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Dealing with bed bugs can be incredibly stressful, but with some patience and a good plan, you can be rid of these bloodsucking insects. A steam cleaner is one useful tool to add to your bed bug banishing arsenal—the right one can kill bugs and eggs almost instantaneously. A bed bug steamer uses high-heat steam to get rid of these resilient pests.
Not any old steamer will do the trick. Read on to learn about the features to look for in the best steamers for bed bugs and to find a suitable steamer to tackle any home infestation.
- BEST OVERALL: McCulloch Canister Steam Cleaner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Steamfast Canister Steam Cleaner
- UPGRADE PICK: Vapamore Primo Steam Cleaner
- BEST MULTIUSE: Wagner Spraytech 915e On-Demand Steam Cleaner
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
- BEST COMMERCIAL-GRADE: Dupray Tosca Steam Cleaner Commercial Steamer
- BEST HANDHELD: DBTech Multi-Purpose Handheld Steam Cleaner
How We Chose the Best Steamers for Bed Bugs
A bed bug infestation should not be taken lightly. These small pests can cause great physical and emotional anguish. To create this guide, we researched more than 20 steamers and narrowed them down to the most convenient and effective choices. We chose only bed bug steamers that are up to this tough job.
Each of the steamers on this list meets or exceeds the minimum requirements to kill bed bugs. They produce a consistent stream of steam at a minimum temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit or more. We chose products from reputable brands and paid attention to consumer feedback to ensure a good, stable jet of steam that doesn’t sputter or spray.
Steaming for bed bugs is slow work, so a comfortable and user-friendly design topped our priority list. We chose steamers with long hoses, wide nozzle options, and a long steam time to make the job less tedious.
Lastly, the best steam cleaners are useful for much more than exterminating bed bugs or doing pest control. They can clean and disinfect throughout the home, so we chose versatile options with plenty of accessories to give you more bang for your buck.
Our Top Picks
With the best steamer for bed bugs, you can kill bed bugs and their eggs. Here are our top picks for the job.
Best Overall
McCulloch Canister Steam Cleaner
Bed bugs can’t beat the McCulloch canister steam cleaner, which is jam-packed with bed bug–eliminating features. This steamer reaches over 200 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively kill bed bugs. It also comes with 20 accessories, including a mop head, large brush head, and triangle brush head. These accessories offer a wide nozzle to sweep large areas like mattresses, couches, and carpets.
A steam control dial allows you to control the steam to adjust the flow for different jobs. For better reach, this steamer features an 18-foot power cord and a 10-foot steam hose. Paired with the 48-ounce water tank, impressive 90-minute steam time, and steam lock feature, you can tackle an entire room without interruption.
Product Specs
- Maximum temperature: Over 200 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heating time: 10 minutes
- Steam time: 90 minutes
Pros
- Variable-steam control allows you to adjust the steam emissions based on the cleaning project
- 90-minute steam time is long enough to tackle larger jobs
- 20 included accessories add to steamer’s convenience and versatility
- Long reach provided by the 18-foot power cord and 10-foot hose
Cons
- Lacks a water level indicator; users will have to check the water levels periodically
Get the McCulloch steamer for bed bugs at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Steamfast Canister Steam Cleaner
Getting rid of bed bugs can be an expensive endeavor. The Steamfast canister steam cleaner provides bed bug-killing steam at a lower price than some. Designed for portability and ease of use, the small steamer features a wheeled tank, carrying handle, and 15-foot power cord. A 6.5-foot hose provides that extra reach to get into cracks and crevices where bed bugs may be lurking.
A relatively affordable steamer, the Steamfast delivers on features and accessories. It features 17 accessories, including mop pads, detail brushes, and other scrub tools to help banish bed bugs and clean your home. An ample 48-ounce water tank heats up in just 8 minutes and provides 45 minutes of steam time. Plus, a steam lock feature allows for continuous operation, which is useful for a range of tasks from eliminating bed bugs to mopping floors.
Product Specs
- Maximum temperature: Over 200 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heating time: 8 minutes
- Steam time: 45 minutes
Pros
- Includes 17 accessories for versatility: mop pads, detail brushes, and other scrub tools
- Optional steam lock integrated for continuous operation; can kill bed bugs or steam floors
- Built-in carrying handle and 15-foot power cord allow for easy maneuvering while in use
Cons
- Lacks onboard accessory storage; some pieces may get lost if not properly stored
Get the Steamfast steamer for bed bugs at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Vapamore Primo Steam Cleaner
Looking to invest in a quality steamer for bed bug eradication and household cleaning? Vapamore’s Primo steam cleaner is a premium pick. This steamer features a type of valve usually found in commercial units that helps to keep the interior lines as dry as possible and produces a drier, hotter steam for more efficient cleaning and a shorter drying time.
