6 Best Steamers for Bed Bugs: A Concise Review + Buyer’s Guide

Last Update:

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.

best steamer for bed bugs reviews

If you are deeply concerned about your bed hygiene you should know how important it is to have the best steamer for bed bugs. Believe it or not, bed bugs can penetrate into an apartment or house and infest bedding causing allergies, itching, and other discomforts. Once you have spotted bed bugs or any sign of their presence, it is important to take action immediately.

If you already feel an urge to buy a steamer and start cleaning your mattress, please hold on a little longer and check out our list of 6 better steamers for killing bed bugs. Maybe one of them will be just perfect for you.

So, see a cool selection of proven products.

See our selection of the best product!

Top Steamer for Bed Bugs in 2024



1. McCulloch MC1275 – A Professional Steamer for Bed Bugs

McCulloch steam cleaner reviews

This McCulloch steam cleaner is a professional grade cleaning device. Although it is designed rather for commercial use, it can be very effective at bed bugs treatment and sanitizing beds and other upholstered furniture. The steamer does not have a special attachment for mattresses, but you can use a squeegee tool on large areas and a jet nozzle to clean in seams and crevices.

The cleaner has 11 attachments for different kinds of surfaces, including a floor mop and a range of brushes. Two extension wands and a 10-foot hose provide better reach to distant and hard-to-get areas. A 48-ounce water tank is filled through a funnel that comes with the unit. It is not as large as in some other cleaners but can hold enough water for a 45-minute steaming session. The steamer uses regular tape water.

The water heats up to more than 200°F in eight minutes. Once it is heated the steamer is ready to work. Once you run out of the water, you will have to wait till the unit cools down completely and becomes safe to refill.

Useful Features

  1. 48-ounce water reservoir.
  2. 45 minutes of continuous steaming.
  3. 18 attachments and accessories.
  4. 15-foot cord.
  5. Steam temperature: over 200°F
  6. 43 psi steam pressure.
Pros
  • Can manage heavy-duty cleaning jobs.
  • Comes with a wide range of versatile attachments.
  • Equipped with a steam lock that enables continuous cleaning without straining your hand.
  • Steam level adjustment feature.
  • Long power cord.
  • A 10-foot hose with two extension wands provides extensive reach even to the remotest areas of your home.

Cons
  • A water tank is does not have a water level indicator.
  • Wet steam is not applicable to some types of mattresses.

Verdict

The McCulloch steam cleaner is a professional device, designed to tackle the most demanding cleaning jobs around a house or a workshop, including bed bug treatment. It is very similar to the previously discussed steamer and has basically the same pros and cons. The difference is that it has slightly different attachments and a somewhat smaller water tank.

2. Vapamore MR-100 – A High-Pressure Steam Cleaner for Bed Bugs

best steam cleaning system reviews

Vapamore MR-100 Primo is a versatile steaming device for all around the house use. It generates steam up to 220°F to kill bed bugs, dust mites, pests, and bacteria and sanitize all kinds of surfaces. The range of application for this unit extends far beyond the bedroom. It can be used to steam clean kitchen counters, stoves, vents, ceilings, walls, floors, carpets, bathroom fixtures, barbecue grills, as well as inside cars, recreation vehicles, boats, and trailers. The versatility of this cleaner is accommodated by a wide array of various attachments and adjustable levels of steam output pressure.

In fact, this steam cleaner has a dedicated attachment practically for each type of surface in a home. Treatment of bed bugs can be performed with a fabric tool. Depending on the type of fabric (smooth or shaggy) it should be used with or without a cotton cover respectively.

The Primo steam cleaner has a large built-in water tank and a stainless steel boiler that heats up water to steam. A full tank is sufficient to provide uninterrupted steaming for one hour. Steam is delivered with the pressure of 50 psi, which is a very decent amount as for a household cleaner.

This machine produces wet steam. If you use it to clean mattress, pillows, upholstered furniture or car seats, you should allow them to dry properly to prevent mold infestation.

