One of the most common concerns when buying used furniture stems from a fear of the unknown. What did the previous owners do with it? What trace did they leave behind?
Without a doubt, bed bugs are among the biggest concerns. After all, they’re often found in more than just beds and are typically considered difficult to kill. But it’s not as bad as you may think. Here, we’ll discuss some of the processes we use to treat used furniture for bed bugs.
Cleaning Cushion Covers
Most sofas, loveseats, and other types of furniture actually have covers that keep the cushions themselves clean, protected, and organized. These can usually be removed with a zipper and washed on the gentle cycle with hot water.
This will kill bed bugs crawling around the surface of cushions instantly. If the cover isn’t dryer-safe, it should be hanged to dry away from areas that might be harboring bed bugs.
Steam Cleaning Used Furniture for Bed Bugs
Steam will instantly kill bed bugs and their eggs when set to the right temperature. We usually set our steamers to 120 degrees for best results.
Additionally, we recommend using pinpoint nozzles for smaller crevices, the most common places for bed bug nests. It’s also helpful to have a larger water container since cleaning in the small, hard-to-reach places takes time.
Of course, not all furniture is compatible with steam cleaning. That’s why all of our furniture, whether it has been steam cleaned or not, is also thoroughly vacuumed.
HEPA Vacuum
When steam and liquid cleaners won’t work, some vacuum cleaners will. In these cases, a powerful vacuum with a HEPA filter should be used to treat used furniture for bed bugs. Bed bugs might be clingy, but they are no match for a powerful vacuum.
A HEPA filter will prevent them from reentering the area, provided the vacuum’s waste container is emptied properly. It should be enclosed inside of a bag before emptying.
HEPA filters should also be thoroughly cleaned with hot water before they’re inserted back into the vacuum.
Disinfectant Cleaners and Wipes
Some furniture (especially leather pieces) needs to be disinfected with specialty cleaners. These are usually easy to find and specifically labeled for the types of materials they’re compatible with.
It’s best to carefully wipe the entire outer surface with a suitable cleaner after deep cleaning the frame inside. We recommend disposable wipes for ease of use.
Maintaining a Clean Environment
Bed bugs don’t usually sit still. They can still be found in carpet, rugs, blankets, and pillows even after deep cleaning the furniture. That’s why each item should be cleaned separately and thoroughly.
We recommend using a HEPA vacuum to clean carpet floors as well, since it will prevent bed bugs and allergens from reentering the area.
Fruitful Furniture: Used Furniture That’s Already Treated for Bed Bugs
Our guide on how to treat used furniture for bed bugs may have left you thinking, “I don’t have the time or equipment for that!” If so, you’re in luck!
All of our used furniture pieces are professionally treated for bed bugs, odors, and allergens. You won’t find a trace of the previous owner. Stop by Fruitful Furniture in Casper and see for yourself!
댓글