Bed bugs can and have invaded major cities across the U.S., infiltrating apartment buildings, hotels, retail stores, theaters, colleges, hospitals, military posts, and more. These tiny, blood-hungry parasites–which don’t transmit disease–feed on the blood of humans and animals and usually make their homes in and around your bed.
You’ll find bed bugs lurking in the seams of your mattress, between the mattress and box spring, in crevices of bed frames and dressing tables, underneath clutter, and in the folds of curtains. However, dry vapor, high-temperature steam cleaning can effectively help naturally eradicate them from your home.
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- Chemical-Free Cleaning with Natural Steam
- Best High-Temperature Steam Cleaners
- Additional Tips for Removing + Controlling Bed Bugs
- Questions?
- Additional Bed Bug Resources
Chemical-Free Cleaning with Natural Steam
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Joint Statement on Bed Bug Control, the best plan for eliminating bed bugs is an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Among other components of the IPM process, high-temperature steam cleaners are highly recommended tools for safe bed bug eradication and prevention.
Steam cleaners that use high-temperature boilers to produce a dry vapor steam, usually in excess of 220-degrees Fahrenheit, are best suited for bed bugs. Heat treatment is applied to affected areas with bed bugs, which cannot survive when exposed to temperatures measuring 130-degrees Fahrenheit or greater.
Our 1,500-watt steam cleaners generate steady steam for at least 30 – 45 minutes on a slow steady pressure. Continuous-fill steam cleaners can be used indefinitely with their quick-fill, no cool-down boiler systems.
Best High-Temperature Steam Cleaners
Vapamore MR100
Named a Consumer Digest’s best buy, this steam cleaner features adjustable steam controls and plenty of cleaning accessories.
- Steam Cleaner Type: Residential
- Boiler Steam Temperature: 210 - 220-degrees F
- Steam Operating Time: 50 - 60 Minutes
- Continuous Fill Boiler: No
US Steam Falcon Plus Commercial Vapor Steam Cleaner
Armed with 11 dishwasher-safe cleaning accessories, this high-temperature steam cleaner can clean up to 24-feet of working area with the 12-foot steam hose.
- Steam Cleaner Type: Commercial
- Boiler Steam Temperature: 312-degrees F
- Steam Operating Time: 20 - 45 Minutes
- Continuous Fill Boiler: No
Vapor Clean Pro7 Home Plus Steam Cleaner
Great for deep-cleaning around the house as well as bed bug removal, this mid-sized canister steam cleaner works with 14 integrated cleaning accessories to help get the job done.
- Steam Cleaner Type: Residential
- Boiler Steam Temperature: 312 degrees F
- Steam Tip Temperature: 300 degrees F
- Continuous Fill Boiler: Yes
Vapor Clean Pro 5 Solo High Temp Steam Cleaner
Italian-made, this produces intense dry steam for cleaning porous and non-porous surfaces with 327 degree F steam. Easy-to-maneuver stainless steel cleaner is great for heavy residential and light commercial use.
- Steam Cleaner Type: Commercial/Multi-Purpose
- Boiler Steam Temperature: 327-degrees F
- Steam Operating Time: 60 Minutes
- Continuous Fill Boiler: No
Additional Tips for Removing + Controlling Bed Bugs
Bed bug removal and prevention doesn’t end there. To ensure your home stays bug-free, use these preventative steps to prevent another infestation or outbreak.
As a rule of thumb, if you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, we recommend that you first consult a licensed pest control professional before attempting any do-it-yourself remediation. A qualified pest control professional will inspect your environment and develop a recommended plan of action based on your environment’s needs using the IPM approach.
- Launder Linens: Launder clothing and bed sheets in hot water, and dry them in the dryer on the hottest setting to kill any remaining bugs or eggs.
- Vacuum Frequently: Frequently vacuuming, as well as cleaning everything within range of a potential bed bug habitat, will help to remove and keep them from re-populating.
- Check Furniture: It is always a good rule of thumb to inspect your furniture before any bed bug removal, and be diligent to check after traveling and extended stays in hotels.
- Reduce Clutter: Keep the floor and surrounding areas clear of clutter, including clothing, trash, or boxes, as these items serve as hiding places for bed bugs.
Check out this EPA article on bed bug removal and eradication for more helpful tips.
Questions?
To learn more, browse our information and resources on bed bugs and steam cleaners. In addition, view our recommended steam cleaners for bed bug eradication and prevention.
Have a question about our vapor steam cleaners? Give us a call at 1-800-934-9194 to find out more on our selection of brands. Be sure to share with us your favorite steam cleaners or reviews on our Sylvane Facebook or Twitter pages.