Interesting Features

  1. 6-liter water reservoir.
  2. ½ gallon boiler.
  3. 1 hour of continuous steaming.
  4. Includes 10 attachments, an extension hose with a steam gun, 2 extension tools, 2 cloth pads, a storage bag, a measuring cup, a water level indicator stick, and a funnel.
  5. 18-foot cord.
  6. Steam temperature: 212-220°F.
  7. 50 psi steam pressure.
Pros
  • The steamer has 10 different attachments to facilitate cleaning and sanitation of all types of surfaces inside and outside the house, including bed bugs treatment.
  • Powerful steam output.
  • Large water tank.
  • A long power cord provides sufficient maneuverability.
  • Steam power can be adjusted to suit your cleaning needs.
  • Lifetime warranty.
  • Small accessories are stored on-board.

Cons
  • You will have to buy distilled water to use with this steamer.
  • Wet steam is not friendly to all mattresses.

Verdict

The Vapamore Primo is a versatile steamer designed to be used on various types of surfaces. It uses the power of wet steam to sanitize and kill bed bugs in different parts of your home from a bedroom to basement and inside the vehicles. It has multiple attachments to treat different types of surfaces. With its fabric attachment, you can sanitize your beds and mattresses killing bed bugs and other pests that might dwell inside. The steamer has some minor design flaws that slightly reduce its convenience.

3. Steamfast SF-370WH – A Handheld Steam Cleaner for Mattresses

If you are looking for a portable steamer to provide efficient cleaning, sanitation and bed bug treatment, you should definitely consider Nugeni Steampac+. This streamer is suitable for different types of surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas. It comes with 6 attachments, including a garment tool, which can be used to clean mattresses, sheets, blankets and bed covers (places where bed bugs usually live). Other accessories included in a package are the following: an extension hose, two cloth pads, a storage bag, and a filling cup. An extra long 28-foot power cord provides almost unrestricted maneuverability and makes cleaning simple and hassle-free.

In spite of the fact that this is a handheld device, it is rather on a heavy side. It weighs 4.85 pounds and might be hard to operate with one hand. A shoulder strap that comes with the device is designed to facilitate fatigue-free continuous cleaning. The steamer can work up to 39 minutes on one fill. If some water is left in a tank after cleaning, it should be poured out before putting the device away.

Interesting Benefits

  1. Handheld.
  2. 12 accessories and attachments, including three types of brushes, a squeegee tool, a power nozzle, an extension hose, a steam cylinder, two types of cloth covers, a shoulder strap, a filling cup and a storage bag.
  3. Up to 39 minutes of continuous steaming.
  4. Weights 4.85 pounds.
Pros
  • The steamer provides a great deal of mobility thanks to its handheld design and a 28-foot power cord.
  • Supplied with a shoulder strap to provide additional support during continuous cleaning.
  • Has 6 attachments, including a garment brush for mattresses and bedding.
  • Compact and easy to store.

Cons
  • A garment brush is not very wide, so it will take a considerable amount of time to steam mattresses and bedding.
  • Quite heavy to operate with one hand without a shoulder strap.

Verdict

Nugeni Steampac+ is a portable handheld steamer that can do a variety of sanitizing jobs around the house (except for the floors). It comes with a range of attachments, including a garment brush that can be used to attack bed bugs. Its compact size is both a pro and a con at the same time. On one hand, it can be used to clean even in the hardest to reach areas. On the other hand, its water tank is quite small and will require frequent refills.

4. Pure Enrichment XL – Superb Steam Cleaner for Dust Mites

steam vacuum for kill bed bugs reviews

This device is designed as a garment steamer, but it can be effectively used to kill bed bugs in upholstered furniture, bedding, pillows, and mattresses. It’s base that includes a motor, a steam generator and a water reservoir rolls on castors to offer you mobility when you need it. Steam is delivered through a 5-foot hose with an ergonomic handle. There is an optional fabric brush that attaches to the steaming outlet and serves to lift up and remove dirt from the surface being cleaned.

The steamer is quite powerful. It heats up in 45 seconds and can deliver steam for 60 continuous minutes, which is more than enough to clean a king-size mattress. The water tank is detachable and thus easy to fill. Additional accessories that come with the steamer include an extendable pole and a hanger.

