16 Best Bed Bug Steamers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for 2023

Bed bugs are awful. These tiny little bugs crawl into our beds at night, bite into our skin, and suck our blood until they’ve had their fill. Then, they head back to their hiding spots, lay eggs, and wait to do it all over again in a couple of days. Luckily, folks who purchase the best bed bug steamers can kill these nasty little bloodsuckers and their eggs before a bed bug infestation takes hold.

Our Top Choice: McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner

The McCulloch MC1375 is our best bed bug steamer for 2023. We like it for its incredible run time, range, and accessory kit. We also appreciate the built-in gauges, as many steam cleaners don’t offer any information about the steam or pressure. The continuous steam lock is also a plus, as it will produce steam at 58 PSI for as long as the user needs it.

Our Top Choices

1. Best Overall: McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
2. Runner Up: Wagner Spraytech 0282014 915e On-Demand Steam Cleaner
3. Budget-Friendly: Steamfast SF-210 Handheld Steam Cleaner
4. The Upgrade: Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaner with Retractable Cord
5. Best Commercial Grade: Dupray Tosca Steam Cleaner Commercial Steamer
6. Best Handheld: BISSELL Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop
7. Best Canister: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Powerful Multipurpose Steamer
8. Best Capacity: McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner
9. Best Temperature: Dupray HOME Steam Cleaner European Made
10. Best Multi-Purpose: PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1
11. Best Lightweight: Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner & Sanitizer | BISSELL®
12. Best for Travel: Rowenta DR6131 Handheld Steamer
13. Best for Cars: McCulloch MC1270 Portable Power Cleaner
14. Also Consider: Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner with 15 Accessories
15. Also Consider: Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop
16. Also Consider: Vapamore MR-75 Amico Handheld Steam Cleaner

How We Chose Our Best Bed Bug Steamers

We know how nasty bed bugs can be, so we wanted to be sure to offer our readers a real solution. We had to call upon all of our experience and knowledge in pest control and building maintenance to come up with the most important features to look for in the best steam cleaner that can actually kill bed bugs during the cleaning process.

Once we knew what to look for in the best bed bug steamer, we performed 2 days of research to find models that would meet our criteria. We compared features like design, heating time, run time, and price to ensure that each model offered enough value. Those that didn’t give us what we were looking for got the boot while the 16 that remained got our seal of approval. 

The 16 Best Steamers for Bed Bugs

Before you start shopping for steam cleaners at Walmart or searching “handheld steamer home depot” in your Google search bar, check out the following list of top products.

1. Best Overall: McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner

Run Time: 90 minutes
Heating Time: 10 minutes
Max Temperature: Well over 200 degrees
Extras: 20 accessories 

Folks looking for the cream of the steamer crop should check out McCulloch’s MC1375 Canister Steam System steamer. This model has all of the features that users need to tackle their bed bug issues, including a 90-minute run time, an 18-foot power cord for portability, and a 10-foot insulated hose (with a steam lock for continuous flow) that keeps steam pumping without condensing in the hose. 

This model has plenty of features to like. It has a variable steam control for adjusting the steam flow, as well as a 48-ounce water tank that allows the machine to run for an hour and a half continuously, offering up to 58 PSI of steam. Heat-up time takes just 10 minutes, and there is a pressure gauge to give a visual idea of the pressure it’s producing. However, neither the steam control nor pressure gauge displays actual readings, so users will have to do a little bit of guessing when dialing it in for bed bugs. But, it does come with 20 accessories, including multiple brushes, extension wands, mop pads, a  jet nozzle, and several floor heads.

Pros

• 90-minute run-time and 10-minute heat-up allow users to get the job done with very little downtime
• 18-foot power cord and 10-foot insulated hose all for plenty of reach, even in large rooms
• Adjustable steam control allows users to increase or decrease steam flow to ideal levels
• Includes 20 accessories for a wide range of other uses around the house and the garage.

