Are you out of your wits trying to get rid of bed bugs in your home?
I hear you.
Bed bugs are dreadful to everyone in your home.
They are hard to treat because you can’t just spray chemicals inside of your home to get rid of them.
Since they commonly hide in and around your bed, you might be feeling helpless.
Don’t worry you can get rid of bed bugs without contaminating your bed or the rest of your house.
Steamers are the best all-natural, highly-effective way to get rid of bed bugs.
In this post, we’ll go over the best steam cleaners for bed bugs. So you can finally get your home back from those pesky bed bugs.
Let’s dive in!
1. McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner – Best Overall
Pros
Two hours of steam
Large is great for steaming your entire home without refills
Variable steam control for precise cleaning
Includes a carrying case
Integrated handle for easy portability
Extra-long power cord and steam hose
Built-in pressure gauge
Cons
Handle gets warmer after extended use
30 mins to cool down
Expensive
Excess accessories for casual use
Long warm uptime
Steam could be drier
Key Details
- Steam Operating Time: 120 min.
- Steam Pressure: 58 psi (max)
- Capacity: 64 oz.
- Steam Adjustment: Yes
- Heating Time: 12 min.
- Max Heat: 212 degrees F
What I Like
High Heat and Long Steam Time
This is an excellent steamer if you’re looking to get rid of your home’s bed bugs.
It delivers high heat steam of 220 degrees Fahrenheit, which is capable of killing bed bugs immediately.
In addition to the high heat, it also has a long steam time.
With this steamer, you get two hours of steam time. This will allow you to stream most of your home without filling up your water tank or taking a break.
Plenty of Accessories
This steamer also comes with plenty of accessories that will keep you covered in any situation.
Since bed bugs like to hide in small crevices,, the traditional attachments won’t allow you to kill bed bugs in those crevices.
The varying sized crevice and corner attachments give you the ability to kill bed bugs in every corner.
Variable Steam Control
The variable steam control is another handy tool when steaming for bed bugs.
With the variable steam, you can adjust the steam to ensure your steam does not damage your furniture.
Likewise, you can also adjust the steam level for thicker or deeper cracks to help you kill hard to reach bed bugs.
If the crevice tool isn’t enough, you can use an increase in steam pressure to help you get there.
What I Dislike
Expensive
The biggest knock on this steamer is the price. This is the more expensive model, but it does come with some key features essential for eliminating bed bugs.
If you are willing to spend some upwards of $300 or more, this is a great steamer.
Warm Handle
After extended use, the steamer handle does tend to get hot.
This can get uncomfortable and make it challenging to continue steaming your home.
One way to avoid this is to wear a pair of leather gloves. This will give you added protection against the hot handle.
Heavy and Bulky
Another problem with this steamer is that it is on the heavier side.
Especially when the water tank is full, moving this steamer can be difficult.
With the Water tank full, this steamer weighs approximately 18 pounds.
While it does have wheels that help you maneuver, the massive base and short handle can cause some concerns.
2. McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner – Runner Up
Pros
Long continuous steam time
Onboard storage
Extra-long extension rod and long hose
Fast heat time
Variable Steam Pressure
Cons
Noisy
Very moist steam
The hose could be more durable
Expensive
Key Details
- Steam Operating Time: 90 min.
- Steam Pressure: 58 psi (max)
- Capacity: 48 oz.
- Steam Adjustment: Yes
- Heating Time: 10-12 min.
- Max Heat: 200 degrees F
What I Like
Reasonable Price For Features
If you are looking for a high-quality steamer, but don’t want to spend premium prices, this is the best option.
For the features and specs that this steamer comes with, the price is reasonable.
Rather than spending upwards of $300, you can spend just under $200 to get nearly the same features.
High Heat and Long Steam Time
With this steamer, you get 90 minutes of steam time at a maximum of 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
This steamer will allow you to steam large areas without stopping.
This is perfect for ensuring that you eliminate all bed bugs in the right amount of time; If you take breaks in the middle of your steaming, the bed bugs can hide in areas you have already treated.
What I Dislike:
Pressure When Using Hose
The pressure when using the extra-long hose does tend to create some problems.
Since the pressure originates in the steamer’s base, it does produce inconsistent steam by the time it has traveled through the hose; it is fragile.
Use the tube when steaming for bed bugs to ensure the maximum pressure and head reach the bed bugs.
