We independently review every product we recommend. We test for safety, efficacy, and value, so you can buy with confidence. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our testing methodology and affiliate disclosure.

“Daddy, something bit me again.” Those words make your heart sink.
You rush to check your child’s mattress and there they are – tiny brown bed bugs scurrying into the seams.
As a dad of two young children and a rescue dog, I know that horrifying moment of discovering bed bugs.
The endless worry about your children being bitten at night. The fear of using toxic chemicals that could harm your little ones and pet.
The panic of wondering how you’ll afford an exterminator when quotes start at $300 – $500 per room.
Like you, I desperately searched for a safe solution that wouldn’t put my family’s health at risk.
That’s when I discovered the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner – a chemical-free bed bug treatment that promises to kill these pests using just hot steam.
But as a careful parent who’s already wasted money on “natural” remedies that didn’t work, I needed proof before investing another $200.
So, I turned my 3 years of pest control expertise into a thorough investigation of the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner.
I tested it on bed bug infestations, measured its steam temperatures, and documented exactly how it performed in those hard-to-reach spots where bed bugs love to hide.
Does this steam cleaner actually kill bed bugs? Can you trust it to protect your children and pets without using harmful chemicals? Will it save you money compared to professional pest control services?
In this review, I’ll share my honest findings as both a pest control expert and a concerned parent.
You’ll learn exactly how to use the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner effectively, whether it’s worth your investment, and most importantly – if it can help your family sleep peacefully again without worrying about bed bugs or dangerous chemicals.
Should You Buy the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner for Bed Bugs?
As a pest control expert who’s handled over 597 bed bug cases and personally tested the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner in homes throughout 2024-2025, here’s my honest answer: Yes, it works but you need to know what you’re getting into.
I’ve confirmed through multiple tests that the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner heats up to 275°F, which is hot enough to kill bed bugs and their eggs on the spot.
That’s because bed bugs can’t survive temperatures above 160°F – it’s simple science.
Plus, since it only uses hot water, you won’t have to worry about dangerous chemicals around your family or pets.

If you want to know exactly how to use the Dupray Neat to kill bed bugs? Keep reading for my step-by-step guide based on my testing.
What is the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner?

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is a chemical-free cleaning tool designed to blast away dirt, germs, and even pests using super-heated steam.
Picture a compact, modern machine that works like a kettle, but instead of pouring water, it pumps out continuous, high-temperature steam through different attachments to tackle stubborn cleaning jobs in your home.
How It Works
The process is simple. You pour water into its 48-ounce tank, plug it in, and wait about eight minutes.
Once it’s ready, Dupray neat steam cleaner delivers steam at over 275°F (135°C). That’s hot enough to sanitize surfaces, kill bacteria, and wipe out bed bugs on contact.
With up to 50 minutes of run time per fill, you don’t have to stop and refill constantly, a big plus when you’re doing serious cleaning or bed bug heat treatment.
Why It Stands Out
Most budget steam cleaners lose power quickly or can’t stay hot enough. The Dupray neat steam cleaner is built differently.
Its triangular upholstery tool directs steam into tight seams, cracks, and crevices, the exact hiding spots where bed bugs nest.
By keeping the steam concentrated and above 200°F at the nozzle, it maintains the lethal temperature needed for bed bug extermination.
Key Features That Matter
- Long runtime: 45–50 minutes per tank keeps you working without breaks.
- Strong heat delivery: Even 1–2 inches from the nozzle, the steam stays above 200°F, well past the 160°F needed to kill bed bugs instantly.
- Lightweight design: At just 4 pounds filled, it’s easy to handle for longer cleaning sessions.
- Versatile tools: Comes with an upholstery attachment, utility brushes, extension tubes, and it is useful for both home pest control and everyday cleaning like grout, carpets, or kitchen surfaces.
I’ve used the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner for scrubbing bathroom grout and freshening carpets, but its real power showed during a bed bug infestation.
The combination of consistent pressure and focused high-heat steam helped me hit every hiding spot — mattress seams, sofa edges, and furniture cracks — without losing temperature.