Cons

• No measurement units on gauges

2. Runner Up: Wagner Spraytech 0282014 915e On-Demand Steam Cleaner

Run Time: 40 minutes
Heating Time: 9 minutes
Max Temperature: 212 degrees
Extras: 18 accessories

Anyone who’d like to get a little more mileage out of their steam cleaner than just bed bug infestations should consider the Spraytech model from Wagner. This steam cleaner’s maximum steam temperature is 212 degrees Fahrenheit and a run-time of 40 minutes, thanks to its 40-ounce tank. It also takes just 9 minutes to heat up

The Wagner Spraytech is all about flexibility. It comes with 18 accessories, including nozzles that can reach between bedrails and those that can broadcast steam over a wide surface. But, it also has a wallpaper removal attachment, several brushes, and an 8-foot-long long insulated hose to allow the user to maneuver it where it needs to go within the room without losing steam. Also, many of the attachments store onboard to keep things organized. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have adjustable steam or temperature adjustments.

Pros

• 212-degree max temperature, 9-minute heat-up time, and a 40-minute run-time for plenty of steaming time
• Comes with 18 accessories including nozzles for killing bed bugs as well as a wallpaper attachment
• 8-foot hose for plenty of range and many of the attachment store onboard for easy organizing

Cons

• No adjustable temperature or pressure adjustments

3. Budget-Friendly: Steamfast SF-210 Handheld Steam Cleaner

Run Time: 8 minutes
Heating Time: 3 minutes
Max Temperature: Over 200 degrees
Extras: 6 accessories

For smaller bed bug infestations or folks who just want to be prepared for the inevitable without spending a ton of cash need to consider the Steamfast SF-210 Handheld Steam Cleaner. This model is compact and its price tag makes it affordable, making it a great option for killing bed bugs on a budget. While it’s not the cheapest steam cleaner, it does pack a ton of value.

This model is small, so it has a smaller tank that allows for 8 minutes of run time. However, it also has a 3-minute heat-up time, allowing users to refill the tank and get back to work without much downtime. It comes with 6 accessories, including a jet nozzle to increase pressure, several brushes, and a short hose.

Pros

• Affordable price tag allows users to handle small infestations or be prepared for one without a huge investment
• Heat-up time is just 3 minutes, allowing users to refill the small tank and get back to work without much downtime
• Comes with several attachments, including a jet nozzle for increasing pressure as well as a hose

Cons

• Just an 8-minute run-time means lots of refills. 

4. The Upgrade: Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaner with Retractable Cord

Run Time: 60 minutes
Heating Time: 11 minutes
Max Temperature: 220 degrees
Extras: 20 attachments

Upgrading to a commercial-quality machine might be the best bet for folks with severe infestations, landlords, and folks in the maintenance industry, and the Vapamore MR-100 is a worthy choice. This model features a maximum steam temperature of 220 degrees, and run time of 60 minutes, and a heating time of 11 minutes, allowing treat bed bugs on several pieces of furniture and surfaces without refilling. It also comes with an 18-foot retractable cord as well as a 6-foot hose for more reach than other models. 

This powerful steam cleaner has plenty of other features to appreciate as well. The MR-100 features large wheels and a padded handle to make dragging a fully loaded steam cleaner easier. It also has adjustable steam outputs, allowing users to choose a drier steam for bed bugs and a wetter steam for wrinkled clothing. It comes with 20 accessories, many of which store onboard for organization purposes. The price would be our biggest complaint about the Vapamore MR-100, but upgrades are rarely cheap. 

Pros

• Large wheels and handle make moving the Vapamore Mr-100 around easy—even when topped off with water
• Long run time producing hot steam with relatively short heat-up time to allow users to get their spaces treated and free of bed bugs quickly 
• Comes with 20 accessories, many of which store on board for organization

Cons

• It’s not cheap

5. Best Commercial Grade: Dupray Tosca Steam Cleaner Commercial Steamer

Run Time: 90 minutes
Heating Time: 8 minutes
Max Temperature: 316 degrees
Extras: 25 accessories

A commercial steam cleaner has to have some serious power to tackle big jobs, whether it’s soiled fabrics or a large bed bug infestation. The Dupray Tosca steam cleaner has that power to eliminate bed bugs, boasting a 90 minutes run-time after heating for just 8 minutes, allowing users to treat bed bugs in their homes quickly and efficiently.

