The Spruce / Michelle Becker

If you’re dealing with bed bug stains, don’t fret.

Fortunately, they can be removed with simple spot treatments.

But knowing if you have bed bugstiny insects that feed on human and animal bloodis the tricky part.

White bed sheets covered with bed bug stains

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Professional pest control measures are usually necessary.

However, it will not eliminate eggs or remove the infestation.

For complete bug removal, it’s best tocall a professional.

Materials and tools to clean bed bug stains

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Treat Stains on Washable Fabrics

Try a regular wash to remove stains if they are not heavy.

Choose Washer controls

Add your regular detergent to the washer’s automatic dispenser or drum.

Work carefully to prevent scattering the bugs.

Laundry separated into different color and fabric groups

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Start the washer immediately and dispose of the bag in an outside bin.

Warn the cleaner about the bed bugs.

Use a Steam Cleaner and Vacuum

Leave the Fabric to Air-Dry

Let the fabric air-dry.

White sheets with bed bug stains being sprayed with enzyme-based stain remover

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

This lets air circulate all around the fabric and also helps release wrinkles as the material dries.

Once your home is completely free from the infestation, it’s time to clean your mattress.

Vacuum the Mattress

Vacuum the entire surface of your mattress, paying particular attention to the seams.

Washing machine set to a hot water temperature

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Lift the mattress so it’s possible for you to enter the bottom as well.

Rub the treatment into the stain, and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Then blot it away with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.

Trash bag carefully placed inside washing machine to insert stained bed sheets

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Open windows, if possible, or run a fan in the room to increase air circulation.

Once the mattress is dry, make up your bed as usual.

Bed bug experts have access to more effective chemicals and equipment and more experience in conquering an infestation.

Wet sheets placed inside drying machine

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

When looking for a bed bug stain, check for rusty or reddish stains on bedding.

These are brought on by bugs being crushed, while dark spots are from bug excrement.

While older bed bug stains may be more difficult to remove, they are not impossible.

Freshly washed and folded bed sheets placed in clean trash bag for storage

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Old or set-in stains can be removed with a commercial spot treatment spray.

Fresh stains should wash out easily with a regular wash and a spot treatment.

Washing and drying bedding in high heat should kill bed bugs instantly.

White plastic bag filled with bed bug stained sheets for dry cleaning

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

It will not affect any bed bugs or their eggs that may be hiding in mattress crevices.

If you aren’t sure if you have the infestation under control, you should always consult a professional.

Dry cleaning solvent sprayed on to bed bug stained blanket

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Clothes steamer applying heat to bed bug stained blanket

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Black vacuum wand on mattress to control dust mites

Ratchat/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus

person spraying a mattress

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Black steamer nozzle held up over mattress for cleaning

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald