The Best Steamers For Pest Control

A steamer is a device that produces and directs steam to a target area for treatment. Many pests, such as bed bugs and dust mites, are sensitive to high heat. A steamer creates enough heat to kill bed bugs and their eggs without the use of toxic chemical treatments. It’s a relatively simple piece of equipment, just fill with water and plug the steamer in. Once the boiler tank has produced enough heat, you’re ready to start steaming.

Recommendation

We recommend the Vapamore MR-75 Amico Steamer. It is a great value and an extremely versatile piece of equipment. It can be used to treat furniture for pests as well as for traditional steam cleaning, and it has a wide variety of accessories and options for any application. It is also covered by Vapamore’s lifetime warranty.

User Guide

The Vapamore MR-75 is a simple and reliable piece of equipment but there are a few important things to keep in mind. Only distilled water with NO additives should be used. Any additives such as perfumes or impurities such as those in “hard” mineral water could cause harmful build up in the internal components which could void the warranty.

Step 1: Filling and Heating

First, fill the boiler tank with distilled water with no additives. Then plug the unit in and wait until the indicator light turns from red to green. At that point, the unit is ready to steam.

Step 2: Spot Test

This step is very important. Always test a small, inconspicuous area before steaming. This will ensure there will be no surprising reaction from the surface being treated.

Step 3: Steam

Move the unit around to direct steam where you would like it to go. To release steam, depress the thumb switch located above the handle. When treating a mattress for bed bugs, work from the bottom to the top slowly to ensure an even treatment. Once done, let the mattress air dry completely before adding any encasements or replacing the mattress on the bed frame. If the boiler tank empties but more steam is needed, unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely before refilling.

Inspection and Maintenance

The Vapamore MR-75 is a simple piece of equipment. If all guidelines are followed it should require very little maintenance to keep in working order. When storing the unit, unplug it and allow it to cool completely, then press the thumb switch to release any remaining steam pressure. Then empty the unit of any remaining water and allow the boiler tank to dry before replacing the cap and storing the unit in a cool, dry place.

Cleaning

The outer surface of the unit may be cleaned with a slightly moistened cloth. Do NOT use any cleaning agents or detergents as these may damage the exterior finish. The threads on the boiler tank cap should be lubricated with a light oil or spray such as WD-40 once every 3 months or as needed. The small cotton covers which are included may be machine washed as directed in your unit’s instruction manual.

Parts

The Vapamore MR-75 consists of the boiler tank, the handle, and the spout.

The Boiler Tank

The boiler tank is the part that is filled with water which will be turned into steam. This unit comes standard with a measuring cup and funnel for easy filling.

The Handle

The handle, located toward the rear of the unit, is held by the operator. It has a thumb switch situated above it that the operator depresses when they want to release steam.

The Spout

The part of the device where steam will exit through during operation. The Vapamore MR-75 comes with an accessory adaptor, a steam hose and connector, as well as a variety of accessory attachments such as nylon and metal brushes and a smooth surface squeegee.

Key Takeaways

• Steamers are a great treatment option for bed bugs and dust mites for those who wish to avoid harsh chemical treatments.
• Never fill a steamer while it is plugged in or hot, always allow the unit to cool completely before adding water. Always empty the unit before storing it in a cool, dry place.
• Only distilled water with no additives should be used. Additives and/or impurities may cause harmful residues to build up on internal components which could void the warranty of the unit.