This powerful steam cleaner from Dupray has other awesome features as well. First, it has a maximum steam temperature of 316 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that surfaces heat up to the required lethal temperature for bed bugs almost immediately. Also, it comes with a digital interface that shows steam pressure, temperature, and maintenance reminders. It also comes with a 25-piece set of accessories, including a 10-foot steam hose, several broad nozzles, extensions, and other fixtures perfect for pinpointing and killing bugs.

But, it’s not all perfect. This model’s hose is 10 feet long, but the extension cord is less than 15 feet long, somewhat compromising its range more than some other models. 

Pros

• Heats up in 8 minutes and provides 90 minutes of run-time for thorough, uninterrupted bed bug killing
• Maximum temperature of 316 degrees ensures that surfaces hiding bed bugs will reach the required temperature quickly
• Digital interface keeps the user informed on steam pressure, temperature, and maintenance reminders

Cons

• The cord is a bit shorter than some of the leading competitors. 

6. Best Handheld: BISSELL Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop

Run Time: Unknown
Heating Time: Unknown
Max Temperature: 212 degrees
Extras: 29 accessories

For ease of portability from a convenient handheld steamer, check out Bissell’s Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop. This model converts from a handheld steamer model to a floor steamer with the extensions tube and floor head, but also comes with a wide range of nozzles, brushes, and scrapers that could be useful for killing bed bugs and their eggs, as well as cleaning up the mess.

The Bissell Power Steamer’s size makes it easy to work with and maneuver. Unfortunately, we don’t know a lot about the run time or heating time, as this is a relatively small steam cleaner that’s ready quickly, but also runs out of steam quickly. However, for steaming furniture and fixtures in a home for bed bugs, the 29-piece accessory kit has most situations covered. This kit will allow the user to get into some tight spaces where bed bugs hide, while also allowing them to cover more surface area with a broad nozzle.

Pros

• Converts from a floor steamer to a hand-operated steamer, allowing users to use this model for multiple surfaces 
• Compact size allows for better maneuverability and control when steaming bed bugs
• Comes with a 29-piece set of accessories that allow the user to pump steam into a variety of spaces and surfaces

Cons

• Bissell doesn’t detail run time or heating time

7. Best Canister: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Powerful Multipurpose Steamer 

Run Time: 50 minutes
Heating Time: 7 minutes
Max Temperature: 275 degrees
Extras: 17 accessories

Anyone looking for a canister steam cleaner to eliminate bed bugs, but doesn’t want the biggest model on the shelf should check out the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. While the model has more than enough ability to handle stubborn bed bugs and their eggs, it also features a compact canister that measures just 10.5 inches wide and 9.5 inches tall, allowing users to carry this lightweight model around anywhere it needs to go.

While it might be compact and lightweight, the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner has plenty of oomph for those little bloodsuckers. The Dupray Neat features a 275-degree maximum steam temperature as well as a run time of up to 50 minutes. This model also comes with 17 accessories, including several brushes and nozzles, a wand, and a jet nozzle for tucking into tight spots and steaming out those bed bugs. Our complaint? The hose is only 6.5 feet long

Pros

• Compact and lightweight size makes carrying it up and down stairs or room to room a breeze
• Has a 275-degree maximum temperature for killing even the most stubborn or well-hidden bed bugs
• Comes with 17 accessories including a jet nozzle for concentrating steam output

Cons

• Heating time isn’t available

8. Best Capacity: McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner

Run Time: 90 minutes
Heating Time: 12 minutes
Max Temperature: “Well over 200 degrees”
Extras: 23 accessories

When it comes to getting as much run time as possible out of a steam cleaner, consider McCulloch’s MC1385. The McCulloch steam cleaner has a 64-ounce tank that allows it to run for up to 90 minutes. However, it can also produce up to 58 PSI of steam, making it ideal for killing bed bugs and other tasks around the house.

The McCulloch MC1385 comes with several accessories, as well. They include extension wands, utility brushes, and wide nozzles, as well as a 5.5-inch jet nozzle for pinpointing steam flow. What we find strange is that McCulloch doesn’t offer information about just how hot the steam gets, claiming “well over 200 degrees.” However, this model’s extended run-time with plenty of pressure makes it a great choice for a high-capacity steam cleaner.

