Quick Answer: Does Carpet Cleaning Kill Moths?
YES, professional carpet cleaning effectively eradicates carpet moths, larvae, and eggs.
The key is heat. While DIY sprays and vacuuming only scratch the surface, professional steam cleaning (Hot Water Extraction) injects water at temperatures exceeding 60°C (140°F). At this temperature, the proteins in moth eggs and larvae are instantly denatured, resulting in a 100% kill rate on contact. Learn more about our professional carpet cleaning services.
Understanding the Enemy: The Carpet Moth Lifecycle
Most homeowners don't realize that the adult moths flying around aren't the ones eating your carpet. It's the larvae. Understanding their lifecycle is key to stopping them.
1. The Egg (Invisible)
2. The Larva (Destructive)
Why Steam Cleaning is the Ultimate Weapon
Chemicals can be effective, but they often struggle to penetrate the thick backing of a quality wool carpet where eggs hide. Heat penetrates everything.
- Thermal Shock: Moths are cold-blooded insects. A sudden blast of 60°C+ heat is instantly fatal.
- Deep Penetration: High-pressure steam reaches the base of the fibers and the backing, where traditional vacuum suction drops off.
Related reading: Discover more about how cleaning affects your indoor air quality in our guide on removing allergens and dust mites, or learn why vacuuming before professional cleaning matters.
DIY Trays & Sprays vs. Professional Steam
| Feature | DIY Sprays/Powders | Professional Steam Clean |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Mechanism | Chemical poisoning (slow) | Thermal shock (instant) |
| Egg Removal | Low (surface only) | High (deep extraction) |
| Toxicity | Often high (unsafe for pets) | Zero (using just water) |
Our 4-Step Moth Eradication Process
1. Inspection & Agitation
We identify the hot spots (usually dark areas under sofas). We use a pile-lifter to stand the fibers up and expose the base.
2. Industrial Vacuuming
We remove up to 79% of dry soil, eggs, and larvae cocoons using high-filtration industrial vacuums.
3. Steam Extraction
The "Kill Shot". We perform a deep steam clean at temperatures lethal to moths, moving slowly to ensure heat potential is reached at the backing.
4. Rapid Drying
Moths love humidity. We use air movers to dry your carpet fast, leaving an environment they hate.
"I was devastated when I found holes in my grandmother's Persian rug. Blowup Cleaners came out the next day, treated it with steam, and I haven't seen a single moth since. They saved a family heirloom."
"After noticing a few moths, I didn't want to take chances. The team explained the lifecycle clearly and treated every inch of carpet, even moving the heavy wardrobes. Very thorough service."