Attachment Issues
This steamer’s attachments seem to be from a much cheaper plastic than the rest of the steamer.
It’s not uncommon for the attachments to break or crack.
Unfortunately, after a crack, the attachment becomes useless since the steam will exit the crack rather than the exit point.
3. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Pros
Long steam time – 50min
Easy to move around
Built-in funnel for adding water
Compact and easy to store
Two-year warranty
Cons
Long hose can get in the way
The handle is very low when moving the steamer
Pulling the steamer can break the hose
Key Details
- Steam Operating Time: 50 min.
- Steam Pressure: 50 psi (max)
- Capacity: 54 oz.
- Steam Adjustment: No
- Heating Time: 7 min.
- Max Heat: 275 degrees F
What I Like:
Steam Pressure
The steam pressure on this machine is superb. Although it does not reach 58 or 60 PSI like some of the top steamers, it delivers 50 PSI, sufficient to kill bed bugs.
Even with the long hose, the pressure remains strong due to the thin hose.
Other steamers experience a decrease in pressure when losing a longer hose, but this is not the case.
Built-In Funnel
The built-in water funnel is another small but considerate feature that I like.
It makes it super fast and easy to refill the tank without worrying about making a mess.
Quick Heat Time
The quick heat time on this steamer is an amazing feature that helps make up for the smaller tank size.
Even if you have to refill the tank, you will be ready to go in about seven minutes.
This cuts down the time you spend steaming and ensures you kill as many bed bugs as possible.
What I Dislike
Leaking Issues
One of my main issues with this steamer is that it does leak a bit. After steaming for an extended period, I often find leaking coming from the hose connection.
While this is not a huge issue, it can be concerning as you continue to work.
Moist Steam
Another downside to using this steamer is that the steam is moist and will leave water drops all over everything you steam.
This has minimal impact on killing bed bugs, but it can damage your belongings depending on the material.
Lock Trigger
This steamer also lacks a locking trigger.
This means you will have to hold the trigger the entire time that you are steaming.
While this does not sound like a huge downside, steaming for bed bugs is often a massive job.
You might need to steam entire rooms or even your entire house.
Without a locking trigger, this can cause some serious discomfort when steaming for bed bugs.
4. COSTWAY Multipurpose Steam Cleaner – Best Budget
Pros
Offers a wide range of accessories
Large water tank
Easy to change cleaning pads with velcro
Heats up very quickly
Hidden storage compartment
Small and compact size
Curved handle for easy carrying
Trigger lock for continuous cleaning
Cons
Only a one-year warranty
Difficult to get replacement parts
Attachments could be more durable
Not the highest quality
Key Details
- Steam Operating Time: 45 min.
- Steam Pressure:44 – 58 psi (max)
- Capacity: 51 oz.
- Steam Adjustment: No
- Heating Time: 8-9 min.
- Max Heat: 200 degrees F
What I Like
Price
If you are looking for a steamer, but don’t want to spend premium prices, this is the best option.
This steamer does not have the same features as some of the top steamers it does have everything you need to get rid of bed bugs.
For less than $150 and some hard work, you can eliminate bed bugs from your home.
High Heat and Long Steam Time
With this steamer, you get 45 minutes of steam time at a maximum of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
This steamer will allow you to steam large areas without stopping.
This is perfect for ensuring that you eliminate all bed bugs in the right amount of time; If you take breaks in the middle of your steaming, the bed bugs can hide in areas you have already treated.
What I Dislike:
Leaking Issues
One of my main issues with this steamer is that it does leak a bit. After steaming for an extended period, I often find leaking coming from the hose connection.
While this is not a huge issue, it can be concerning as you continue to work.
Quality
The quality of this machine could use some improvement. Considering the price, it is a bargain.
There are some instances or hoses ripping and attachments cracking within the first three months.
5. McCulloch MC1230 Handheld Steam Cleaner – Best Handheld
Pros
Modern design
Lightweight
Plenty of Accessories
A locking steam trigger
Has a 15-foot power cord
Cons
A small water tank sometimes leaks as you move the steamer
The handle can get hot after some time
Only 10 minutes of continuous steam
Key Details
- Steam Operating Time: 10 min.
- Steam Pressure: 50 psi (max)
- Capacity: 6 oz.
- Steam Adjustment: No
- Heating Time: 3 min.
