Dust mites are the creepy creatures that are present in all places where human beings are – mattresses, rugs, carpets, and so on. They are so microscopic that you can’t see them and they feed on dead skin cells. Although they sound harmless, their uncontrolled growth may pose serious health risks, leading to asthma and hay fever.
The wastes and dead bodies of dust mites form allergens that may trigger an asthma attack or make kids develop asthmatic symptoms. What starts as a sneeze can soon develop into red eyes, coughing and nasal inflammation. This is where the best steam cleaner for dust mites comes into the picture to save you and your family from such health risks.
Steam cleaning is an easy yet effective solution to not only kill dust mites but also remove their dead bodies and feces. The high-intensity steam also sanitizes the areas where dust mites thrive so that they don’t come back again. This method gives you freedom from harsh chemicals but you may use a mild detergent in some models.
Finding the right steam cleaner from a pool of different brands, models, and the feature is a time-consuming job. Hence, we have reduced your load by doing the homework for you. Read on to find or unbiased reviews of the top five steam cleaners that we have hand picked for you.
After reviewing several products and comparing them together, we found that the COSTWAY Multipurpose Steam Cleaner with 18 well-made accessories does an unbeatable job at killing dust mites even at the hard-to-reach areas. It has a good tank capacity and runs time to give you an uninterrupted performance.
Features | Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner | McCulloch MC1275 | COSTWAY Steam Cleaner | Bissell Steam Mop | Vapamore MR-75 |
Dimensions | 10.5 x 10.5x 9.5 in | 13.5 x 10.5 x 17.2 in | 17 x 11 x 14 in | 9.5 x 13 x 46 in | 8 x 13 x 8 in |
Weight | 9 lbs | 10 lbs. | 10.8 lbs | 6 lb | 3.5 lbs. |
Steam | 275°F/135°C | Over 200 ℉ | 226 ℉ | 210 ℉ | 210 ℉ |
Heating time | 7 mins | 8 mins | 8-9 mins | 30 seconds | 4 minutes |
Run time | 50 minutes | 45 Minutes | 45 minutes | NA | NA |
Tank capacity | 54 oz | 48 oz | 52 oz | 16 oz | 6.7 fl oz |
Steam Pressure | up to 50 psi | 43 psi | NA | NA | 43.5 |
Cord | 16 ft. | 15 ft. | 16 ft. | 25 ft. | 10 ft. |
Power | 120V AC, 60Hz, 1500W | 120V, 1500 W | 110-120V AC, 60Hz, 1500W | NA | 110-120v |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | NA | NA | Lifetime warranty |
1. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
The first sight of Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner tells you that this is a no-nonsense product, meant for serious business. Although designed for residential use, this durable model gives you the cleaning power of larger professional units. The superheated steam reaches a maximum temperature of up to 275°F/135°C and the large tank capacity gives up to 50 minutes of cleaning time with every fill. It is capable of eliminating grease, stains, and dirt while killing 99.9% of pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and other allergens.
Besides removing bed bugs and killing dust mites, the Neat Steam Cleaner also cleans grouts, porous tiles, furniture, mattresses, car interiors, kitchen, and ceramics/ stone tiles. It not only gives your home a deep clean effect but also helps in sanitizing and deodorizing the surface. The best part is that it only uses steam for cleaning, without the use of any chemicals. Both lightweight and portable, this unit works like magic and comes with 2 years warranty on the broiler.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 10.5″ x 10.5″ x 9.5″
- Weighs 9 pounds
- Heating time 7 minutes
- Power requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1500W
- Up to 275°F Steam Temperature
- Up to 50 psi Steam Pressure
- ETL approved for USA and Canada
- Amperage: 12.5A
- Max 54 oz. / 1600 ml broiler capacity
- 7 min Heating Time
- 2 years lifetime warranty
User/ customer reviews
The first impression of most customers is that the steam cleaner is extremely easy to assemble with clear instructions and parts that are so well made. People have mentioned how well it cleans greasy kitchen windows, stained floors, spots on carpets and disinfects mattresses. Users have noticed not only how clean the house looks but the allergy symptoms also diminished after using the device. A few users have cautioned that it’s not powerful enough to suck up dirty liquid.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a portable and light steam cleaner that can deep clean and sanitize the house, while also killing allergens then this is a good choice. This unit does a decent job at keeping your house allergen-free, however, this may not be the tool you can use for extremely dirty surfaces.
2. McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Cleaner
If you want to keep your house mites and bugs free, without using harsh chemicals, then check out the McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Cleaner. This is a professional-grade unit capable of cleaning and sanitizing different types of surfaces including tile, wood, and laminate. Water can be heated to more than 200 degrees F and the 48-ounce water tank gets ready to produce powerful steam in only 8 minutes. The unit also comes with 18 different accessories to cover the needs of specific cleaning jobs around the house.
The steam cleaner comes to a 15.7-foot long power cord and over 9-foot steam hose to help you access the hard-to-reach corners. The powerful steam rate and pressure deliver a great performance at cleaning the most stubborn stains. With full tank capacity, it can run for 45 minutes and includes an optional steam trigger for uninterrupted cleaning. It is certified for U.S. voltage requirements and tested for safety. The manufacturer stands behind the product and backs it up with a 2-year warranty.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 13.5″H x 10.5″W x 17.2″D
- Weighs 10 pounds
- 1500 watts of steam power
- 48-ounce water tank capacity
- 45 minutes of use
- 18 Versatile Accessories
- Steam Lock Switch
- Powerful Jet Nozzle
- 8 Minute Heat Up Time
- 15.7-foot power cord
- 9-foot steam hose
- 2-year hassle-free warranty
User/ Customer reviews
Those who have used the steam cleaner to fight bed bugs and dust mites are extremely satisfied with the results. People are happy that it comes with numerous attachments that can be used for different types of cleaning jobs. However, it’s worth noting that a few users have cautioned about the poor make and quality of the attachments. Canadians have had a hard time with this product because there’s no support available in their country.
Conclusion
If you want a handy and powerful steam cleaner that can blast full speed on dust mites, bed bugs and bacteria then this is a great choice. The amazing customer service and warranty make it worth the purchase. However, this is not sturdy enough for heavy-duty cleaning or long-term use.
3. COSTWAY Multipurpose Steam Cleaner
This multipurpose steam cleaner from the house of COSTWAY presents a reliable and comprehensive cleaning solution comparable to large professional units. The unit uses hot pressure steam up to 226 °F to eliminate grease, stains, and dirt while killing 99.9% of allergens, bacteria, pathogens, and viruses. It can be safely used on floor tiles, furniture, carpet, toys, kitchen, car interiors, and so on. With a large water tank of 1.5L capacity, it requires a heating time of 8-9 minutes to deliver continuous steam for 40 minutes.
We also love the ergonomic design of the steam cleaner that includes a comfortable handle and two caster wheels. The over-heating cut out system and high sensitivity temperature control are extremely useful for your safety. The 18 different accessories make it possible to use the steam cleaner for cleaning and sanitizing different corners of the house with ease. With its chemical-free method, it not only removes dirt and stains but also effectively kills dust mites and bed bugs.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 17 x 11 x 14 inches
- Weighs 10.8 pounds
- 1.5L capacity water tank
- 16-foot power cord
- ETL listed for the USA
- Max steam temperature 226℉
- Heating Time 8-9 min
- Continuous Steam Time: up to 45min
- Chemical-free cleaning
- Hidden Accessories box
- 2 wheels and 1 small 360 rolling casters
User/ customer reviews
Those who have used this COSTWAY Multipurpose Steam Cleaner are in love with the product for its ease of use, durability, and great performance. According to customers, the product does what it says and the accessories are beautifully engineered to reach inaccessible corners and kill hidden germs to keep the house clean and sanitized. People who have used other steam cleaner models in the past feel that this is a superior product.
