How to get rid of bed bugs with a steam cleaner: our step-by-step guide

Bed bugs at home. Few things are more unpleasant. During the day, they hide in your mattress, bed frame and furniture. At night, they come out to feed on blood. The bites itch, and just knowing they're there keeps you awake too.

The good news: you're not powerless. Heat is one of the few things that kills bed bugs and their eggs without chemicals. With a steam cleaner, you can target exactly the spots where they hide.

In this blog, you'll find out why steam works, how to tackle the problem step by step and what else you'll need.

Why a steam cleaner works well

Bed bugs and their eggs can't survive high temperatures. Steam delivers that heat straight to where they're hiding. That's exactly where you want to hit them.

Heat kills every stage, from adult bed bugs to eggs, as long as it reaches them. And it can: with a narrow nozzle, you direct the steam into seams, folds and cracks that a cloth or brush can't get to.

You don't need chemicals either. Bed bugs are becoming increasingly resistant to pesticides, but heat doesn't have that problem. All you use is water. Dry steam also keeps moisture to a minimum, so your mattress and sofa dry quickly.

There's one caveat. Steam only works on what it can reach. Bed bugs hiding deep inside a bed frame, wall or hidden corner won't be affected. That's why you combine steam with good preparation and follow-up checks. We cover that in the next section.

Here's how to tackle it

Clear the bed. Remove bedding, pillows and any clothes near the bed. Put everything straight into a sealed bag.
Wash and dry on a high temperature. Wash at 60°C or higher, then tumble dry on a high setting for at least 30 minutes. Anything that can't go in the wash should also spend some time in the dryer.
Let the steam cleaner heat up fully. Wait until the steam flows steadily. That's when it's hot enough.
Start with the bed. Steam the sides and edges of the mattress, plus the seams, folds and label. Flip the mattress and do the underside too. Then move on to the bed frame, slats and headboard.
Work slowly. Keep the nozzle close to the surface and move it steadily. A few seconds per hand's width is enough. Go too fast and the heat won't get deep enough.
Steam the surrounding area. Think skirting boards, gaps in furniture, bedside tables, curtains, the sofa and the edges of carpets. Never steam sockets or electrical appliances.
Vacuum up and let it dry. After steaming, vacuum up anything left behind. Seal the bag or dust container straight away. Then open a window so everything dries properly.
Repeat the treatment. Do it again after a week, and once more after two weeks. That way, you'll also catch anything that hatches later.

If you're unsure about a fabric, test it on an inconspicuous spot first. Does the label say it can't handle steam? Then skip that area.

Common mistakes

Three things often go wrong. People steam too quickly, when the heat needs time to penetrate deeply. They only treat the mattress, when the bed frame, skirting boards and bedside table are just as likely to be hiding places. And they stop after one go, when eggs you miss the first time can still hatch later.

What else you'll need

Steaming is the most important part, but not the only one. Here's what else you'll need.

Start with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and a bag. Use it to pick up visible bed bugs, dead ones and shed skins. Then throw the bag away straight away in a sealed plastic bag. You'll also need sealed plastic bags for bedding, clothes and anything you temporarily take out of the room.

A bed bug-proof mattress cover traps any remaining bed bugs and makes checking easier, as they're easier to spot on a plain cover. Seal gaps in skirting boards and furniture with silicone sealant or tape, so they have fewer places to hide. A dry cloth comes in handy for wiping away condensation after steaming.

The right steam cleaner helps too. Choose one with a high steam temperature, dry steam and a narrow nozzle for seams and gaps. The Techweise TS Compact and TS3 Edge both steam at 125°C and offer wet and dry steam. The TS Compact is handy for mattress seams and small spots. The TS3 Edge has more power and a bigger tank, which is useful if you're treating several rooms.

Still not rid of bed bugs?

A steam cleaner is a strong first step, especially with an early infestation. But it won't remove everything. Call in a pest control specialist if the bed bugs are in several rooms, or if you're still seeing new bites or bed bugs after three or four weeks. If you live in a block of flats, they can also come back via your neighbours.

In that case, steaming works best alongside the specialist's treatment.

Stop them coming back

Check the seams of your mattress regularly for dark spots, small blood stains and shed skins. After a trip, unpack your suitcase on a bare floor and wash everything straight away. Check second-hand furniture and mattresses before you bring them home. Use a mattress cover and keep the area around the bed clear, so you'll spot it sooner if something does turn up.

Not sure which steam cleaner suits your situation? Ask us. We're happy to help.

Frequently asked questions

Can I steam my mattress?

Yes, along the seams, edges, folds and label. Move the nozzle slowly and use dry steam so the mattress doesn't get soaked. Check the label first to see if it's steam-sensitive.

Does steaming work on the eggs too?

Yes, if the heat reaches them. That's why repeating treatments matters. Eggs you miss the first time will hatch later.

How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?

It rarely takes just one steam. Allow around four weeks of repeated treatments and daily checks.

Do I need to wash my bedding and clothes as well?

Yes. Wash at a minimum of 60°C, then tumble dry on a high setting for at least 30 minutes. Steam itself isn't meant for anything that can go in the wash.

Is steaming safe with children and pets in the house?

You're not using chemicals, so no residue is left behind. Hot steam is still hot, though. Keep children and pets away while you steam, and let everything cool down and dry.