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Bed bugs and other creepy-crawly pests are a nuisance that many of us have to deal with. No matter how often you scrub or do the laundry, bed bugs will always find a way back into our homes and lives.
However, did you know that vacuum cleaners are incredibly helpful tools for eliminating microscopic bugs from our homes? This is especially true if it features a True HEPA Filter.
If you want the best vacuum cleaner, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll show you what the best vacuum cleaners for bed bugs are to keep your home floors, upholstery, and beds as bug-free as possible.
Vacuums for Bed Bugs – What to Look For?
While looking for vacuum cleaners for bed bugs, we first need to know what qualities to look for. Below, you’ll see what the most important points are when shopping for a vacuum cleaner for bed bugs.
Filter type
First and foremost, you need to check whether the vacuum cleaner comes with a True HEPA Filter or not. We don’t mean HEPA-esque or HEPA-grade; we mean TRUE. Only a True HEPA Filter can guarantee up to 99.97% cleaning efficiency by removing particles as tiny as 0.3 microns from the ground and air.
Bed bugs measure more than 5mm (0.2″) across, meaning that they have absolutely no chance of escaping the fine-weaved mesh of a True HEPA Filter.
Suction power
You should also look for the most powerful vacuum cleaner you can afford. Suction power is typically measured in bars, water lift inches, or pascals. Regardless of which unit you use, a higher bar/water lift/pascal rating means enhanced suction.
Suction power is essential for removing tiny pests from both hard and soft surfaces. The more air the unit draws in, the better the chance it has at removing deeply-burrowed creatures from your mattress.
Cleaning attachments
A vacuum cleaner’s main weapon is usually a floorhead. However, all kinds of vacuums can offer different types of cleaning attachments. The more attachments you have, the more versatile the tool, and the better the chance it will have at removing bed bugs from fibrous surfaces, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Ideally, you’ll want a motorized mini tool or a brush attachment. These tools will massage the vacuumed surface slightly, possibly drawing out tiny creatures from deep within the fibers.
A crevice tool is also handy to target bed bugs hiding in cracks and corners.
Some vacuums are used specifically on mattresses, so even though you can keep your sleeping area free of microscopic pests, it won’t do much at cleaning your floors or drapes.
Floorhead design
The vacuum should come with a floorhead tool that uses a motorized brush. If it doesn’t, then the vacuum cleaner needs to deliver more suction power to clean soft surfaces like carpets and mattresses.
In addition, the floorhead should be sealed from end to end. This will prevent the brush roll from shooting dust, debris, and bed bugs from the sides of the floorhead. The floorhead can’t produce an airtight seal, but it can provide enough cover to stop dust from flying all over the place.
Collection system
Finally, you should consider how the vacuum stores the vacuumed-up dust and pests. Plastic containers are a lot more cost-efficient since you don’t need to replace them very often or at all. However, when emptying out the dust cup, it’s not uncommon for dust particles and pests to escape the container and make their way back onto your floors.
As for dust collection bags, you don’t need to worry about dust leakage or spillage. What you do need to consider is the cost of purchasing replacement bags. Over time, the costs of replacement bags can add up. Either system is fine, as long as you’re comfortable.
Best Vacuum Cleaners for Bed Bugs
1. Atrix HEPA Backpack Vacuum
Key features:
- HEPA filter
- Cord holder
- Blower adapter
The Atrix HEPA Backpack Vacuum is the overall best backpack vacuum for bed bugs you can find in the market. Measuring just 12 x 9 x 20 inches, this unit is notably light and compact that anyone can strap it on without any trouble. It weighs approximately 10.3 pounds, and it has no trouble cleaning tight spaces.
This 106-CFM vacuum cleaner easily converts from a vacuum to a blower. Also, it delivers strong suction power, making it perfect for use in both commercial and residential spaces. The 8-quart container sports HEPA filter absorbs that removes all kinds of small allergens and contaminants, including pests like bed bugs and dust mites, which can cause various breathing and skin issues.
The Atrix features shoulder straps and an adjustable belt loop to ensure a comfortable fit with solid back support. You can also easily switch between left to right hands orientation. It is also packed with useful accessories, such as a 6-inch hose, blower adapter, filter exhausts, and brushes. All of these attachments help you to clean nearly all soft and hard surfaces in your home.
Pros
- Strong suction power
- Packed with lots of attachments
- Comfortable fit and compact
Cons
- Accessories can be difficult to fit
2. Housemile UV Vacuum
Key features
- Roller brush
- Battery-powered
- Large dust bag with HEPA filter
The Housmile UV Vacuum is one of the best UV vacuum cleaners for dust mites. Thanks to its compact design and convenient features, this is a vacuum that you can use to maintain the cleanliness of your bed to prevent any allergic reaction. It comes with an advanced HEPA filter to trap 99.98% of micron particles, which is extremely helpful for those fighting against asthma and any allergy.
In comparison to its predecessor, this vacuum comes with more powerful UV light, making it able to eliminate nearly up to 99.7% of bacteria and dust mites. It also works effectively at removing bed bugs. It only weighs around 4.5 pounds and comes with a built-in large dust box, making it perfect for anyone who requires a compact and high-performance vacuum cleaner.
The most significant selling point of this vacuum cleaner is the brush that spins at relatively high speeds to get rid of embedded dust from your tapestry. Thanks to its activated carbon filtration, this unit works efficiently at blocking the pollution.