Conclusion
This COSTWAY steam cleaner (shop now) is clearly the jack of all trades and promises to give you great worth for the money spent. The sturdy built, smart design, large tank, and superheated steam make it one of the most high-quality steam cleaners money can buy.
4. Bissell Steam Mop and Steamer
When it comes to cleaning tools, we can’t miss out on Bissell, a brand known for its commitment to quality. So, here’s presenting the Bissell Steam Mop, which is designed in a way to add an element of luxury into household chores. The Power fresh deluxe steam mop (learn more) is capable of sanitizing hard floors to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs without the need for harsh chemicals. It comes with several attachments such as the On-Board spot boost to remove the sticky mess.
The product comes with a measuring cup to help you add only as much water as needed to the water tank. Water takes about 30 seconds to heat and remembers to adjust the settings between high to low according to your cleaning needs. The steam cleaner is safe to use on all types of surfaces such as sealed hardwood, ceramics, granite, linoleum, marble, and so on.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 9.5 x 13 x 46 inches
- Weighs 6 lb
- Tank capacity 16 oz
- 12 amps power rating
- SpotBoost Brush
- 25 feet power cord length
- Easily fill the water tank
- Measuring cup included
- 30 seconds Warm-Up Time
Users/ customers reviews
People are pleasantly surprised and happy to see how well this steam mop cleans the floor and makes seemingly clean floors shine like never before. Users find this product incredibly easy to use and very effective with lots of steam the clean grout and other areas so well. A few customers have cautioned that the product starts showing issues after some months of use and does not last long.
Conclusion
The Bissell Steam Mop is definitely one of the best products designed for cleaning the house and keeping it free of germs, mites, and bugs. We would recommend that you buy some extra pads as they tend to get filthy, requiring you to stop cleaning and rinse them first. Overall, we feel that you get what you pay for.
5. Vapamore MR-75 Amico Hand Held Steam Cleaner
When we first considered this product for review, we liked the name ‘Amico’ which means little friend in Italian and true to its name, this steam mop proves to be a true companion. The Vapamore MR-75 is a brilliantly designed handheld steam cleaner that moves along as you clean to make your home disinfected and sanitized. We love the way it is brilliantly engineered to deliver ultra-powerful steam cleaning without being too bulky. It’s so lightweight and portable that you can carry it with you wherever you go.
The compact form of the Vapamore steam cleaner also makes it easy to store the product away after use. It comes with a wide collection of accessories for cleaning grout, BBQ, patio furniture, and so on. The high-intensity steam effectively kills bed bugs, dust mites, germs, and bacteria to make your home germ-free without any chemical use. We are happy to know that the product comes backed by a solid lifetime warranty.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 8 x 13 x 8 inches
- Weighs 5.9 pounds
- Chemical Free cleaning
- Produces 210˚ Steam
- 1000 Watt Water Heater
- Steam Pressure: 43.5 psi
- Boiler Temp: 210° F
- Tank Capacity: 6.7 fl oz
- Heating Time: 4 min
- Power Cord Length: 10 feet
- Steam Hose Length 3 feet
User/ Customer reviews
The sturdy built of the device and attachments has impressed users beyond words. People are happy that it instructs to use distilled water, hence this saves the unit from mineral buildups. Customers have mentioned that there is no on/ off switch, but the thing is easy to use and becomes ready when the red button turns green in color. A few users have cautioned that the steam cleaner makes a very loud noise which may be repulsive for some.
Conclusion
If you want a solid steam cleaner that does not cut corners and does the job as expected then the Vapamore MR-75 (show now) is a great choice. Although small and compact, it performs like any professional steam mop and effectively kills mites and germs to help you live healthily. Overall, a true ‘little friend’ for every homemaker.
Tips To Use A Steam Cleaner Effectively For Killing Dust Mites
- To get the best results from using a steam cleaner, it’s important to first prepare the area you wish to clean. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any large debris, dust, and clumps of pet hair from the area.