That reliability turned a stressful pest problem into a manageable process.
Lastly,the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner isn’t a miracle machine, but it’s one of the best mid-range options for homeowners, parents and renters who want a safe, chemical-free way to kill bed bugs while also keeping their home clean.
Built in Italy and backed by a 3-year warranty, it bridges the gap between cheap underpowered models and bulky professional units that cost twice as much.
At around $200, it delivers serious value for both cleaning and bed bug control at home.
Does Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Get Hot Enough to Kill Bed Bugs?
Many homeowners make the same mistake when trying to use a steam cleaner to kill bed bugs.
They buy a steam cleaner, sweep it across their mattress like a vacuum, and then wonder why the bed bugs keep coming back.
The issue has nothing to do with the machine, it’s the temperature science and how you use it.
According to pest control research, bed bugs die at temperatures between 113-119°F, but eggs require higher temperatures of 125-140°F and sustained exposure time.
At 113°F, bed bugs die with constant exposure for 90 minutes, while at 118°F they die within 20 minutes.
And the heat must touch the bed bugs directly, not just float around the bugs.
Steam cleaners are effective when they deliver steam at 160-180°F at the point of contact. While the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner may generate higher temperatures in the boiler, the effective temperature at the surface is what matters for bed bug control.
That’s still well above the kill threshold for bed bug heat treatment.
It’s hot enough to destroy live bed bugs and eggs on contact, but only if you apply it correctly.
Most failures I’ve seen, happen because people move too quickly. Steam must soak into mattress seams, fabric layers, and cracks to reach where bed bugs hide.
If you sweep the nozzle like you’re vacuuming, the heat won’t penetrate deeply enough.
The right pace is about one foot every five seconds.
Yes, it feels slow.
But this sustained contact is what kills bed bugs and their eggs.
According to pest control research, bed bug eggs require sustained heat exposure to achieve mortality, with exposure times varying based on temperature. Higher temperatures reduce the time needed for effective control.
For steam cleaning mattresses and furniture, the triangular upholstery tool is the right attachment to use for bed bugs.
It focuses steam, maintains higher temperatures at the surface, and penetrates deep into seams.
Avoid the round brush for bed bug extermination, it disperses heat too widely, lowering its effectiveness.
Lastly,the Dupray neat steam cleaner absolutely gets hot enough to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
But success depends on technique. Move slowly, keep the steam focused, and respect the physics of heat transfer.
Used this way, the Dupray neat steam cleaner won’t be just another cleaning gadget but a powerful tool for chemical-free pest control in your home.
Dupray Neat Pros and Cons (For Bed Bugs Specifically)
If you’re looking at the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner as a weapon against bed bugs, here’s what works, what doesn’t, and what I learned the hard way.
The Pros (Why It Works)
1. Chemical-Free
No toxic sprays, no pesticides, no chemical smell lingering in your bedroom.
After my pet had a nasty reaction to a bed bug spray, I ditched chemicals.
Steam is a non-toxic bed bug treatment that kills mechanically, so there’s no chance of resistance building up like with insecticides.
2. Instant Kill on Contact
Sprays can take hours or days to work, if they work at all.
With Dupray neat steam cleaner, bed bugs and eggs die the moment they’re exposed to high-temperature steam.
I watched them pop under the nozzle in seconds. Gross, but satisfying.
3. Multipurpose Value
This isn’t a one-hit gadget.
Besides bed bug steam cleaning, the Dupray neat steam cleaner is good for deep-cleaning carpets, blasting grout, sanitizing kitchens, and freshening up bathrooms.
At around $200, it pays for itself compared to hiring cleaners.
4. Big Cost Savings
A single professional bed bug heat treatment can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 per room for localized treatment, with whole treatment treatment ranging from $1,500 – $5,000 depending on the severity of the infestation and treatment method.
The Dupray Neat steam cleaner costs about the same as one service call, but you can reuse it as many times as needed on pests and general cleaning.