Pros

• Features a 64-ounce tank that allows this model to run for 1.5 hours
• Produces 58 PSI of steam, which is ideal for killing bed bugs
• Comes with multiple accessories including a 5.5-inch jet nozzle for pinpointing steam flow

Cons

• No information available about steam temperature

9. Best Temperature: Dupray HOME Steam Cleaner European Made

Run Time: 50 minutes
Heating Time: 8
Max Temperature: 293 degrees
Extras: 14 accessories

For the most heat you can get from a non-commercial steam cleaner for steam-treating bed bugs, check out Dupray’s Home Steam Cleaner. The powerful steam cleaner has a maximum temperature of just under 300 degrees (293) for truly hot steam, allowing users to bring surface temperatures above lethal levels quickly and easily. This steam contains about 5 percent water, making it dry and extremely effective against bed bugs. It also has adjustable steam pressures for dialing in the correct blast of steam. 

The Dupray Home steam cleaner features a canister design with a 5-foot 7-inch hose and weighs in under 9.5 pounds for plenty of flexibility, and the 16-foot cord allows for plenty of range. The model comes with accessories including extension tubes, multiple heads, and a jet nozzle for concentrated steam flow. But, all said, the hose is shorter than we’d like regardless of the extension tubes.  

Pros

• Produces steam at temperatures as high as 293 degrees Fahrenheit to quickly kill bed bugs and eggs
• Has adjustable steam pressure for dialing in the best volume of steam
• Steam contains 5 percent water, making it a dry steam that’s ideal for killing bed bugs

Cons

• Hose is shorter than we’d like

10. Best Multi-Purpose: PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1

Run Time: Up to 25 minutes
Heating Time: 30 seconds
Max Temperature: Over 200 degrees
Extras: 9 accessories

Folks who’d rather have a steam cleaner that can also kill bed bugs than a bed bug steamer should consider PurSteam’s Steam Mop 10-in-1. This affordable model can act as a standard household steamer, cleaning floors and grout lines as well as furniture and curtains. But, should a bed bug pop up, this model’s detachable handheld steamer is up for the task.

The PurSteam Steam Mop 10-in-1 serves multiple functions, including floors, carpets, garment steaming, mirror and glass cleaner, and more (but we aren’t entirely sure what all 10 functions PurSteam claims might be). It can run for up to 25 minutes on a fill, and it takes just 30 seconds to heat up. It also comes with 9 accessories to add to its flexibility.

Pros

• Works as a standard floor cleaner but can also double as a bed bug steamer when necessary
• Cleans floors, carpets, glass, mirrors, and steams garments yet maintains an affordable price point
• Takes just 30 seconds to heat up, allowing users to get to work right away

Cons

• States 10-in-1 but doesn’t state what those 10 functions are

11. Best Lightweight: Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner & Sanitizer | BISSELL®

Run Time: Unknown
Heating Time: Unknown
Max Temperature: Over 200 degrees
Extras: 10 accessories

Okay, we’ll cut to the chase here: Bissell’s Steam Shot is extremely light. It weighs just 4 pounds, allowing users to manipulate and maneuver it easily around furniture, baseboards, and other areas where bed bugs hide. This also makes the Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner & Sanitizer an excellent choice for older folks who might not have the strength they used to, or simply someone who doesn’t have a place for a large, heavy steamer. 

Run time and heating time are unknown, but due to this model’s size and weight, we assume both will be quick (it’s not much bigger than a hand-held steamer). Also, it comes with a 10-piece cleaning set, including a hose, scraper, brushes, and pads for a bit more flexibility, but also a jet nozzle for blasting bed bugs.

Pros

• Weighs just 4 pounds so anyone can manipulate it around furniture or other areas where bed bugs may hide
• Compact size makes it easy to store in a closet or on a shelf for easy access
• Comes with a 10-piece accessory kit to add to the versatility, and one of the accessories is a jet nozzle

Cons

• There isn’t any information about the run time or heating time

12. Best for Travel: Rowenta DR6131 Handheld Steamer

Run Time: Unknown
Heating Time: 15 seconds
Max Temperature: Over 200 degrees
Extras:

Let’s face it, steam cleaners aren’t easy to travel with, but it’s when we’re traveling that we often want one most. The Rowenta DR6131 handheld steamer answers the problem with its compact size that can fit in a suitcase for easy transport. While it may be small, the Rowenta handheld steamer does have the power to handle a bed bug problem.