- Remember that every product is different so read the directions carefully, follow the safety instructions and use the right attachments as indicated.
- As a general rule, the smaller heads provide concentrated steam that helps in moving the dust around, while the larger heads are effective at killing more dust mites.
- When using a steam mop to control the dust mite population, make sure you work from the top towards the bottom. So, start from the curtains and drapes first and then move to the fabric in other areas such as couches and upholstered furniture.
- Besides washing bedding on a hot cycle, make sure you also steam clean the beddings, blankets, carpets, mattresses, rugs, and upholstery. You may also use it for cleaning pet bedding as dust mites may thrive in and around your Tommy’s bed.
- As carpet involves a large area to cover, consider steam cleaning the carpet when there’s less foot traffic. Start by removing large furniture to get easy access to the entire area as hidden and humid spots have the largest dust mite population.
- After you are done steam cleaning, let the carpet, rugs, and bedding dry out completely before putting it back to its place or allowing anybody to use it.
Alternative Ways To Get Rid Of Dust Mites
While buying the best steam cleaner for dust mites is one thing you can do to get rid of this nuisance, there are other ways to control and prevent the dust mites population. Here are some alternative methods you can try at home to minimize the mites attack in your bedroom.
Get direct sunlight
Dust mites can’t thrive in a dry and hot environment so hang your beddings, curtains, and upholstery in direct sunlight whenever possible. However, be careful while doing this so that outdoor pollens and other allergens do not collect on them.
Use a dehumidifier
Dust mites need a favorable humid environment to thrive, so if you can’t use the sunlight method then use a dehumidifier instead. If the humidity level falls below 40-50 percent, this will kill the dust mites.
Wash in warm/ hot water
If you have dust mites allergy then we would recommend that you wash your beddings at least once a week in really hot water. The water temperature should be 130°F or higher to kill mites.
Buying woolen items
The natural lanolin in wool does not let dust mites thrive, hence we recommend that you invest in woolen bedding, rugs and other items to keep your home mites-free.
Invest in allergen-proof covers
After you have cleaned bedding in hot water, use an allergen-proof cover on them to repel dust mites, bugs, and other allergens. Combine this with dry steam cleaning and vacuuming for best results.
End-to-end carpet
We agree that end-to-end carpets give a royal look to the home but they also make cleaning difficult. Hence, we recommend that you avoid them and use washable rugs to cover concrete floors.
Freezing stuff
Dust mites are not limited to carpets and beddings alone. They can also thrive on soft toys and cause allergies in kids. To get rid of them, freeze soft toys in a tightly closed vacuum bag and then shake vigorously after taking it out.
For more: 25 Cleaning Tips For Allergy Sufferers
Related Questions
What is the difference between a steam mop and handheld steamer?
The biggest difference between them is the type of area or surface you are able to clean. For example, if you buy a steam mop, you will be able to clean floor tiles made of laminate and hardwood beautifully. However, they have a limitation that they cannot be used on all surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. The handheld steam cleaner, on the other hand, can be used to kill dust mites on mattresses, curtains, upholstery, furniture, and almost anywhere dust mites thrive.
What is a dry steamer or vapor steamer?
If you are looking for a steam cleaner to get rid of dust mites then you must know what is dry steam. As the mites thrive in a humid environment, they mostly nest in areas that absorb a lot of moisture. When you use dry steam to clean curtains and mattresses, it prevents extra moisture from settling on the surface. Vapor steamer is another word used for the dry steamer and it relies on extremely hot water to sanitize and disinfect without the use of chemicals.
Can I add vinegar or detergent to a steam cleaner?
Vinegar has high acidity levels and it’s considered a good alternative for killing germs and mites. However, please bear in mind that a steam cleaner is designed to only clean with water and nothing else. While it’s acceptable to add a mild detergent to the steam cleaner, it may not be suitable for all models so read the manual carefully
See Also:
33 Uses For Handheld Steam Cleaner
5 Best Steam Cleaners For Dust Mites
How Does A Handheld Steam Cleaner Work?