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Steam, isn't it always 212f?
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SearchandDestroy
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Joined: Sep '10
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Nov 30 2010 19:19:46
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I'm not a scientist, but isn't steam always 212f or 100 degrees celcius?
If one is out looking to rent or own a steamer (there is one on amazon for a cheap $79), wouldn't they all be hot enough given the fact that steam is generally this temp? (hot enough to shrivel up any bedbug or egg).
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cilecto
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Dec 1 2010 12:32:03
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Water turns to vapor at 212F, but "steam" can be hotter or cooler. That's because once the steam leaves the heat source, it's cooling down.
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Beth
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Dec 1 2010 18:09:41
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I was looking at a Bissel steamer and it heats up the water to only 25 degrees hotter than tap water, which mine is 130 degrees, so somehow it "steam" cleans carpets at 155??? This is hot enough to kill 'em alright, but not if it loses any temp at all on the way down into the deepest part of the carpet.
I steamed my carpet with a shark steam mop carpet attachment, and sadly all it did was seriously piss them off (might be good to do before vacuuming), but it obviously did not fry them. I think you do need ones that get to 200 or over. Bed Bug Supply sells a hand held one that does for $45. Just might be a lot of work as it's so small, but it will work likely.
Amy
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Joined: May '07
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Dec 1 2010 18:47:20
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Professional steamers for bed bug control are in the 200 F range. While 130 F DIRECTLY
contacting a bed bug or egg will kill it there is little margin so you must go very s l o w
and be very thorough, again little margin for error and no penetration just surface
mortality. -
cilecto
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Dec 1 2010 19:06:18
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I recall discussions saying that household carpet steamers are not hot enough. Also a lit of discussion that hand steamers are not adequate for dealing with large objects or areas. But, I also think I recall discussion that with rugs other than shag, primary area if concern is at the edge.
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