- Max Heat: 200 degrees F
What I Like
Lightweight and Portable
My favorite part about this machine is how lightweight and portable it is. I can easily carry it around and perform spot steaming anywhere.
This is great for getting in hard to reach areas like under bed frames and small crevices.
Heat and Pressure
Although this is a small, compact steamer, it still delivers steam at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, since the nozzle is connected to the base, it delivers steam with high pressure.
This is crucial when treating bed bugs and ensuring that you kill them with one pass.
What I Dislike:
Small Tank and Short Steam Time
One of the most significant issues with this steamer is that it’s not made for large jobs.
With a 6 oz. water tank, this steamer can only deliver 10 min of steam time before you need to refill the tank.
This steamer is best for spot cleaning or getting into those hard to reach areas quickly.
Hot Handle and Leaking Water
Another downside: this steamer tends to get hot since the base is so close to your hand.
Another danger is that if you are not careful, the water will leak.
This is concerning because the water coming out of the tank is extremely hot.
How To Use Flea Foggers?
When using a fogger, follow the directions on the label.
Follow the steps below:
- Vacuum thoroughly to eliminate any dirt or objects from preventing the insecticide from reaching the fleas.
- Remove or cover exposed food, dishes, utensils, and surfaces that come in contact with food.
- Remove all living animals and plants.
- Turn off all ignition sources; this includes the gas in your home and other electronic appliances.
- Close all windows and other entry points other than your point of exit.
- Use one container for each 30 x 25 room.
- Only use one fogger per room.
- Don’t use foggers in small enclosed areas such as cabinets.
- Foggers should not be used in rooms smaller than 5’ x 5.’
- Place the fogger on an elevated surface. Ideally, between 12” and 24”.
- When activating the foggers, tilt away from your face and push down until the activator tab locks in place.
- Once activated, leave the room immediately and seal any remaining open windows and doors.
Pro Tip: Use Precor 200 Plus Premise Spray to spot treat any areas where foggers may not be able to penetrate.
This includes:
- Under furniture
- Under appliances
- Voids between furniture
- Small gaps or cracks
What to Look for in a Steamer for Bed Bugs?
When steaming for bed bugs, there are a few crucial features that you want to ensure you deliver maximum mortality.
Those features are
- Maximum Heat
- Steam Pressure
- Steam Pressure Adjustment
- Continuous Steam Length
Maximum Heat
The rule is pretty simple here; the hotter your steamer gets, the better. Most steamers will easily reach at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
The reason hotter is better is that bed bugs hide in crevices, folds, and creases.
When this happens by the time the heat has passed through the fabric and other materials, the steam’s heat decreases.
Having a steamer that reaches higher than 220 degrees Fahrenheit will ensure that you always deliver fatal steam to your home’s bed bugs.
Steam Pressure
Similarly, since bed bugs hide in cracks, crevices, and folds, a higher steam pressure will allow you to shoot more steam inside.
This is incredibly helpful when you are treating under objects like box springs, couches, and crevices in the corner of your home.
Ideally, you want a steamer that delivers at least 50PSI.
A steamer with lower PSI tends to leave live bed bugs after steam cleaning.
Steam Pressure Adjustment
Steam pressure adjustment is more of a luxury than a necessity.
It will help you adjust accordingly to protect yourself and your belongings while also delivering maximum mortality.
For example, for thinner materials on a surface, you would use a smaller PSI such as 52; whereas for getting into creases and crevices, you would want to use a PSI of 60 and above.
Continuous Steam Length
This is one of the most important features when choosing a steamer.
Ideally, you want a steamer that can last at least 45 minutes of continuous steaming.
This will allow you to steam large furniture or portions of your room without interruption.
With frequent interruptions, bed bugs will begin to scatter and hide after they feel the initial steam.
When you return from refilling and heating, your steamer bed bugs will be hiding in the areas you have already treated.
Avoid this by getting a steamer with a team time of at least 50 minutes, but I recommend two hours.
Do Steam Cleaners Kill Bed Bugs?
Yes, steam cleaners do kill bed bugs.
The high temperatures of the steam make it very efficient at killing bed bugs quickly.
Bed bugs will die instantly at temperatures above 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since most steamers reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit, if steam comes into direct contact with bed bugs, they will die instantly.
Washing your covers will not eliminate all the bed bugs hiding inside your couch. These bugs can be hiding inside the frame and cushions.
To cover all your bases, I recommend steaming.
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