How Can Steam Cleaning Help You Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
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Have you noticed black spots on the mattress or blood stains on a bed cover? Bed bugs might be to blame! Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures that appear when the lights are off. You may find bite marks or redness on your skin when you wake up.
These parasitic insects are very hard to kill. However, steam cleaning can help you to remove bed bugs along with other pests like dust mites, as they cannot withstand high temperatures above 160°F.
If you buy a steam cleaning device, it will help you to kill bed bugs and help you get better sleep. Here are some great steam cleaning tips for this purpose.
Top Steam Cleaning Tips to get rid of Bed Bugs
Use a Triangular Nozzle
Most steam cleaners come with a standard floor nozzle, which is not the best one for killing bed bugs. This is because while using this nozzle, you need to move the device very slowly to maintain the temperature. Instead, if you use a triangular nozzle to the steam wand, it will do a more effective job.
Maintain the right Temperature
While running the steam cleaner over your bed, maintain a temperature of 160 to 180°F, or else it’s likely the bugs won’t die. On the other hand, too high temperature can damage the fabric. If your steam cleaner doesn’t have a temperature reader then you may wish to use an infrared thermometer to measure the right surface temperature.
Dry the Fabric
It’s fine if the fabric is damp, however ensure it is not too wet. If so, use the steam cleaner first to dry the fabric well and then concentrate your nozzle on the areas where the bed bugs are to kill them.
Put the Fan on
Once you have finished steam cleaning, switch on the fan to help speed up the drying process of the steamed area. It’s also a great idea to open the windows to allow fresh air in and get rid of any smells.
Repeat the Process
Using your steam cleaner just once may not give you the desired result. Bed bugs are stubborn, and they often hide in places you cannot reach. So it’s best to use it regularly to kill all the bed bugs and ensure a restful and bed bug free sleep!
Most steam cleaners can get as hot as 230°F. Always, keep your children and pets away while using the steam cleaner. This device can be of great help to get rid of the bed bugs.
References
https://www.bedbugs.umn.edu/bed-bug-control-in-residences/steamers
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Bed-Bugs-With-Steam
https://dupray.com/blogs/what-to-clean/exterminating-bedbugs