How to wash an apartment to get rid of fleas? - briefly
Vacuum every carpet, rug, floor, and upholstered surface, then discard the vacuum bag or thoroughly clean the canister. Follow with steam‑cleaning or washing all fabrics—bedding, curtains, pet bedding, and removable covers—in water above 130 °F using a flea‑killing detergent, and apply an appropriate insecticide to cracks and baseboards.
How to wash an apartment to get rid of fleas? - in detail
Thoroughly removing fleas from a dwelling requires a systematic approach that targets all life stages of the parasite. Begin by removing all removable items—rugs, curtains, bedding, and pet accessories—and launder them in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 30 minutes. This temperature kills both adult insects and developing eggs.
Next, treat all hard floors. Use a high‑efficiency vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstered surface slowly, overlapping each pass to ensure dislodgement of hidden insects. Immediately seal the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside the home to prevent re‑infestation.
After vacuuming, apply steam cleaning to carpets, upholstery, and fabric‑covered furniture. Steam at a temperature of 212 °F (100 °C) for a minimum of 10 seconds per spot; the heat penetrates deep layers, destroying larvae and eggs that survive vacuuming.
For cracks, baseboards, and other concealed areas, sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) and leave it for 24 hours before vacuuming again. The abrasive particles desiccate fleas without chemical residues.
Apply a residual insecticide labeled for indoor flea control to all floor surfaces, under furniture, and in crevices. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions precisely; over‑application can cause health hazards. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days, as newly hatched fleas will emerge from surviving eggs.
Pet treatment is essential. Bathe each animal with a flea‑killing shampoo, then apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide. Treat the pet’s bedding and immediate surroundings with the same hot‑water laundering protocol.
Finally, maintain a strict cleaning schedule: vacuum daily for two weeks, wash bedding weekly, and monitor for flea activity using sticky traps placed in corners and under furniture. Continued vigilance prevents re‑establishment of the infestation.