A large 1.6-liter (54-ounce) tank provides a 60-minute steam time. In an 11-minute heating time, the steamer releases vapor at a consistently toasty 220 degrees Fahrenheit—more than hot enough to stop bed bugs in their tracks.
Large wheels and a padded carrying handle make this steamer easy to move around the room. Most of the 20 extensions and attachments fit in the small onboard storage compartment.
Product Specs
- Maximum temperature: 220 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heating time: 11 minutes
- Steam time: 50 to 60 minutes
Pros
- Dry steamer provides efficient cleaning power and shorter drying times after steaming
- Long steam time (50 to 60 minutes) provides enough steam for large or multiple steaming projects
- Onboard accessory storage keeps all tools and equipment organized and together
Cons
- Rolling unit gets very hot when operational
Get the Vapamore steamer for bed bugs at Amazon.
Best Multiuse
Wagner Spraytech 915e On-Demand Steam Cleaner
Eradicate bed bugs one day and remove wallpaper the next with this multipurpose steamer from Wagner Spraytech. It features an impressive range of attachments, including 18 accessories. Beyond the typical detail-cleaning nozzle and brushes, this device includes a large cleaning head (with optional mop pad), wallpaper steam plate, and fabric steamer. Each attachment features a broad nozzle to help with a range of tasks, including bed bug elimination.
A 40-ounce water tank, 8-foot hose, and portable design provide up to 40 minutes of flexible steaming time. The steamer takes just 9 minutes to produce a steam jet of 212 degrees Fahrenheit that roasts bed bugs on contact. After the bed bugs are gone, use this steamer for a range of other household tasks, from cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to removing old wallpaper. Smaller accessories fit in the onboard storage compartment for even more convenience.
Product Specs
- Maximum temperature: 212 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heating time: 9 minutes
- Steam time: 40 minutes
Pros
- Includes 18 versatile accessories for a variety of steaming tasks and projects
- Compact design is easy to maneuver into tight spaces and is easy to store
- Onboard small-accessory storage keeps steamer tools organized and together
Cons
- Lacks steam lock feature; might not provide continuous use
Get the Wagner steamer for bed bugs at The Home Depot.
Best Lightweight
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Dupray’s Neat steam cleaner weighs in at 9 pounds when empty, which ranks it as one of the most convenient models to cart around the house. A compact cube tank with a portable design features a retractable carrying handle and hidden, smooth-rolling wheels that help give this steamer a sleek look.
Despite the compact build, this steam cleaner holds 54 ounces of water for up to 50 minutes of cleaning time. After 8 minutes of heating time, low-moisture steam comes out at 275 degrees Fahrenheit to disinfect surfaces and kill bed bugs. With 17 included accessories, a 6.5-foot hose, and a steam lock feature, this slim steamer packs a powerful punch.
Product Specs
- Maximum temperature: 275 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heating time: 8 minutes
- Steam time: 50 minutes
Pros
- With its lightweight build, the steamer is easy to maneuver in hard-to-reach places
- Retractable carrying handle and smooth wheels add to convenience and portability
- Sleek design is unique in appearance and small enough to store easily
Cons
- Cord wrap is under the unit and is awkward to access
Get the Dupray Neat steamer for bed bugs at Amazon.
Best Commercial-Grade
Dupray Tosca Steam Cleaner Commercial Steamer
Professional bed bug exterminators use commercial-grade steamers, which often include several premium features. For those looking to splurge on a professional steamer machine, consider this model from Dupray.
This heavy-duty steamer heats steam up to an impressive 316 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bed bugs, viruses, and bacteria. With a 4-liter (1.05-gallon) tank and a 7-minute heat time, it offers up to 90 minutes of cleaning time.
A digital display shows active temperature, pressure level, and maintenance reminders. An adjustable steam control allows users to fine-tune the low-moisture steam emission. With a nearly 10-foot hose and 25 heavy-duty accessories, this cleaner can rise to most any household steaming task.