The Rowenta pocket handheld steamer has a lot to like about it. First, this multi purpose steam cleaner’s compact size makes storing it a breeze. Also, the 15-second heat-up time allows users to eradicate bed bugs quickly after starting it up. While it won’t run long thanks to its small tank size, it’s ideal for throwing in a suitcase just in case. Rowenta ultra-powerful steamer reviews are also overwhelmingly positive, making this one of the best handheld upholstery cleaner products for bed bugs.

Pros

• Compact size makes it easy to throw in a suitcase for traveling 
• Small but powerful enough to handle a bed bug problem
• Takes just 15 seconds to heat up, allowing users to get to work steaming right away

Cons

• Small tank size means this model will not run long

13. Best for Cars: McCulloch MC1270 Portable Power Cleaner

Run Time: 30 minutes
Heating Time: 5 minutes
Max Temperature: Over 200 degrees
Extras: 16 accessories

While bed bugs are far more likely to infest bedrooms than cars, it’s entirely possible that these pests can start their new life in your family sedan. And, it’s not impossible for ants to crawl into a car, as well. And, the best weapon for killing those nasty little biters is a steamer for car detailing or car cleaning, or essentially an automotive steam cleaner, and there may be no better tool than McCulloch’s MC1270 Portable Power Cleaner.

This compact McCulloch steam cleaner features a shoulder-worn canister and a convenient hose with a steam controller built into the handle. It also comes with 16 accessories, including two extensions, multiple brushes, and a jet-concentrated nozzle designed to pump steam into tight spaces. All of this fits into the included storage bag, and the cord stores on the integrated cord wrap underneath the unit. The only thing more convenient would be a battery-powered steam cleaner, which aren’t popular yet.

While the actual temperature rating isn’t available, there’s still a lot to love about the McCulloch MC1270, especially when it comes time to kill bed bugs. This auto interior steam cleaner has a canister also attaches to a shoulder strap, allowing the user to work for 30 minutes (the machine’s run time) without pulling the canister around. Also, it takes less time than a car does to warm up: just 5 minutes. 

Pros

• Compact design hangs from the user’s shoulder for maximum portability and ease of use
• Comes with multiple brushes and nozzles for getting into tight crevices in a car where bed bugs can hide
• Long run time for a compact steam cleaner allows users to go through their whole car without refilling, in most cases

Cons

• No actual temperature rating available

14. Also Consider: Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner with 15 Accessories

Run Time: 45 minutes
Heating Time: 8 minutes
Max Temperature: Over 200 degrees
Extras: 15 accessories

There is a lot of value to be had in the Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner. Aside from what it comes with (which we’ll talk about in a bit), it’s tough to get this much run-time from a steam cleaner at its relatively affordable price point. This allows users to handle bed bug infestations in their homes for up to 45 minutes at a time (plus an 8-minute heat-up), eliminating bed bugs without a huge expense.

The Steamfast SF 370 comes with several additional features, as well. It has a steam nozzle that concentrates steam with a steam lock feature that allows for continuous steam flow. It also has a 6.5-foot long hose (which we’d prefer just a foot or two longer)  and an integrated cord wrap for easy storage. It comes with 15 accessories including brushes, microfiber mop pads, a squeegee, and a jet-concentration nozzle. 

Pros

• One of the most affordable options for getting 45 minutes of run time
• Steam lock feature that allows for continuous steam flow 
• 15 accessories including jet and broad nozzles

Cons

• Hose is a little short

15. Also Consider: Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop

Run Time: Unknown
Heating Time: 30 seconds
Max Temperature: 212 degrees
Extras: 13 tools and accessories

Bissell’s PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop is worth considering for folks needing a versatile steamer. This model operates as both a floor mop and a handheld steamer, allowing users to swap between the uses by pushing a button and attaching a hose. This makes it a great help for regular cleaning and bed bug prevention, as users can steam hard floors and furniture with the same tool.

