Cleaning with a steamer : frugal and green ?

[Marion]

I have just ordered a Karcher steamer. My first motivation is to get rid of the (fabric) moths which have infested my appartment. Every unattainable nook and crany seems to be invaded by them + I also want to steam them out of fabrics.

As I researched steamers, I also realized people use them as a very efficient way of cleaning their houses without using cleaning products.

What's been your experience with them ?

[lmerullo]

I have a steam mop, and use it for hard flooring surfaces. Once, I used to clean a dog accident on carpet - but more to disinfect, and make sure any residue was gone.

I got it years ago, when there was a big to-do about the chemicals used to clean floors being toxic to dogs. (At the time there wasn't too much noise being made about cats, for example - or even babies!). I really feel the cleaning is just as good as a mop and whatever solution one chooses to use. Since I am a dog owner, I realize that a) they walk around with bare feet that can absorb stuff, b) they also lick their paws and can ingest and c) sometimes they are the SOURCE of dirty stuff on the floors. That being said, I like that a steam mop does not use any chemicals, is ready in moments and sterilizes the surface. Again, it seems to clean just as well as any regular mop in my application.

I don't know about using a steamer machine, though, as I don't have one... my friend had one, and swore by it to clean her bathroom and kitchen, though.

Are you hoping the steam kills the moths / eggs?

[Marion]

Yes, I am hoping to kill the moths and their eggs as they seem to nest in very hard to reach places. I am also going to steam some fabrics (embroidered silk panels, etc) that I can't wash (small ones I put in my freezer for a few days, it is supposed to kill them as well). I am also using moth pheromone traps (I have ordered but not yet received them), thanks to a recommendation made by a forum member.

I've realized that, apart from my battle with the moths, there is so much I can clean efficiently : even my balcony, where a couple of pigeons like to live : they are great entertainment for my cats, but getting rid of their dirt is very hard, I am sure the steamer would work great on that.

[Gardenarian]

I got one as a gift and thought it was more trouble than it was worth. I returned it. Way easier to clean most things with a bucket and microfiber cloth, but I don't worry about things being sterile.

I do hope it helps with your moth problem. We had them once and it took about 2 years for them to finally go away completely. Yuck.

[Marion]

Two years :(
how did you manage to get rid of them ?
On a positive note, I must say moths help being more radical in my decluttering :0)!

[CathyA]

I bought my DD a Vapamore steamer when she had bedbugs in her old apartment. It worked well. I chose Vapamore because it supposedly has a dryer steam and doesn't cause too much moisture, which could cause mold........so be careful to make sure things are super dry after you use it.
Moths don't like cedar, so you could add those hanging cedar things to your closets.

You're right! Finding bugs definitely encourages more decluttering! I guess that's the silver lining. :)

[Marion]

Thanks for the tip, CathyA! I did see the cedarwood accessories but they are quite expensive. I am now wondering if using drops cedar essential oil might work instead.

[CathyA]

I'm sure the drops would work.........but I think it just keeps them away from your clothes and doesn't kill them.
Good luck!

[Gardenarian]

Marion - we got rid of a lot of stuff and vacuumed thoroughly, continually. What a nuisance!

[Marion]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement ! After week one of this war against the moths, I am realizing how expensive and time consuming this is all proving to be :(
At least, it gives me great motivation to declutter!

[profnot]

I live in a humid area. Everyone has problems with mold. We're all on septic so we can't use bleach unless we clean off the bleach with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.

A steam mop would make the problem worse. Just a heads up note for people living in humid areas.