Product Specs
- Maximum temperature: 316 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heating time: 7 minutes
- Steam time: 90 minutes
Pros
- High 316 degree Fahrenheit steam temperature kill bugs, viruses, and bacteria
- Long 90-minute runtime is suitable for large or multiple projects
- Digital display allows you to make quick adjustments and adds to ease of use
- Adjustable steam control allows you to customize the steam based on the project
Cons
- Some users have reported insufficient heat for cleaning or disinfecting
Get the Dupray Tosca commercial steamer for bed bugs at Amazon.
Best Handheld
DBTech Multi-Purpose Handheld Steam Cleaner
For those who want to get up close and personal when removing bed bugs, relying on the DBTech Multi-Purpose handheld steam cleaner is just the ticket. Considered one of the best handheld steamers on the market, this 3.2-pound versatile unit has a 1,050-watt heating system, a 6-ounce water tank, 3-minute heat-up time, up to 20 minutes of runtime, and a high temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature not only works for cleaning tasks but also can kill bed bugs, lice, nits, dust mites, parasites, mange, and more.
What’s more, this lightweight and versatile unit can be used as a clothes steamer; for removing grease and grime; for getting soap scum off of glass; and for cleaning cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.
Made with a 9-foot power cord, this unit is capable of getting into hard-to-reach places with the help of the included handle, nozzle, scraper, and telescoping wand.
Product Specs
- Maximum temperature: 210 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heating time: 3 minutes
- Steam time: Up to 20 minutes
Pros
- With steamer’s lightweight construction, it is easy to maneuver and won’t cause strain on users
- Provides up to 20 minutes of runtime and heats up in 3 minutes
- 9-foot power cord allows you to clean and steam in hard-to-reach places
- Comes with several attachments to tackle multiple project and surface types
Cons
- Smaller water capacity than most steamers available; not meant for lengthy steaming projects
Get the DBTech steamer for bed bugs at The Home Depot or Wayfair.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Steamer for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are smart and resilient, which makes them one of the toughest pests to exterminate. But these hardy insects wreak havoc on physical and mental health, so a bed bug infestation needs immediate attention. To stop these parasites in their tracks, invest in a steam cleaner for bed bugs. In all stages of development, bed bugs die at around 122 degrees Fahrenheit, so steam makes for a deadly weapon. To make sure you get the best for the job, consider features like heat and steam output, capacity, heating time, nozzle and cord size, and extra attachments.
Heat Output
When used properly, steamers become lethal weapons against bed bugs. These pests die at around 122 degrees Fahrenheit, but to safeguard against heat loss and human error, a steamer for bed bugs should reach hotter temperatures.
To ensure the steam does the job, the steam-treated surface should reach 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. To account for heat loss, look for a steamer with a heat output over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Carpet cleaners or clothing steamers don’t always make the best choices, since they may not consistently reach a high enough temperature to kill bed bugs. Dedicated steam cleaners, on the other hand, tend to offer more stable heat output.
Steam Pressure
When shopping for a steamer for bed bugs, look for a model capable of delivering the right amount of steam.
Too little pressure won’t allow the steam to penetrate deep into fabrics and crevices. But too much pressure can also be a problem: a jet of steam can blow bed bugs and eggs to other locations in the room where they can spread. If the product specifications include pressure range, look for an option in the 40 to 60 psi range.
For more flexibility, consider a steamer with adjustable steam pressure. If adjustable steamers cost too much, look for a product with multiple attachments. They create different steam patterns, so you can adjust the output for the job at hand.
Capacity
Steamers have a tank that turns water into steam while you work. The tank capacity determines how long you can steam before refilling. Most manufacturers include continuous steaming time, which translates tank capacity into usage time, in the product specs. Many steamers can run from 40 to 90 minutes on a single tank.
A larger capacity means you can work for longer, but it also means a larger steamer. A large water tank can add a lot of weight when full. Consider ease of use and your available storage space to choose the right capacity for your needs.
Steam Adjustment
Adjustable steam settings can add flexibility to a good steamer. When treating for bed bugs, different areas require different amounts of steam. For example, clothes need little steam pressure to penetrate thin garments, while cracks in a baseboard may require more pressure to ensure the steam penetrates into the gap. Adjustable steam settings make it easy to tailor the pressure to your needs.
A continuous steam feature is particularly useful for banishing bed bugs. Usually called a steam lock, this locking switch lets out a continuous stream of steam so you don’t need to hold down the trigger for the entire treatment.
Some steamers allow you to adjust the wetness of the steam. If the steamer doesn’t have adjustment features, a drier steamer is a better pick for dealing with bed bugs.