This model comes with 13 tools and accessories, including a mop head, brushes, scapers, and a squeegee to clean almost any surface or eradicate bed bugs. Heating time is 30 seconds, and the attachments and accessories store in a tool bag. The main complaint is that we don’t know the run-time. 

Pros

• Swaps between floor cleaner and handheld steamer with the push of a button
• Comes with 13 accessories and tools for cleaning a variety of surfaces
• All of the attachments fit inside the included tool bag for easy storage

Cons

• Run time is unknown

16. Also Consider: Vapamore MR-75 Amico Handheld Steam Cleaner

Run Time: Unknown
Heating Time: 4 minutes
Max Temperature: 210 degrees
Extras: 17 accessories

Vapamore’s MR-75 is worth a look for folks who need a compact steam cleaner with plenty of versatility. This handheld model features a compact design, yet its heating element can create steam in 4 minutes, allowing users to get to work and treat bed bugs quickly. It also produces steam between 200 and 210 degrees, and it has a steam pressure rating of 43.5 PSI, which is right where it needs to be for bed bugs.

This model comes with 17 accessories, including a 3-foot hose, microfiber pads, and several nozzles. All of these items, along with the steam cleaner fit in the included tool bag for easy storage. We do wish the 10-foot-long cord and 3-foot-long hose were a little longer, though.

Pros

• Ideal pressure and temperature for killing bed bugs
• Creates steam in just 4 minutes despite its compact design
• Comes with 17 accessories for a range of steam-cleaning jobs

Cons

• Hose and cord are a bit short 

17. Rent a Steam Cleaner

The final option we’d recommend is attempting to rent a steam cleaner near you. While it’s better to have your own steam cleaner rather than trying to track one down in an emergency, you could simply Google “steam cleaner nearby” or “steam cleaner near me,” compare prices, and see if it’s worth renting one of these machines or purchasing your own. There’s never a guarantee that you’ll receive a specific model or that it’s capable of handling a bed bug infestation, but it could be worth a try.

What is a steam cleaner for bed bugs?

A steamer for bed bugs is a machine that turns water into a hot vapor, and users can hold it over mattresses, bed frames, box springs, headboards, and other bed bug-infested areas to kill them. They run on corded electricity, allowing users to plug them into a wall outlet and treat their bedrooms, bedding, and clothing for these bugs.

How do they work?

Bed bugs are fairly tough to get rid of, but the one thing they can’t handle is heat. Bed bugs die if they’re exposed to temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Folks who are dealing with bed bugs can use their steamers to increase the temperature in a concentrated area, killing bed bugs and their eggs on the spot.

In many cases, this is the same approach that a professional pest control company would take. They arrive on-site, perform an inspection, and then use a heat treatment in the areas where bed bugs infest to kill the adults, nymphs, and eggs to stop the bed bug infestation.

What To Know When Shopping for the Best Bed Bug Steamers

There are a few things that are important to know before purchasing the best steamer for bed bugs. In fact, not just any steamer will do. It has to have the right combination of steam and temperature, among other things, to be effective. The following are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind. 

Heat Output Must Exceed 200 Degrees

Bed bugs perish at temperatures exceeding 122 degrees Fahrenheit, so it would make sense that any steamer would do, correct? That’s actually not the case. By the time the steam and the heat energy it carries passes through the house and through the mattress fabric (or other material), there is substantial heat loss. Plus, the user would have to hold a standard steamer in place for quite some time to bring the area up to temperature. 

Instead, look for a steamer that can produce steam temperatures of 200 degrees or more. These steamers will be faster and more effective, ensuring that no bed bugs survive a treatment. 

There is a misconception that just because a steamer produces steam, it must produce steam temperatures of at least 212 degrees (the temperature at which water vaporizes). However, there can be considerable heat loss from the steam cleaner boiler to the hose, so assuming that a steamer produces enough heat is a mistake.  

Look for a Steam Pressure of 40 to 60 PSI 

Steam pressure is somewhat tricky. Too little pressure and there won’t be enough steam to effectively treat the infestation. Too much pressure and users may actually blow bed bugs and their eggs off the surface without killing them. 

