QUOTE(halcyon27 @ Jun 30 2017, 11:52 AM)
Yes, steam kills it but the steam has to be 130°C to penetrate these surfaces to guarantee effectiveness. Most garment steamer wand may not reach that temperature and they work best vertically else the steam condense into hot water droplets.
After steaming, don't just leave them and their detritus where they are. Vacuum these surfaces with upholstery beater accessory that can percuss the surface with its specially designed roller beater to stir up dust and those things esp on mattresses or upholstery of sofa, dining chairs (fabric seat), etc. That's why vacuum that's equipped with or have that accessory as an optional purchase is crucial. Those I listed have them.
After steam and vacuum, air dry the pillows or sofa cushions. no drying area, put them in an clean enclosed room and with bare mattress, leave the room AC on in dry mode or use a dehumidifier.
Wood needs special oil that's formulated to kill it yet does not harm the wood.
Not just the temperature. But the steam pressure.
Garment is a thin fabric. You don't need high pressure to push the steam out. So most of the garment steamer are not certified for dust mite. You can tell by the steam out from the nozzle. But don't use your hand. It can burn your skin.
Steamer certified dust mite require higher pressure and temperature to push the steam out further. So it can penetrate further in. Instead just the surface. Those steamer normally have a higher watt and pressure bar. 1200w - 1800w and pressure bar of 1.5 or 2(if not mistaken).
A good steamer usually won't have water droplet. I use before those cheapo handheld steamer from china. Water droplet no control. I throw it away.
I only steam it when change bed sheet. After steam, leave it there. Later at night only put on the bed sheet. For sofa cushion, you can steam it and immediately sit on it. You can vacuum 1st and steam it later for better result. But I m lazy. So steam it is enough. I steam anything that suspect the dust mite hide. Wood, fabric, leather etc.
Steamer not just kill dust mite. It kill anything when go through the crazy hot steam nozzle. That is what I like better than vacuum.