Heating Time
A steamer’s heating time measures how long it takes to convert water to steam when you switch the steamer on. Heating time can range from 30 seconds to 15 minutes. A faster heating time means you can get to work nearly immediately.
Heating time may also correlate with steamer size. Small-capacity steamers generally heat up faster than large ones. When shopping for the best steamers, consider tank capacity in relation to heating time. A small steamer may have an impressive heating time, but it may need more frequent refills, which adds time to the job.
Broad Nozzle
Steamers are a popular treatment option for larger surfaces, like mattresses, furniture, and carpets. A broad rectangular or triangular nozzle attachment makes it easier to treat larger areas like these.
A necessity for most treatment areas, a wide nozzle makes for less tedious work. It would take hours to treat a mattress or couch with a single, narrow jet of steam. What’s more, a narrow stream could also be too powerful and blow bugs and eggs away instead of killing them.
Smaller nozzles, on the other hand, make great tools for cracks, crevices, and other tight spaces. Ideally, look for a steamer with a range of attachments to tackle different areas.
Length of Cord and Hose
When treating a room for bed bugs, you’ll want to treat all possible hiding places. You’ll need to move slowly and methodically to make sure each surface gets enough steam time. A thorough treatment means lots of moving around, so a long cord and hose will come in handy.
A long hose allows you to steam large areas without lugging the heavy water tank along with each step. Hoses range from 5 to 10 feet, and a longer hose means fewer interruptions. A long power cord minimizes interruptions, too.
Attachments
Steamers are multiuse tools, and the best options will include a range of attachments. After treating for bed bugs, you can use a steamer for all sorts of cleaning and disinfecting tasks, from cleaning grout lines to disinfecting floors. A versatile steamer with a range of attachments can be a worthwhile buy for exterminating bed bugs, then used for other tasks.
Common attachments include wide cleaning nozzles, jet nozzles, grout brushes, wallpaper removers, squeegees, and various-sized detail brushes. These attachments can help tackle bed bugs and clean throughout your home.
Tips on How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs With a Steamer
A steamer for bed bugs is one of many tools you can use to stop an infestation. Before using a steamer for bed bugs, run over infested areas with a vacuum to suck up as many bugs as possible.
Use the steam cleaner on appropriate surfaces where bed bugs may be hiding, such as mattresses, couches, carpets, and other furnishings. But be careful to keep steam away from outlets and appliances.
Run the steamer slowly along surfaces and make sure it heats up to a hot enough temperature to kill bed bugs and their eggs. The surface temperature of the treated area should reach 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. An infrared thermometer can help make sure the treated areas are hot enough.
Also, keep in mind that steam treatments only kill bed bugs directly exposed to the steam. Ensure the steam can properly penetrate treatment areas, like in mattress seams and between couch cushions. Steamers don’t leave any residual treatment behind, so more than one treatment may be necessary.
Keep these tips in mind as you attack bed bugs in your home:
- Ensure the surface can tolerate steam.
- Do not take steam near outlets or appliances.
- Run the steamer slowly along the treatment surface.
- Ensure the treatment surface reaches a minimum temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Allow areas to dry completely.
- Re-treat as needed.
FAQs
Getting rid of a bed bug infestation can be distressing. The best steam cleaner for bed bugs can help. Killing bed bugs with a steamer isn’t a glamorous task, but it’s an effective way to deal with these creepy crawlers. Read on for some frequently asked questions on bed bugs and how to use a steamer for bed bug eradication.
Q. What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. While they don’t spread diseases, their presence and their bites can cause physical symptoms and mental distress.
Q. What is the main cause of bed bugs?
Traveling is the most common cause of bed bug infestations. You’ll want to keep an eye out for bed bugs when traveling to avoid accidentally bringing them home. Even immaculately clean spaces can fall victim to an infestation. When it comes to bed bugs, prevention is the best strategy.
Q. Do steam cleaners kill bed bugs and eggs?
Yes, at a high enough temperature and with proper use, steam cleaners can kill both bed bugs and their eggs.
Q. How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs with a steamer?
Steamers can only kill bed bugs if they come in direct contact with heat from the steam. For this reason, it can take several treatments to get rid of bed bugs with a steamer. It’s best to use a steamer in addition to other bed bug treatments.
Q. Can I use a steam cleaner on a mattress?
Yes, a steam cleaner is safe to use on most mattresses, both to get rid of bed bugs and clean and disinfect your mattress.
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