Specialist laundry is the separate handling, washing and drying of textiles that should not go through an ordinary wash-and-fold service: bedding and clothing affected by bed bugs, loads linked to a flea problem, and bedding or clothing soiled through incontinence. This guide defines each type, explains what laundry can and cannot do, and shows how MyLaundress organises the work in London and across the rest of the UK.
In brief: specialist laundry keeps affected textiles apart from ordinary customer laundry, uses handling agreed before collection, and washes and dries each item as its care label allows. It treats suitable textiles; it does not treat a property, a pet or a person.
How specialist laundry differs from ordinary laundry
- Disclosure: the customer tells us what the load has been exposed to before collection, so it is never mixed into an ordinary load by mistake.
- Separation: specialist loads are kept apart from other customers' laundry. In London they are processed at our separate specialist facility in North Tottenham, not at our Hackney laundrette.
- Suitability: each item is washed and dried as its fabric allows. Higher temperatures such as 60°C are used only where the care label permits.
- Agreed handling: bags, labels and collection arrangements are agreed before the day, rather than improvised at the door.
The three specialist load types
Bed bug laundry
Bed bug laundry covers washable clothing, bedding and soft furnishings collected sealed from a home or building that is dealing with bed bugs. Laundry is one part of the response. The NHS advises contacting a pest control service for the property, and that clothing and bedding can be washed on a hot wash where suitable.
Flea-affected laundry
Flea problems usually involve pets, bedding and the home itself. Laundry can help with suitable bedding, blankets and throws, but it does not treat a pet or a property. MyLaundress does not run a separate flea booking option. Flea-affected loads are assessed by enquiry, and suitable pet bedding may then be handled through our pet laundry service. Items with wet flea treatment on them are not accepted.
Incontinence laundry
Incontinence laundry covers urine-soiled bedding, nightwear and clothing for households, carers, care homes and supported accommodation. The aim is reliable, dignified handling and returned textiles that are fit to use. It is not a clinical disinfection service and does not replace a provider's own infection-control policy.
Who uses specialist laundry
Households use it when a bed bug or flea problem, or ongoing incontinence, makes laundry at home impractical. Organisations use it as a planned arrangement: care homes, supported living and supported accommodation, adult social care teams, councils, housing associations, hostels and temporary-accommodation providers. MyLaundress holds seven London council contracts for specialist laundry services. That is a statement about the contracts we hold, not a council endorsement, and it does not mean every contract covers every specialist service.
Where specialist laundry is available
Specialist laundry is available in London and across the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to postcode, textile suitability and agreed collection arrangements. Ordinary laundry and everyday dry cleaning remain London services, and London urgent-collection wording is not a national response promise. National work uses coordinated local courier and processing partners. Courier availability depends on the postcode and is confirmed when you book.
Common questions
Will laundry get rid of bed bugs or fleas in my home?
No. Laundry handles suitable textiles that are handed over. The property needs its own pest treatment, and pets need suitable care from a vet or pet professional. We do not promise eradication.
Is specialist laundry sterile?
No. We do not claim sterilisation or clinical decontamination. We describe what actually happens: separate handling, care-label-appropriate washing and drying, and inspection before return.
Can dry-clean-only items be included?
Sometimes. Dry-clean-only garments need assessment before treatment. Tell us about them when you book rather than putting them in a laundry bag.
- Bed bug laundry service and prices
- Incontinence laundry service and prices
- Pet laundry service: accepted items
- UK specialist laundry coverage
- All specialist laundry services
- NHS: Bedbugs (source)
Published 2026-10-31 by MyLaundress team. Book a collection online