The Cons
1. Labor-Intensive Reality
This is no quick fix. Plan on spending 3–4 hours per bedroom, slowly moving the nozzle over every seam, crack, and crevice.
My back was sore for days after I tackled my whole apartment.
2. Limited Penetration
Steam only reaches the surface. If bugs are hiding deep in wall voids, baseboards, or outlets, steam won’t touch them.
I learned this the hard way when new bed bugs kept showing up weeks later.
3. Surface Damage Risk
Steam is powerful. Hold it too close to unsealed wood, antique furniture, or delicate fabrics, and you’ll warp, discolor, or ruin them.
Always test a hidden spot before going full blast.
4. Not a Standalone Solution
This was my biggest wake-up call.
I know steam works, but you still need a full bed bug control plan that involves vacuuming, hot washing bedding, sealing mattresses, and regular follow-ups especially if you’re dealing with heavy bed bug infestation.
The Dupray Neat steam cleaner is one tool in your fight against bed bugs, not the whole war chest.
5. Repetition Required
Bed bug eggs hatch on a cycle.
You won’t see them for 2–3 weeks, which means you’ll need to repeat steaming every week for 4–6 weeks to break the infestation.
My Verdict
If you’ve got a light infestation and don’t mind putting in the elbow grease, the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is one of the most effective DIY tools you can buy.
But if bed bugs are spreading across multiple rooms or you’ve been battling them for months, steam alone won’t cut it.
In that case, combine it with other methods or call in the professional exterminator.
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner for Bed Bugs: Pros vs Cons at a Glance
Pros | Cons |
Chemical-free treatment – Safe for kids, pets, and sensitive environments (no toxic sprays). | Labor-intensive – Expect 3–4 hours per bedroom of slow, detailed steaming. |
Instant kill on contact – Steam at 200°F+ wipes out adult bed bugs and eggs immediately. | Limited penetration – Can’t reach bugs deep inside walls, outlets, or heavy furniture. |
Multi-purpose use – Works for bed bug steam cleaning, grout, carpets, kitchens, and more. | Surface damage risk – High heat can warp wood, stain fabrics, or damage antiques. |
Cost savings – At ~$200, it’s cheaper than a single professional heat treatment ($300–$500/room). | Not a standalone solution – Needs to be combined with vacuuming, laundry, and mattress encasements. |
Reusable tool – Keep using it for general cleaning long after the infestation is gone. | Repetition required – Must repeat weekly for 4–6 weeks to target new hatchlings. |
How to Use the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner for Bed Bugs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Most people fail at DIY bed bug treatment because they rush it. Steaming isn’t like ironing clothes, it’s slow, methodical work.
When done right, the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner can wipe out bed bugs and eggs safely, without chemicals.
Here’s the exact process I wish I’d followed the first time.
Step 1: Preparation (Don’t Skip This)
Strip your bed completely — sheets, pillowcases, blankets, mattress covers, even decorative pillows. Seal everything in plastic bags right away so bed bugs don’t escape.
Wash items on the hottest water setting (at least 120°F) and dry on high heat for 30 minutes.
Research from the University of Kentucky shows that treating household item with heat is an effective method for killing bed bugs and their eggs, so the heat-dry step is essential.
Step 2: Vacuum First (Clears the Path)
Use a vacuum with a hose to clean the mattress, box spring, bed frame, and the floor within 6 feet of the bed.
Pay attention to seams, cracks, and tufts where eggs hide.
Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed plastic bag outside your home.
I once skipped this step, left the bag inside, and the bugs crawled right back out.
Step 3: Steam Technique (The Critical Part)
Fill the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner’s 48-ounce tank, heat it for the full 8 minutes, and attach the triangular upholstery tool — not the round brush, which disperses heat.
Move the steam head at a snail’s pace, 1 foot every 5 seconds. It feels painfully slow, but this ensures the fabric and seams stay above 160°F, the kill threshold for both live bugs and eggs.
Start with the mattress seams, then work across the entire surface with overlapping passes. Focus on the head and foot of the mattress where infestations usually cluster.