For the best results, look for a bed bug steamer that produces between 40 and 60 PSI for deep cleaning without blowing bedbug eggs everywhere. Better yet, the best steamer for bed bugs may allow the user to adjust the temperature, but there aren’t many steamers that do so.

Plenty of Capacity or Run Time

There is a balance that shoppers need to strike between size and capacity. The greater the capacity of the steamer, the longer it can run without needing to be refilled. However, the steamer’s overall size will likely be larger, making it less portable. That’s where the challenge lies.

In most cases, the best steamers for bed bugs can run for 40 to 90 minutes while continuously producing steam, and this is considered a steamer’s run time. In most cases, the best steam cleaners for bed bugs can run between 40 and 90 minutes without needing to be refilled. Since it’s important to ensure that all of the bed bugs are dead, shorting yourself on the run time will likely result in missing a few of these pests and a bed bug infestation reoccurring.

It Needs Adjustable Steam Setting

Some of the best steamers for bed bugs allow the user to adjust the amount of steam that the machine is producing. This can be key for different fabrics, as steaming a shirt will require less steam than steaming a jacket, and both will require significantly less steam than a crack in the headboard or baseboard.

Also, some steamers allow the user to tweak the moisture or wetness of the steam. Steam with too high of moisture content is not ideal for killing bed bugs, as the moisture may condense and cool too quickly to be effective. On the other hand, drier steam can be much more effective.

Heating Time Should be Minimal

Waiting for a steamer to get hot enough to produce steam can feel like watching paint dry. But some steamers’ heating times are faster than others. 

For the best results look for a steamer with a heating time of 15 minutes or less. This will ensure that the steamer can keep up with the pace of the user while also minimizing the amount of time it takes to get back up and running after adding more water to the tank.

A Wide Nozzle Steams More Surface Area at Once

Smaller nozzles may help pinpoint steam into tight crevices, but they can make exterminating bed bugs a much longer process than necessary. To help speed up the process, look for a steamer for bed bugs that has a broad nozzle.

Wide nozzles will distribute steam over a wider area, allowing the user to cover the entire mattress or box spring with fewer passes. This will help speed up the process, but will also lessen the possibility of missing a bed bug or two. 

Range (the Length of the Cord and Hose) Matters

Most folks will find that a shorter power cord and hose make for an extremely frustrating time treating the home for bed bugs. They’ll have to switch outlets, move the steamer body, and possibly neglect certain areas of the home simply because they can’t reach them. This can lead to missing areas where bed bugs hide.

To combat this, look for a steamer that has a cord that’s at least 12 feet long to reach around most rooms. If the chosen model’s cord is shorter, you can always add a high-quality extension cord to increase its reach.

For the same reason, shoppers should look for a long steam hose that can reach longer distances. Steamer hoses are rarely longer than 8 or 9 feet, but some models make reaching tough places easier to handle.

Attachments and Accessories

The more attachments and accessories that a steamer comes with, the most useful it will be. For instance, the broad nozzle is best for large areas during a steam treatment, while narrow nozzles allow users to pinpoint steam into crevices. This is especially important when it comes to getting into the bed rails and bed frame, as well as the headboard and any tufted cushions.

However, also consider other uses for a steamer. If you need to clean your furniture, de-wrinkle clothing, freshen up drapes, or even remove wallpaper, an assortment of accessories will come in handy. Common accessories include items like broad nozzles, narrow nozzles, squeegees, brushes, grout cleaners, wallpaper nozzles, and more, and they can make a steam treatment faster and easier.

How to use a steamer to kill bed bugs

The following is a step-by-step guide to using a steamer to kill bed bugs. Be sure to check your steamer’s manufacturer’s instructions for specific details on setup and application before starting any bed bug treatments.

1. Remove any sheets, clothing, and other fabrics from the area that needs to be treated and throw them in the dryer on high heat to kill the bed bugs.

2. Vacuum the area really well before starting. Use a crevice nozzle to get into any cracks or tight spaces. This will vacuum up any loose bugs and eggs, allowing users to make the most of their time steamer.