The unit arrives in parts and requires minor assembly. It is rather compact and takes less room in a closet than a vacuum cleaner.

Additional Accessories

  1. Water heats up to steam in 45 seconds.
  2. ½ gallon water reservoir.
  3. 1 hour of continuous steaming.
  4. Attachments include a fabric brush, a telescoping pole, and a garment hanger.
  5. 5-foot hose.
  6. 7-foot cord.
  7. 2-year warranty.
Pros
  • Easy to move around.
  • Heats up very fast.
  • Large water tank.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • A steam hose is equipped with an ergonomic handle.

Cons
  • While the water tank is easy to fill, getting rid of unused water is rather inconvenient, since the tank is placed upside down.
  • Steam is delivered with moderate pressure, so it might not work on very thick mattresses.

Verdict

The Pure Enrichment XL steamer is suitable for steam cleaning mattresses, upholstered furniture and other surfaces that require sanitation. It is not specifically designed for bed bug treatment, so it might not be efficient on very thick mattresses and cushions. In other cases, it should be very helpful since it is easy to use and does not take up much storage space (as opposed to professional steamers).

5. Housemile Ant-Dust Mites UV 804– A Portable Handheld Cleaner for Bed Bugs

lightweight handheld steamer for bed bugs reviews

This is a lightweight handheld device that uses the power of high temperature, UV light, and suction to remove bed bugs from mattresses, sofas, pillows and textiles. The cleaner works from an outlet and has a 118-inch power cord that gives you sufficient mobility.

The cleaner has an ergonomic handle and a wide head that serves a triple function. First, the UV light penetrates deep inside a mattress and kills dust mites and bed bugs. Then the vacuuming mouth sucks them in alongside with the dust and worn-in dirt. High-frequency vibration helps lift the particles from deep inside the mattress and increase vacuuming efficiency. Finally, hot air eliminates dampness, thus ruining a favorable living environment for bed bugs. The vacuuming head has two nozzles: the wider one pulls dirt and mites from inside the mattress, while the other one catches particles that fly in the air above the surface.

To ensure that dust and pests that get removed from the mattress do not penetrate into the air, the cleaner is equipped with a HEPA filter. The filter is washable but needs to be changed once in 2-3 months.

Interesting Characteristics

  1. UV light.
  2. Uses vibration to get bugs and mites out of mattresses and furniture.
  3. Double-inlet vacuum.
  4. Uses hot air (up to 131°F).
  5. Washable HEPA filter.
Pros
  • The cleaner uses UV light, vibration and suction to eliminate bed bugs, dust mites, and allergens.
  • Drying feature ruins the favorable environment in which bed bugs and other pests grow.
  • Completely dry cleaning. Suitable even for the materials that should not be exposed to moisture.
  • Lightweight and easy to handle.
  • Has an additional vacuum inlet that sucks in dust flying above the surface.
  • Removable dust cup and filters are quite easy to clean.

Cons
  • Filters need to be changed quite often (every 2-3 months).
  • Rather small, so working with it over a large area would be rather inconvenient and tiring.
  • Does not use steam, which makes it less effective at bed bugs extermination than regular steamers.

Verdict

Housemile UV vacuum cleaner is a compact handheld device that will help you eliminate bed bugs, dust mites, and harmful particles in pillows, cushions and small upholstered furniture. It is also capable of cleaning larger areas, such as mattresses and couches, but its suction area is too small to do it effectively. The UV light is a nice feature – an alternative way of killing mites and bed bugs (as opposed to steaming) and will come in handy when you need to clean a surface that cannot be exposed to moisture.

6. Dupray Neat Steam: Powerful, Multi-purpose Steamer

multi purpose steamer

Do you need to eliminate mites in your mattress? Select a versatile machine. It helps you to clean, sanitize and deodorize all surfaces in your house. Neat cleaner is not a cumbersome device. It weighs only 9 pounds. Meanwhile, it’s powerful and efficient to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.

