This article features the best steam cleaner for bed bugs in the market. These best bed bug steamers are most ideal when used in conjunction to other ways to get rid of bed bugs at home.
Using steamer on bed bugs is a good option for people who have pets and kids who are sensitive to chemicals and pesticides. It’s environmentally safe and can penetrate into hard to reach areas (i.e. into mattresses and box springs) and will kill bed bugs on contact. (Also see: Best Bed Bug Encasements)
[May: Steamer is also great for sanitising pet toys safely.]
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using bed bug steamers:
- Versatile
- Environmentally friendly
- Human and Pet friendly
- Leaves no toxic residue (uses water & heat, instead of chemicals)
- Penetrates areas that other tools (spray, vacuum) can’t reach
- Allows treatment on liquid absorbing items without having to use insecticides or chemicals (bed, bed sheets, curtains, carpet)
- Kill bed bugs and their eggs
- Not all steamers will work
- Can’t used around electrical outlets
>> Read till end for Tip and Tricks on using Steamer on Bed Bug
McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steamer
Brand: McCulloch
The McCulloch MC1275 is a heavy-duty and powerful steam cleaner with 1500 watts of steam power that can heat up to over 200 degree Fahrenheit for killing bed bug adults, larvae and eggs.
It has a large 48 oz. water tank capacity that heats up for use in under 8 minutes and provides continuous chemical-free sanitising and cleaning for up to 45 minutes.
The cleaner comes with 18 versatile accessory attachments in its storage compartment, a long 15-foot power cord and caster wheels that offer mobility. It also features a lock switch function that allows continuous steam without having to hold onto the steam button.
- 8 minute heat up time
- 45 minutes of continuous steam
- Comes with 18 accessories
- Good cord length
- Powerful & long lasting steam
- Large water tank
- Not exactly cheap
- Some accessories not as durable (as with other steamers with attachments included)
Wagner 915 On-Demand Power Steamer
Brand: Wagner Spraytech
The 120 volt Wagner 915 power steamer is a pressurised system that supplies steam at the touch of a button. It has two modes of operation – continuous releases steam and intermittent releases steam.
The steamer features a jet nozzle that’s great for cleaning mud, grease and dirt off. It also removes wallpaper 20% faster than non-pressurised steam cleaners.
It has an illuminated green power light that indicates that it’s ready to begin steaming, and a red light that indicates that the heating element is making steam (when it reaches 135 degrees F).
It comes with built-in steamer’s wheels and a variety of accessories.
- 120 volt power
- Jet nozzle
- 8 foot steam hose
- Fingertip two modes control (continuous or intermittent)
- Provides heavy-duty application
- Comes with a variety of accessories
- Built-in wheel
- Cord is pretty short (but easy to store away)
- No on board storage for the accessories
- No safety lock feature on the trigger
- No water level indicator
[May: Ensure you don’t let you kids near it as there’s no trigger lock on this steamer.]
Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steaming System
Brand: Vapamore
The Vapamore MR-100 primo steaming cleaner produces steam of up to 220° F that effectively kills bed bugs. It includes a 1.6L stainless steel boiler, a 1500 watt water heater and a steam control.
The large 1/2 gallon tank allows 60 minute of steaming and each burst of steam from this machine leaves a powerful and deep clean.
It has an 18-ft. retractable cord and comes with onboard storage for the accessories. This steamer has been redesigned with a variety of new tools and accessories (see below) that improves the ease of use and performance.
- Small & compact
- Improved larger floor head design
- 60 mins of operation per tank (1/2 gallon)
- Solenoid-operated steam control
- Produces 210°- 220° steam
- 1500 watt water heater
- 1.6 liter stainless steel boiler
- Adjustable steam output
- Retractable cord (18 feet)
- Lifetime warranty
- Accessory parts are kind of flimsy
- Handle is quite thick
- No way to lock handle in the “on” position
- Can be quite loud while in operation
Shark Steam Pocket Mop (S3501)
Brand: SharkNinja
The Shark S3501N professional steam cleaner specialises in deep-cleaning and sanitising on sealed hard floors (wood, tile, linoleum, and vinyl).
Using just superheated tap water and two-sided patented microfiber pads, this lightweight steam cleaner heats up in 30 seconds and automatically releases steam with every push-forward motion.
It has a large 450ml water tank capacity and comes with a long 20 ft cord that offers the convenience of not having to use extension cord (or unplugging and replugging).
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Long cord (20 ft)
- Heats up in 30 seconds
- Big water chamber (longer steam time)
- Dual head cleaning cover
- Releases steam automatically (with push-forward motion)
- Can’t reach tough spots (i.e corners)
- No on-off switch
>> Buy cleaning pad replacements here.
- Go for wider nozzle that distributes steam at lower pressure (where possible) as smaller attachment produces a centralized pressure that scatters bed bugs rather than killing.
- Keep about 1 to 2 inches away from treatment surface (to ensure killing effectiveness)
- Avoid moving too fast (which decrease the killing effectiveness).
- After the steam treatment of mattresses, let them dry completely before putting encasements back (to avoid growth of mold).
- Wait awhile for steamers to cool down before opening water tank cover for refill (to prolong steam lifespan).
- Use distilled water to avoid mineral buildup.
- Vacuum or sweep treatment area before using steamer
- Read instruction menu before operating steamer
- Never use steam on an electrical outlet or appliances.
Conclusion
Getting rid of bed bugs using any killer methods (including steaming) often requires multiple treatments. Don’t be discouraged or lazy if there’s a need to apply steam treatments multiple times (2-3 times) to eliminate your bed bug problem.
It is possible to get rid of bed bugs using steam alone if the problem is small. As with any other methods to get rid of bed bugs, it is always best to incorporate other bed bug killing methods.
Although the use of steamers allow users to skip the use of chemical or pesticides, precautions should still be taken to avoid burns & injuries etc.
Have you tried using steamers on bed bugs? What are your thoughts about using steam for as a bed bug treatment? We would like to hear from you.