Ah fleas.
Those pesky pests that find their way into our homes and onto our pets.
Even if you keep a spotless home and a happy healthy pet you may still find yourself dealing with fleas.
So you may be wondering: does laundry detergent kill fleas?
Unfortunately is no – laundry detergent alone won’t kill fleas.
While soap and detergent can help remove fleas from your fabrics it doesn’t necessarily kill them.
Now that doesn’t mean that laundry detergent can’t be an effective part of your flea-fighting strategy.
It all depends on the type of detergent you use and how it’s used.
Here’s what you need to know.
Detergents and Soaps: Different Functions
It’s important to note that detergents and soaps are not the same thing.
Soaps are made from natural oils and fats while detergents are synthetic.
Soaps primarily work by loosening dirt and oils from fabrics while detergents are designed specifically to kill germs and bacteria.
The Different Types of Detergents
When it comes to killing fleas you’ll want to look for laundry detergents that contain insecticides such as permethrin.
These detergents are designed to kill pests like fleas ticks and mites.
But be aware that not all insecticidal laundry detergents are created equal.
Some are designed to only repel fleas while others will actually kill them.
So make sure to read the label carefully before you buy.
Using Detergent to Kill Fleas
Once you’ve selected the right insecticidal detergent for your needs the next step is to use it correctly.
It’s important to remember that killing fleas with detergent is a two-step process.
First you’ll need to thoroughly wash the fabric with the detergent making sure to use hot water and a long cycle.
This will help to kill any fleas that are living on the surface of the fabric.
Second you’ll need to allow the fabric to air dry completely.
This will help to prevent any remaining fleas from multiplying and infesting your fabrics.
Conclusion
So does laundry detergent kill fleas? While laundry detergent alone won’t kill fleas if you use the right type of insecticidal detergent and follow the proper procedures it can be an effective part of your flea-fighting strategy.