Coming with large, 54 oz. tank, it uses clear tap water. It produces steam that is up to 275°F hot. So, it efficiently removes dirt and grease from your kitchen floors. It cleans and sanitizes kitchen appliances, counters, and other surfaces. Use this steamer instead of a mop, as it restores tiles and grout between them.

It helps you remove stains from furniture upholstery and car seat covers. The cleaner disinfects your toilet and bathroom, eliminating lime and calcium residues. Quite naturally, it kills bed bugs if they live in your furniture or mattresses. This handy device is portable. It comes with smooth-rolling wheels and a sturdy, retractable handle.

Specifications and Accessories

  1. 3” extension tubes.
  2. Integrated funnel.
  3. Heating time: 7 min.
  4. Steam lock.
  5. 18-pcs. a kit that includes floor and windows tools, multiple brushes and microfiber pads.
  6. 2-year warranty.

Its 6.6-inch steam hose is long enough to reach any corner of your room. 16-feet cord lets you move within your house, keeping heating the steam. The machine produces it continuously for 50 minutes. This time is enough to clean and sanitize all your house.

Pros
  • Versatile.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Large water tank.
  • Low-moisture, high-temperature steam.
  • Multiple useful accessories.

Cons
  • No water level indicator.
  • After use, wait until the water cools, to drain it.

Verdict

Dupray Neat cleaner is heavy-duty and efficient. Use it to disinfect and sanitize surfaces, steam clean mattresses, and upholstery. It’s durable and handy, coming with multiple useful features and attachments. So, it lasts for many years, performing all cleaning tasks in your house.

A Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Top Steamer for Bed Bugs and Dust Mites

A good steamer is an essential household appliance. Thanks to its ability to clean and sanitize surfaces without harsh chemicals it is preferred by families with children and pets. Steamers perform a wide variety of cleaning jobs, including bed bug treatment. So what are the main points of consideration when it comes to choosing the best steam cleaner?

Versatility

When you are buying a steamer for bed bugs treatment you obviously do not want it to be good only for this purpose. Having a versatile device is always preferable. If you decide to invest in a steamer, it should be versatile, so that you could use it in various places around the house. A steamer with multiple attachments and adjustable power of steam is the better choice.

Ease of use. Cleaning with a steamer should not be a tiring job. The most important usability characteristics in streams are intuitive controls, ergonomic design, easy-to-refill water tank, on-board accessories storage, and maneuverability. For pillows, cushions and other small surfaces, you might consider using a handheld steamer to kill bed bugs.

Water tank capacity and steaming time

The size of a water tank defines how long a steamer can work on one fill. Large-capacity water tanks hold enough water to provide up to one hour of continuous steaming. Depending on your needs you should determine the combination of the size of the unit and its productivity. Handheld steamers usually have smaller tanks and, consequently, shorter operating time, but they are comparatively lightweight and portable.

Steam temperature

Most household steamers produce wet steam, around 220°F. This temperature is sufficient for eliminating bed bugs, sanitation, and deep cleaning, but one of the major drawbacks of this type of steam is that it leaves surfaces soaking wet. While that is fine with hard surfaces, such as tiles, bathroom appliances, countertops, etc., not all mattresses can undergo such treatment. Continuous cleaning with wet steam will make your mattress or couch cushions so wet that it will take a considerable amount of time for them to dry. High-temperature steam (dry steam) is better for moisture-sensitive surfaces, but the devices that use it are mostly professional grade and rather expensive. Besides, due to the higher treatment temperature, such steamers are more effective at bed bugs extermination. To learn more about this kind of devices you should read some dry vapor steam cleaner reviews.

FAQ

Steam cleaning is tried and true method that can help you eliminate bed bugs, along with dust mites, bacteria, dirt, grease, and bad odor. By simply going over your mattress with a steam cleaner once in several month you will get a healthier sleeping environment. However, choosing the super steam cleaner for bed bugs is not as easy as it might appear. People who have never owned such a device usually have many questions, starting with where to buy bed bug steamers. Let’s find out the answers to these questions.

Where can I get a steam cleaner for bed bugs?