3. Fill the steamer with water and turn it on. If there are settings, set the steamer to at least 200 degrees and anywhere between 40 and 60 PSI. Allow the machine to heat up until it’s producing steam.

4. Moving in slow passes, steam all of the items in the room that may hold bed bugs. Think of the headboard, footboard, bedframe, bed rails, baseboards, nightstand, cracks between floorboards, and anywhere else a bed bug might hide.

5. Pay special attention to seams around furniture, such as seams on the edge of a mattress, on the arm of a chair or couch, or anywhere with a rolled fabric (called piping) like decorative pillows.

6. Vacuum the area again. Be sure to use a brush attachment to remove any eggs that might be hiding between layers of fabric, seams, or cushions.

Also, keep in mind that certain naturally occurring substances are offensive to bed bugs and can keep them away. Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil can help the space smell better while also providing a temporary bed bug repellent.

Finally, there are a few things to consider: 

• Steaming wood products for too long can affect their finish. Be careful.
• Move the nozzle slowly across the surface to ensure that the surface reaches the proper temperature.
• Allow areas to dry after steaming, and then repeat the steaming if necessary.

What other bugs can a bed bug steamer kill?

While steamers are the most convenient way to kill bed bugs (other than calling a pest control company), there are actually several types of bugs for which steamers can be useful.

Steamers can kill almost any bug they contact, like chiggers (which are often mistaken for bed bugs). This can make them effective against small ant infestations, termite infestations, carpet beetles, stink bugs (it may even be able to remove stink bug poop stains), and other relatively slow-moving insects. Faster insects may be hard to get to before they run, making steam less than ideal. Silverfish, pincher bugs, and cockroaches may be too fast to get to. 

But, if there is a food source around, such as a juice stain in a carpet or grease on a grill, a steamer can help. All the user has to do is steam the soiled area and clean up to cut out the pests’ food source and provide chemical-free cleaning, and this is something that a vacuum or paper towels can’t do alone.

Where and how you can get bed bugs

You can find bed bugs anywhere that people congregate. It could be a hotel room, a bus, a restaurant bench, or even a child’s cubby at school. Even luggage can be a common way folks bring bugs into their homes. While they can’t jump or fly, these little pests quickly cling to fabric and hitchhike home 

While bed bugs may be associated with dirty homes and hotel rooms, the truth is that anyone can get bed bugs. A messy home may provide more hiding places, but they can thrive just as well in a clean home as a dirty, cluttered house.

Advantages of using a bed bug steamer

Bed bug steamers are affordable. Hiring a professional service can cost $250 to $1000 per room for steaming. Users can purchase their own steamers for less and use them wherever they’re needed.

A bed bug steamer will not only kill bugs, but it can also draw them out of their hiding places. They’ll often respond to an increase in heat as they’re drawn to body heat, allowing users to blast them with a direct stream of steam.

Steam cleaners are also useful for many other purposes, such as deep cleaning a home, steaming vehicle mats, or other chemical-free cleaning needs. Steam does a great job of neutralizing allergens, as well.

FAQs

Is steam cleaning the best way to get rid of bed bugs?

Along with bed bug sprays, steam cleaning is definitely one of the best bed bug treatments out there, as long as it’s done properly. Bug bombs can be effective, but if the bed bug is buried in a seam, the insecticide may never reach them, allowing them to continue infesting the home. Sprays and diatomaceous earth can also be effective, but they require the bed bug to come in contact with the product. Steaming, when done slowly and methodically, is a surefire way to get rid of bed bugs.

Can a clothes steamer kill bed bugs?

A clothes steamer can get rid of bed bugs just as well as a bathroom steam cleaner, but they’re often limited by their capacity and pressure. Since they don’t hold much water or produce much pressure, there is a greater chance that some bed bugs will survive treatment.

How effective is a steamer for bed bugs?

Steamers are very effective for bed bugs. Bed bugs die when exposed to 118 to 122 degrees for 90 minutes. However, since steamers produce heat over 200 degrees, these machines can kill these bugs fast. In fact, steamers can be used to kill many types of bugs for that reason. However, looking for the cheapest steam gun Walmart has to offer or an As Seen on TV steam cleaner handheld model might not offer the same results.