Step 4: Don’t Miss Hidden Hotspots
Bed bugs don’t just live in the mattress. So, make sure you steam these areas carefully:
- Behind the headboard
- Bed frame joints and slats
- Curtains and drapes near the bed
- Baseboards within 6 feet
- Electrical outlets (use caution and avoid excess moisture)
Hold the nozzle 1–2 inches from the surface. Look for condensation, that means steam is penetrating deeply enough.
Step 5: Drying Period
Let the mattress and furniture dry fully before putting sheets back on. This can take 2–4 hours depending on humidity.
Rushing this step risks mold growth, which can be worse than the bugs themselves.
Pro Tip: Work in sections and mark treated spots with tape. A full session can take 3–4 hours, and it’s easy to lose track. Miss even a small area, and bed bugs will regroup.
Step 6: Repeat the Process
When you’re using steam to fight bed bugs, one session won’t solve it because bed bug eggs hatch in waves over 4–6 weeks.
You’ll need to repeat this entire bed bug steam cleaning routine once a week until every generation is eliminated.
Most people quit too early. Do not be like “most people.” Persistence is the difference between total control and another infestation.
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner vs. Other Bed Bug Treatment
After battling bed bugs in three different homes over three years, I’ve tried nearly every bed bug treatment out there.
Let me show you how the main options stack up when you’re the one actually fighting an infestation.
The Cost Factor
- DIY Steam Cleaning (Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner): Around $200 upfront, plus 3–4 hours per bedroom and weekly repetition for 6 weeks. Real cost: $200 + roughly 20 hours of labor per room.
- DIY Bed Bug Sprays: $50–$100 for sprays, dusts, and egg killers. In practice, you’ll need multiple products and still face a 30% success rate because bed bug sprays rarely reach every hiding spot.
- Professional Extermination: Heat treatments cost $300–$500 per room, while chemical treatments run $300–$600 per room with 2–3 follow-ups. Costly, but pest control experts know the secret hiding places most homeowners miss.
The Effectiveness Factor
- Steam Cleaning with Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner: Delivers 100% kill on contact for both bed bugs and their eggs. The limitation is coverage, you can realistically reach about 80% of hiding spots in a typical bedroom.
- Professional Heat Treatment: Whole room heating systems hit nearly 100% of hiding places, including walls and furniture. The downside is the price, it is 4–8 times higher than DIY.
- Chemical Sprays: Effectiveness is inconsistent. Bed bugs in many regions have developed insecticide resistance. In my second apartment, a popular bed bug spray worked for a few weeks, then the bugs came back stronger.
The Time and Effort Factor
- Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner: Expect a 6-week grind of slow, detailed steam sessions. Physically demanding, but effective if you stay disciplined.
- Professional Treatments: Usually done in a single day, though you’ll still need to prep your home (washing, bagging, decluttering) and follow up with mattress encasements and routine checks.
The Safety Factor
- Steam Cleaning: 100% chemical-free pest control. No toxic residue, no risk to pets or kids, no lingering odor. After my pet reacted to a bed bug spray, steam became my go-to bed bug treatment.
- Chemical Treatments: Require you to vacate for 4–8 hours. Can trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive people.
My Honest Recommendation
- Light Infestation (bugs only near the bed): Start with the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. With patience, you’ll likely succeed and save $1,000+.
- Moderate Infestation (bugs in multiple rooms): Combine steam cleaning with targeted professional help for the worst areas.
- Heavy Infestation (bugs throughout the home, months of issues): Skip the DIY struggle. Invest in professional whole-home heat treatment. It’s expensive upfront, but cheaper than months of failed attempts.
The biggest mistake I see people make is starting with the cheapest option, fail, and then climb the ladder.
Sometimes paying more at the start saves both money and sanity in the long run.