Pros
- 20% more powerful UV light
- Efficient in removing dust mites
- Light and compact
Cons
- Roller brush may spread mites
3. Atrix Lil Red Canister Vacuum
Key features
- 2-quart HEPA bag
- 3-stage filtration
- Adjustable speed motor
The Atrix Lil Red Canister Vacuum is a vacuum that will make a great lifetime investment. It features a 2-quart HEPA box filter, making it relatively powerful to absorb not only debris like pet dander and pollen but also harmful insects such as dust mites and bed bugs.
The Atrix Lil Red weighs only around 6.5 pounds, which is also supported with a set of wheels, making it easy to carry and store. Although it’s a compact device, it is able to clean 71 cubic feet per minute. Thanks to its adjustable speed motor, you can clean lots of different surfaces without any trouble. This versatile vacuum will get any job done from hardwood and tapestries to sheets and drapes.
The 6-inch hose, as well as the telescopic extension wand, helps you to maintain the cleanliness of hard-to-reach spaces of your home. This unit is packed with a host of tools and accessories to give you a precise aim. The attachments include a round brush, carpet floor tool, and more.
Pros
- Large canister
- Multiple attachments
- Light and compact design
Cons
- Louder than most
4. Miele Complete C3 Brilliant
Key features
- AirClean filtration system
- 1,200-watt vortex motor
- Electro brush
The Miele Complete C3 Brilliant is a perfect solution for families with multiple occupants. It has the capability to filter out up to 99.9% of allergens in your house. It has a 1,200-watt vortex motor that enhances its airflow and suction, making it one of the best performing canister vacuums in the market. To save energy, the suction level of its motor can be adjusted depending on the surface type.
Not only does it suitable for hard floors, but it also works effectively in maintaining the hygiene of any types of carpet floorings. It has a Miele Powerhead, which is excellent for cleaning embedded dust on all types of tapestries. It is also great for removing pet hair from carpet.
When it comes to convenience, the C3 Brilliant has controls on its handle, and you can select one of the suction levels with ease. It features three built-in attachments such as an upholstery tool, crevice nozzle, and dusting brush. All these convenient accessories help you to even clean hard-to-reach spaces.
Pros
- Automatic suction power
- Silent motor
- Great for any type of surfaces
Cons
- Could be lighter
5. Atrix Omega Green Supreme
Key features
- 120-volt motor
- HEPA filter
- Hose and filter plugs
The Atrix Omega Green Supreme is a great vacuum cleaner for anyone dealing with stubborn dust and bed bugs. Compared to the other vacuums, the Atrix Omega is specifically manufactured to eliminate both live and dead bed bugs and other insects thanks to its 3-stage filtration. These layers consist of two layers of glass and one layer of cellulose.
The HEPA filter is able to capture any kinds of insects to dry and harsh chemicals. This vacuum cleaner is powered by a 120-volt motor that is relatively powerful and only produces a low level of noise. It also features an adjustable hose and various accessories along with crevice tools to help you clean up cramped spaces.
Instead of coming with a regular dust collector, it comes with a disposable cartridge. The cartridge will be sealed the moment you turn off the unit. This helps you to make sure you capture all the bugs you are cleaning up. Regarding comfortability, this device features an adjustable strap that you can wear over your shoulder.
Pros
- Powerful and quiet operation
- Adjustable hose
- Self-contained HEPA filter cartridge
Cons
- No full indicator
FAQ
1. Can bed bugs live in vacuum cleaners?
Yes, they can. Vacuum cleaners don’t come with blades that blend up whatever substance or creature that gets sucked into the vacuum’s inlet. All of the collected debris is stored inside of a bag or washable dust cup. These storage systems also do not offer any bed-bug-killing properties.
However, assuming the bag and dust cups are airtight (or at least leak-proof), you don’t need to concern yourself over the bugs crawling out and inhabiting the vacuum’s motor. When you dump the contents, you dump the bed bugs. It’s as simple as that!
2 How effective is vacuuming in removing bed bugs?
You’ll want to have a realistic expectation when removing bed bugs with a vacuum. Bed bugs are pretty good in hiding, and some may be out of reach.
It isn’t possible to remove 100% of bed bugs but with regular vacuuming, you can reduce the infestation at home.
3. How do you clean a vacuum after bed bugs?
Chances are, most of the bed bugs survive the trip into the vacuum. You’ll need to dispose them off safely without having the bed bugs escaping back into your home.
If the vacuum has a sealed pouch, dispose it after vacuuming. It will be trickier if it’s a bagless vacuum. In that case, you’ll need to empty the bin into a sealed plastic bag. Then, use hot water to clean the bin to kill remaining bed bugs.
4. Can you eliminate bed bugs completely?
Sadly, this is impossible. You can use a vacuum cleaner, steam cleaner, and even harsh chemicals, while still dealing with bed bugs regularly. However, the more frequently you clean your home, the better the chance you will have at reducing the overall bed bug population.
One of the most effective ways of removing bed bugs, other than vacuuming your floors and mattresses on schedule, is by washing your sheets and linens. Bed bugs cannot survive in extremely hot conditions, so consider using hot water when running your washing machine.
Summary
Today, we’ve shown you what the best vacuum cleaners for bed bugs are. To refresh your memory, the overall best option is the Atrix HEPA Backpack Vacuum, though the Miele Complete C3 Brilliant is a brilliant canister-vacuum option. Take a look at our guide to determine which vacuum will work best in your home.
If you need our assistance, we’d be more than happy to lend a helping hand in the comments section.
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