Would you recommend steri-fab or kleen-free for shoes?

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Would you recommend steri-fab or kleen-free for shoes?

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twitchyscratchy

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Joined: Oct '09
Posts: 33

Posted 1 week ago
Sat Nov 7 2009 15:12:12
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Which one is better?

I know a steamer or a packtite is ideal, but i can't afford either of those "luxuries" (ha.).

I also don't have a dryer and the ones at the laundromat won't work with the dryer shelves.

I wouldn't use the chemicals on every day shoes, only ones i intend to store for a while (at least a few months).

In terms of my every day shoes, they are leather. Has anyone tried pouring boiling water on leather shoes? Baking them in the oven? If I did boil or bake them, then oil them immediately afterward, will this destroy my shoes?

Also, I can't afford new shoes.

I hate you, bedbugs.
Bugbitten Meg

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Joined: Aug '09
Posts: 59

Posted 1 week ago
Sat Nov 7 2009 15:48:50
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I'd use ddvp strips, if I felt I had to treat shoes and couldn't heat them. Then be sure to wear socks or stockings for at least the next half-year (moisture breaks down what residuals it leaves, so using them for several months with socks to avoid direct contact should work.)

Read the ddvp posts for use/cautions/all that. It needs sealed bags and as remote a storage area as possible.

If you're willing to risk your shoes, and will be at home to notice fires, you can certainly put them in the oven. The problem is that the oven isn't really that accurate -- it's why people pay for a packtite.
cilecto

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Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 505

Posted 1 week ago
Sat Nov 7 2009 20:16:39
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Alcohol based steri fab is probably pretty damaging to leather. Murphy is pretty gentle, and being oil based, nice on leather. I've used it on shoes that have been damaged by weather. Not familiar with the third cleaner, but if it's like Simple Green, I'd not use it on shoes, as it's a degreaser and will strip oils from the leather. Note. All these cleansers and alcohol are contact cleaners only, and definitely do not kill eggs.

I've treated shoes in the dryer, one whose temperature I felt comfortable about, with help
from an IR thermometer. I tied each shoe loosely in a pillow case (avoid marking up the driver) and added a few rags to dampen the racket. After, generous polish with a cream based polish, like Meltonian (USA). (note. I can't guarantee you that the shoes were infested, or, if they were, that all BBs were dead at end of process.)
meremortal

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Joined: Oct '09
Posts: 41

Posted 1 week ago
Sun Nov 8 2009 11:21:23
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Twitchy, the "DDVP in a bag" worked well on my "occasional" shoes...the ones I could store for awhile and not miss. I kept out some "everday shoes", which were initially treated in the oven. They shrank! So...I coughed up $40 for a Shark hand steamer (little purple one) and it does a fantastic job on shoes. I know it's still one more cost to incur, but it was totally worth it!
twitchyscratchy

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Joined: Oct '09
Posts: 33

Posted 1 week ago
Sun Nov 8 2009 12:20:34
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thank you everyone, that's a lot of valuable information.

it's so wonderful to have access to all of this knowledge!

mermortal, i think i might pick up that shark steamer. do you know how hot it gets?

i am a bit nervous of the DDVP strips and would only use them as a last resort.

cilecto, thanks for the dryer tips. i also have no idea if my shoes are infested or not. i just want to be safe.

thanks again.
meremortal

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Joined: Oct '09
Posts: 41

Posted 1 week ago
Sun Nov 8 2009 17:10:11
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Hi Twitchy,

I haven't measured the tip temperature of the Shark steamer, but it gets hotter than my $700 steamer! I've used them both on the same surface, and felt the surface afterward and every time the Shark left the surface much warmer...

Having said that, the Shark does not have adjustable steam/pressure, so it does not produce "dry steam". The steam comes out at a good clip, so using it on baseboards, etc. wouldn NOT be a good idea since a) it could blow bugs and/or nymphs further into the wall cavity and b) the excess moisture could cause mould problems. It is, however, great for shoes, purses, etc. where you can aim the steam in and it is entering a "closed system". Be careful of your hands, though! I hold shoes by the sole as the steam that comes back out can be very hot. I burned my hands a few times in the beginning :)

Hope this helps...
BugBoy911

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Joined: Jan '09
Posts: 184

Posted 1 week ago
Sun Nov 8 2009 18:38:54
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When it comes to shoes I have found that taking out the laces before conducting an inspection is the best way. You can go threw the shoe with a flashlight lifting any fabric within the shoe were bedbugs may hide. You can also use a basic over the counter pesticide such as black flag, or any type of Pyrethrin to lightly flush the shoe to see if indeed you have bedbugs inside with guidance from a professional of course. The pyrethrin will annoy them and force them to show themselves. Use lightly, or use the shark steamer which I find a choice tool in the battle against bedbugs.
twitchyscratchy

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Joined: Oct '09
Posts: 33

Posted 1 week ago
Sun Nov 8 2009 20:44:30
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thanks again folks. i think i will pick up that shark steamer. it's much more reasonable priced than the others. and i wouldn't use steam on my baseboards anyway, since we already have a mold problem (the extent of which i didn't even realize until i went hunting for BBs!).

:)
twitchyscratchy

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Joined: Oct '09
Posts: 33

Posted 1 week ago
Fri Nov 13 2009 14:16:59
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i bought the handheld shark steamer and tested its temperature on my meat thermometer. initially it got up to 120 F, but after that one quick hot blast, maintained a temperature of 100 F. so i don't know how effective it will be (beyond "smoking them out", but that won't work for eggs).

just an FYI. also, i realize the meat thermometer might not be the most scientific tool for accurate readings! :)

(i'm keeping it because i like the thought of cleaning my windows, bathtub, etc. with it)