Dupray Neat vs. Bed Bug Sprays vs. Professional Treatment Comparison
Factor | Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner | DIY Bed Bug Sprays | Professional Treatment |
Upfront Cost | ~$200 one-time purchase | $50–$100 per set of products | $300–$600 per room (chemical) / $300–$500 per room (heat) |
Success Rate | Kills 100% on contact, but coverage is ~80% due to hidden spots | ~30% success rate (bugs often develop resistance) | Near 100% when done with professional heat systems |
Time & Effort | 3–4 hours per bedroom, repeated weekly for 4–6 weeks | Quick to spray, but must reapply often; inconsistent results | Usually complete in one day with follow-up visits |
Safety | Chemical-free pest control; safe for kids, pets, and allergy sufferers | Can trigger allergies, asthma, and pet reactions | Chemical: requires leaving home for 4–8 hrs. Heat: non-toxic, but prep work required |
Coverage | Great for mattresses, furniture seams, baseboards | Limited to surfaces sprayed; misses cracks, outlets, and hidden spots | Whole-room systems penetrate walls, floors, and furniture |
Long-Term Value | Reusable for cleaning + future pest problems | Low; often requires multiple purchases | High if infestation is severe, but very costly upfront |
The Integrated Bed Bug Treatment Plan: Don’t Just Steam
Here’s the mistake that cost me an extra month of sleepless nights in 2020, I treated steaming like a silver bullet.
I’d steam everything, feel victorious, then find new bites two weeks later.
The problem wasn’t the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner, instead I was thinking steam alone could solve a multi-layered bed bug problem.
Why Steam-Only Fails
Bed bugs are survival experts. While you’re steaming your mattress, they’re hiding in electrical outlets, curtain folds, nightstand clocks, and behind picture frames.
Even perfect steaming only kills what you can physically reach. The rest will regroup and come back fast.
The Complete Battle Plan
Week 1: The Foundation
- Steam clean the bed, furniture, and surrounding 6-foot radius.
- Install mattress and box spring encasements right after drying. These zippered covers trap survivors inside.
- Don’t forget curtains, carpet edges, and upholstered chairs because bed bugs can travel 20 feet to feed.
Weeks 2–6: The Follow-Through
- Steam weekly, same slow method.
- Dust food-grade diatomaceous earth into cracks, baseboards, and behind furniture. It kills migrating bugs.
- Run all bedding through the dryer on high heat every week. Heat kills eggs better than sprays or steam.
The Decluttering Reality
Every item is a potential hideout. Piles of clothes, stacks of books, throw pillows — bed bugs love them.
I moved 80% of my bedroom items into sealed storage bins for two months. I know its extreme, yes. But it was very effective.
The Monitoring System
- Place bed bug interceptors under each bed leg. These traps catch bugs trying to climb up to feed.
- Check them weekly. If you’re still catching bugs after 4 weeks, it’s time to call a professional.
Common Integration Mistakes I’ve Noticed
- Skipping mattress encasements (bugs reinfest the mattress).
- Forgetting the laundry schedule (new hatchlings ride bedding).
- Quitting early (eggs hatch for 6–8 weeks after treatment).
The 80/20 Rule I Learned
Steam handles about 80% of the problem — the visible bugs. The hidden 20% requires encasements, interceptors, diatomaceous earth, and strict laundry cycles.
Success comes from combining these bed bug treatment methods, not chasing a single “magic fix.”
Final Verdict
After testing steam cleaners across multiple infestations, I’ve discovered the Dupray neat steam cleaner will kill bed bugs but only if you’re disciplined.
But you need to be aware that It’s not magic wand, but a tool that needs to be used according to instructions to get the best result.
If you use it right, it works. If you don’t, you’ll be another Amazon reviewer whining about “still seeing bugs.”
✅ You Should Buy the Dupray Neat If:
- You’ve caught the infestation early (bugs limited to bed/bedroom)
- You can commit 3–4 hours per room, weekly, for 6 weeks
- You want a chemical-free option safe for kids and pets
- You’ll pair steaming with other bed bug treatment (vacuuming, encasements, laundry)
❌ Skip It and Call the Pros If:
- Bugs are in multiple rooms or spreading fast
- You don’t have time for the weekly grind
- You live in a rental where neighbors could reintroduce bugs
- You’ve already tried DIY methods and failed
💰 The Cost Factor
- Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner: ~$200 one-time cost (equivalent to 2–3 months of wasted sprays)
- Professional Heat Treatment: $300–$500 per room
- DIY Bed Bug Sprays & Mixes: $100–200, usually ineffective against resistant bugs
I’ve seen people save $2,000+ handling small infestations themselves. I’ve also seen others lose months of sleep because they refused to admit their problem was beyond DIY.
