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anything that can't be steamed? other steamer questions
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pleasebugsgoaway
newbite
Joined: Sep '09
Posts: 12
Posted 5 months ago
Sat Oct 17 2009 7:30:48
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Sadly, bites reappeared 2.5 weeks after our 1st treatment. I just ordered a steamer (reliable T630 - reconditioned ones available relatively cheaply on ebay right now) and am planning to steam everything: vacuum cleaner, clothes, shoes, bed, floors, walls, toys, books, furniture, etc. Maybe the steamer instructions will say this, but is there anything that CAN'T be steamed? Will it take paint off my walls? Will it melt plastic toys? How about electronics or things with motors like the vacuum cleaner?
Also, do you think I can add a drop or two of essential oil to the water I put in the steamer, or will that ruin it?
Also, I've justified the cost of the steamer by rationalizing that I can steam any used furniture I might buy on craigslist, allowing me to continue to buy used rather than new furniture. What do people think about this? If I were to buy a used wood table, for example, could I steam it on the sidewalk and then safely bring it inside? How about something upholstered like a couch? Any input from steamer owners appreciated.
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stevebeast
newbite
Joined: Aug '09
Posts: 32
Posted 5 months ago
Sat Oct 17 2009 13:26:04
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It wont take paint off the walls or melt plastic but it will mess up the finish on wood, mine turned cloudy white in places maybe I hit it too hard. I dont know if i would trust it on used upholstered furniture, it cools before it gets very deep. Some of my laminate furniture started to peel around the edges, naugahide will turn cloudy, acoustic ceilings will get soft for a while. Be carefull i know it sounds stupid but its easy to burn yourself,
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stevebeast
newbite
Joined: Aug '09
Posts: 32
Posted 5 months ago
Sat Oct 17 2009 13:27:53
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Oh dont put oils in the steamer
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I just steamed my basedboards and moulding in my bathroom yesterday. It's great for that, but if you are going to use pestacides, you cannot steam treated areas after, so you would do your steaming in prep for chemicals.
Portland, OR
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cilecto
oldtimer
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 900
Posted 5 months ago
Mon Oct 19 2009 10:01:47
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Who did your first treatment and what is their plan? It's common to schedule a minimum of two treatments because eggs hatch, spots get missed and chemicals lose their potency.
A steamer is a useful tool against BB as well as for cleaning, but it's not a silver bullet and it may not mix with your pesticide regimen.
What is your purpose in adding essential oils? I'd be careful not to add anything that might cause an unexpected response from your BB. Also, consult your steamer's manual as to appropriateness.
Every item coming into your house or transported in your car carries some risk of BB. Items that have been in people's homes (I e refurbs) maybe more so. BB related items…are you kidding?
Are you already planning to add more complexity to your life through purchase of furniture, new or used?
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