Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 28th November 2024 Issue no. 1140
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The importance of bed bug cleaning in Summer
James Gordon, marketing director at Kärcher, discusses best cleaning practice when tackling bed bugs this Summer:
"As temperatures rise and travel peaks during the Summer months, the risk of bed bug infestations also increases. These resilient pests are notorious for hitchhiking on luggage, clothing - and even public transport, spreading rapidly in areas with high human traffic. Effective bed bug control is essential, particularly in environments such as hotels, hostels and on public transport.
So, how best can businesses in these industries manage the spread of bed bugs?
Invest in a chemical-free solution!
The use of steam cleaners and steam vacuum cleaners offers a safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides. This is particularly important in places with high human activity, such as hotels and public transport, where the use of chemicals can pose health risks to people. As Summer approaches and the likelihood of bed bug infestations increases, investing in steam cleaning technology provides a reliable and effective solution to ensure a pest-free environment.
In laboratory tests, Cimex lectularius bed bugs in various stages of development were subjected to steam treatment. The results were conclusive: at a distance of five centimetres, the killing effectiveness was 100% for all development stages of bed bugs. The heat proved especially effective on bed bug eggs, which are resistant to chemical treatments but not to high temperatures.
Selecting the right product for the job:
As with any cleaning task, it's vital to select the right product for the job. Kärcher steam cleaners are certified effective in the fight against bedbugs. Kärcher's steam cleaners and steam vacuum cleaners have been rigorously tested by the French Institute for the Study and Control of Bedbugs (INELP). The results are impressive: these machines eliminate 100% of bed bugs at any growth stage. This effectiveness is due to the fact that bed bugs and their eggs cannot withstand temperatures above 60°C. By utilising steam, these cleaners provide a non-toxic method of eradicating bed bugs, making them ideal for professional use in sensitive areas.
The Kärcher SG 4/4 steam cleaner and the SGV 8/5 steam vacuum cleaner are particularly effective for professional use. The SG 4/4 reaches a working pressure of 4-bar within minutes, while the SGV 8/5 operates at 8-bar. Both models emit steam at approximately 100 degrees, ensuring penetration into microscopic pores where bed bugs may hide.
These steam cleaners feature adjustable steam stages, with the middle stage (stage 2) being optimal for bed bug treatment. Bed bugs spread at a sustained rate, which requires rapid action to limit their proliferation and thus lead to their eradication. Therefore, steam cleaners from Kärcher are highly effective.
A significant advantage of these models is their ability to operate continuously. They are designed with separate boiler and water tanks, allowing the fresh water tank to be refilled without interrupting the cleaning process. This ensures a consistent spray pattern and uninterrupted work, making them highly efficient for professional applications.
Effective cleaning technique:
Bed bugs often hide in the most inconspicuous places: crevices, cracks, gaps and behind skirting boards or headboards. Their eggs are also nestled in these hard-to-reach areas. When using steam cleaners, for optimal results, it is crucial to guide the steam nozzle slowly over infested areas at a maximum distance of five centimetres. This allows the steam to thoroughly heat the surface and penetrate deep into the layers where bed bugs reside.
The recommended technique involves starting from the top, such as curtains or blinds, and moving down to lower-lying objects like bed frames and skirting boards. However, it is important to avoid using steam on heat-sensitive materials, thick upholstered furniture and mattresses to prevent damage.
For those looking for a step-by-step approach. They should:
1. Carry out a diagnosis: Start by identifying, locating and measuring the level of bedbug infestation.
2. Fight physically: Vacuum the affected areas with a vacuum cleaner, dispose of the bags properly and clean the device immediately afterwards (*close the bag, wrap it in a plastic bag and throw it in an outdoor trash can).
3. Thermal control: Clean all contaminated surfaces with steam, clean upholstery with steam, in the washing machine (minimum 60°C) or freeze them at -20°C for 72 hours.
4. Validate elimination and prevent: Ensure that all bedbugs have been eliminated. It is then recommended to declutter your spaces as much as possible and carry out regular steam cleaning.
Ultimately, as Summer travel increases the risk of bed bug infestations in high-traffic areas, businesses should invest in chemical-free solutions like Kärcher's steam cleaners, which are proven to eliminate 100% of bed bugs at all stages, if used correctly. These steam cleaners offer a safe, effective and non-toxic method of combatting bed bugs, ensuring a pest-free environment.
Whilst not the one-stop answer to eradicating bed bugs, the use of Kärcher's steam cleaners are amongst a host of solutions that can fight against bed bugs."
For more information on Kärcher's range of forward-thinking cleaning products, please visit:
25th July 2024