowing businesses to handle large volumes of bedding more effectively than traditional domestic washers. 

The key advantages of commercial machines in pest control include:

• 1. Higher Water Temperatures: Fleas, ticks, and their eggs are killed at temperatures above 140°F (60°C). Most commercial washers are equipped to reach and maintain these temperatures, ensuring effective pest eradication.
• 2. Larger Capacity: Commercial washers and dryers can handle larger loads, meaning multiple bedding items can be washed together. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency in pest control across all bedding materials.
• 3. Stronger Agitation: The powerful wash and rinse cycles of commercial machines ensure that bedding is thoroughly cleaned, with dirt, dander, and pests dislodged during the process.

Effective Washing Techniques

While commercial equipment provides a strong foundation, adopting the right washing techniques will maximise their effectiveness in eliminating fleas and ticks from pet bedding.

Pre-Wash Preparations

Before loading bedding into commercial washers, shake off any loose dirt, hair, and debris outdoors. This minimises the amount of organic material entering your machines, which could clog filters or reduce the effectiveness of the wash cycle.

If bedding is heavily soiled or if you suspect a severe infestation, pre-soaking the materials in hot water with a pet-safe detergent can loosen dirt and weaken any flea or tick larvae before the full wash cycle.

The key advantages of effective washing in pest control include:

• 1. High Temperatures: Use the highest temperature setting available on your commercial washer. Fleas and ticks are sensitive to heat, and washing at temperatures over 140°F for at least 10 minutes can kill both adult pests and their eggs.
• 2. Use Appropriate Detergents: Choose detergents that are safe for animals but strong enough to combat flea and tick infestations. Enzyme-based detergents can help break down organic material, while pet-safe disinfectants may further aid in eliminating eggs and larvae.
• 3. Extended Wash Cycles: When dealing with a flea or tick outbreak, use extended or deep-clean cycles to ensure thorough agitation and saturation of the bedding.

Drying for Pest Control

After washing, the drying process is just as important for killing any remaining fleas, ticks, or eggs. Commercial dryers typically reach higher temperatures than domestic machines, which helps to ensure complete eradication.

High-Heat Drying: Use the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Fleas and ticks cannot survive prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and drying at 140°F or higher ensures that all stages of the flea and tick life cycle are destroyed.

Conclusion: A Clean, Pest-Free Environment for Pets and Businesses

In any business that cares for animals, combating fleas and ticks is a top priority. Effective washing techniques using commercial laundry equipment provide a powerful tool for eliminating these pests from pet bedding, helping to maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic environment.

By investing in high-quality laundry solutions and following best practices in washing and drying, businesses can protect their animals, clients, and reputation from the challenges posed by flea and tick infestations. Implementing a regular cleaning schedule, using optimal wash settings, and properly maintaining commercial laundry machines will ensure that your business stays ahead in the battle against these persistent pests.