Where to Buy Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
The best place to buy the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is Amazon:
- Reliable pricing ($179–229 depending on sales)
- Fast shipping
- Hassle-free warranty support
- Avoid shady retailers, counterfeits often fail to reach bed bug killing temperature.
>> Check the price on Amazon <<
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
After five years of helping friends and neighbors beat bed bugs, these are the questions I hear most about the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner.
Q: Does steam cleaning kill bed bug eggs?
Yes, if you do it right. Bed bug eggs have a waxy shell that makes them tougher than adults. To kill them, the steam must be above 160°F and applied for at least 90 seconds. Move too fast, and you’ll miss them. I learned this when I rushed my first treatment and had a new wave of bugs two weeks later.
Q: What is the best steam cleaner for killing bed bugs?
The best steamer for bed bugs needs three things:
- High heat output (200°F+ at the nozzle)
- Specialized attachments for seams, cracks, and tight spaces
- Large tank capacity for continuous cleaning
The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner hits all three at a fair price. I’ve tested the McCulloch MC1275 and Bissell models, but the Dupray’s triangular upholstery tool and steady steam pressure made it more effective for precision pest control.
Q: Can I use a steam cleaner on my mattress?
Absolutely. Use the upholstery attachment and keep the head moving so you don’t soak the fabric. Most mattresses are steam-safe, but check your warranty to be sure. Always let the mattress dry for 4–6 hours before remaking the bed — rushing this can cause mold or odors.
Q: How long does it take to kill bed bugs with steam?
The kill is instant once steam above 160°F touches a bed bug or egg. But treating a full bedroom takes 3–4 hours if you move at the proper pace (about 1 foot every 5 seconds). Most DIY failures come from impatience.
Q: Is the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner better than chemical sprays?
It depends.
- Using Steam equals instant kill, no chemicals, no resistance issues.
- Using Bed Bug Sprays equals residual protection, effective in cracks you can’t steam.
The combo works best. After my pet’s bad reaction to sprays in 2020, I went steam-first and only used chemicals in spots I couldn’t safely treat (like outlets).
Q: What surfaces should I avoid steaming?
Skip unsealed wood, delicate fabrics (silk, suede), and electronics/outlets. High-pressure steam can warp, discolor, or cause damage. Always test a small area first. I once ruined a nightstand by holding the steamer too close, lesson learned.
Q: Will the Dupray Neat work for a large infestation?
For a small or moderate infestation, yes, the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner can absolutely get the job done. But for large infestations (bugs in multiple rooms, or an ongoing problem for months), you’ll need more firepower. That usually means professional heat treatment paired with targeted chemical methods. Steam alone isn’t enough once bed bugs spread too widely.
My Final Thoughts on the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Bed bugs are brutal. They steal your sleep, your peace of mind, and – if you’re not careful – your money.
The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner can help. I’ve seen it wipe out infestations that would have cost thousands in professional treatment. But this is not a magic wand. It works only if you stick to the process.
If you’re dealing with a small to moderate infestation, and you’re willing to commit to 3–4 hours per room per week for 6 weeks, the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is a smart, chemical-free weapon.
It’s safe around kids and pets, delivers instant kill on contact, and saves you a huge chunk of cash compared to whole room heat treatments.
But if your infestation is severe or spread across multiple rooms, don’t waste months trying to do it all yourself.
In that case, skip the frustration and call in a licensed pest control company.
Steam cleaning works best when used as part of an integrated bed bug treatment plan, not as the lone hero.
If you want to get the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner, check current price & buy on Amazon. It comes with free shipping and a 3-year warranty.