Steam cleaners can be found in big box stores, in specialized equipment stores and online. If you don’t feel like investing in a steamer, you can use services of a steam machine rental or bed bug treatment services.

What kind of vacuum is best for bed bugs?

Although vacuuming a bed is a good practice (it helps remove dust, debris, hair, and lint), it is not enough if you want to get rid of bed bugs. They tend to live in the nooks and hard-to-reach places, so even the most powerful vacuum cleaner will not be able to suck all of them out. There are vacuum cleaners that double as steamers, but usually, their vacuuming function is less effective. So the choice would be to get both a vacuum and a steam cleaner, all the more so because these devices can satisfy numerous cleaning needs around the house.

Can you use a steam cleaner on a mattress?

The general answer would be yes. Most mattresses can undergo steaming, but you should always check the specifications of your mattress to avoid trouble. Some mattresses should be cleaned only with dry steam, while others might be sensitive to high temperatures. There might be other limitations, which you should be aware of. It’s always better to use a steamer with a vacuuming function to suck up the excess moisture so that your mattress will dry faster. In some cases, it is preferable to use a dry steamer for bed bugs.

Does steam kill bed bugs and eggs?

Yes, high-pressure steam can kill up to 99% of bed bugs, dust mites and bacteria leaving you with a fresh-smelling, sanitary sleeping place.

How to steam clean a bed?

Once you are ready to clean your mattress, you should remove it from the bed and put it somewhere where you will be able to have easy access to all its parts. Make sure you remove all loose dirt, crumbs, and hair prior to steaming. Then carefully apply steam to the mattress gradually moving the steamer head along the surface. It is unnecessary to trigger steam constantly. The short burst is sufficient to kill bed bugs and bacteria without getting your mattress too wet. Once you have cleaned your mattress from all sides, you should prop it up to dry. You can sun-dry it if the weather allows or use a fan to speed the process up. Only when your mattress is completely dry it can be put back on the bed.

Conclusions and recommendations

Bed bug infestation is a very unpleasant thing that might require professional treatment. However, if the scale of infestation is minor or moderate, you can try getting rid of bed bugs by steaming your mattress, bedding, and clothes. Besides, a steamer can be used in a variety of other ways, so it is definitely a worthwhile purchase. A right steamer will make your everyday cleaning routine much easier while maintaining a healthy, chemical-free environment.

Further Reading

5 thoughts on “6 Best Steamers for Bed Bugs: A Concise Review + Buyer’s Guide”

  1. DO NOT SETTLE FOR A CHEAP STEAMER! If you have bed bugs, you need one that will kill them. I have had an exterminator to my house 2 times and I have purchased two different cheap steamers. These did not work. What did work was the Vapamore steam cleaner. Highly recommend it. Just be sure to do it daily for 2 weeks and if you find a lot of these pests on a furniture item, just throw it away.

  2. I had no idea you could use steamers for bed bugs but it makes sense. They can’t stand high heat. I was told to bag all my clothes I wanted to keep and put it in the garage for two weeks. Our temps are about 85 degrees during the day right now so it will kill them and their eggs if anything is on the clothing. Now I have to buy a steamer and steam the crap out of my bedroom and my son’s bedroom.

  3. My husband and I own the McCulloch MC1275 and YES, we did have bed bugs! This cleaner has seemed to help once we got rid of the nesting areas. Our platform bed and a recliner in the bedroom were loaded with them. We steamed them first, then tossed them in the garbage. After that, we steamed the rugs, walls, and everything else in the bedroom. Have not seen one since and it has been 6 months.

  4. Are these guaranteed to work? I am very tight on money. My husband is home from work due to an injury so we can’t afford to throw away money but unfortunately, a used dog crate brought beg bugs into our home. I need to find a steamer that will work without a shadow of a doubt or one that at least can be returned if it doesn’t work for me.

  5. Thanks for the information on these steamers as well as the guide. I was honestly not sure what I was looking for. My mother does a lot of thrift and Good Will shopping, she ended up bringing in bugs to her house. I am trying to help her get them out before she spends $4,000 on bug bombing her house.

Leave a Comment