Does Steam Cleaning Kill Carpet Moths?

Carpet moths can wreak havoc in your home. One day your carpet looks fine, next day it’s full of bald patches and tiny holes. These little pests are not just a small problem. They ruin carpets, rugs, and even furniture if you let them stay.

On the internet, you will see a lot of questions on how to fix this issue. One of the most common ones is does steam cleaning can help kill carpet moths? It sounds like an easy fix, but is it?

In this post, you will learn how mouth infections on your carpet start, whether steam cleaning actually works and other useful things of the sort. By the end, you will know how to save your carpets before it’s too late.

How does a carpet moth infestation start?

Carpet moths are a bit smaller than the clothes moths you find in your wardrobe. You can spot them by their dull colour and small size. They are not the flashiest moths around. Adult carpet moths do not cause the damage, though. It’s the larvae, the baby moths, that chew through your carpets and rugs.

Most carpet moths live for about two to three months. But in that time, a single moth can lay hundreds of eggs. That’s why you spot one moth one week, and have a full-blown infestation a month later.

Usually, a carpet moth infestation starts when a moth flies into your home through a window or door. Or sometimes you bring one in without knowing, hidden in second-hand rugs, furniture or even clothes.

Once inside, if they find a cosy spot with food, they settle down and lay eggs. Homes with wool carpets, soft furnishings and dusty corners are the perfect mix of food, warmth, and shelter.

In that line of thought, if you are wondering whether carpet moths can live in floorboards, the answer is yes. They love to hide in the cracks between floorboards where they feel safe. Dust and hair stuck in the gaps give them food and shelter.

And by the way, carpet moths can also live in mattresses and even sofas. If your mattress or sofa has any wool, cotton or silk in it, the pests could make themselves right at home there too.

If you have suspicions that you are infested, check for these signs:

Will steam cleaning kill carpet moths?

Good news first. Yes, steam cleaning can kill carpet moths, but it needs to be done right. Let’s elaborate on that.

You need about 50°C to 60°C to kill the eggs and larvae. Adult moths die at even lower temperatures. A proper steam cleaning machine can easily get that hot. However, you must hold the steam over the spot long enough. Just a quick pass won’t do the job. You need to blast the area properly so the heat soaks deep into the carpet. Mind you, steam cleaning also eradicates carpet beetles and their eggs, so that’s a nice bonus.

However, steam cleaning has limits. Some carpets are thick and dense. The heat might not reach deep enough to kill eggs. Plus, steam only kills what it touches. If you miss a spot, the eggs laid there will survive.

Ok, so does professional carpet cleaning get rid of moths? Yes, it does. Pros use machines that blast deep steam at the right temperature. They know how slow to move and where to focus. They also check hidden areas like under furniture and along the skirting boards. Combining that with insecticides and pheromone traps when needed, and your carpets are as good as new.

What is the best killer for carpet moths?

Steam cleaning is a strong method, but it’s not the only one. There are other ways to kill carpet moths. Some work better depending on how bad the problem is. Here are some carpet cleaning methods explained.

Some people try natural remedies, like vinegar sprays, cedar wood blocks, or dried herbs. These are safer for children and pets and easy to find. They help to deter moths but they work more slowly and are not as efficient. Natural remedies are best for stopping moths after a deep clean or if the problem is very small.

So, what is the best killer for carpet moths? It depends on how bad the infestation is. Steam cleaning is a good start. Vacuuming helps keep on top of things. Chemicals and pest control are better for heavy cases. Natural remedies help stop moths coming back after the main problem is sorted. Most of the time, the best way is to mix a few methods to get rid of them for good.

Can carpet moths be transferred from room to room?

Yes. Carpet moths can move around your home quite easily, in fact. Adult moths can fly short distances. They might not travel far like butterflies, but they can flutter from one room to another. Once there, if they find carpets, rugs, or soft furniture made from natural fibres, they settle in and lay eggs. Even if you clean one room well, moths hiding in another room can bring the problem back fast.

Can carpet moths be transferred from house to house? Sadly, yes to that too. If you bring in second-hand carpets, rugs, sofas, or even clothes that have moth eggs hidden in them, you could start a brand new infestation unknowingly. Moths can also sneak in through open windows, on pets, or even on shoes.

This is why it’s so important to act fast when you first spot signs of carpet moths. Cleaning just one room might not be enough. You need to check every room where there are carpets or soft furnishings.

What are the most effective ways to repel moths?

Once you get rid of carpet moths, the trick is to stop them from returning.

One of the best things you can do is to vacuum regularly. It will suck up eggs, larvae, and adults and possibly prevent the infestation from happening. Pay close attention to edges of carpets, under furniture, and along skirting boards. These are the moths’ favourite hiding places.

Moth traps are also handy. You can buy sticky traps that catch adult moths before they lay more eggs. Put them near carpets and rugs to catch any that sneak in. Natural repellents work well too. Cedar wood blocks, lavender sachets, and even dried rosemary can help keep moths away. They do not kill moths, but the strong smells repel the pests.

Overall, the best defence is to keep your carpets clean, fresh, and dust-free. Wash or steam clean your carpets every few months. Check second-hand furniture before you bring it into the house.