Flea infestations can take over quickly because these pests hide in every corner of your home—carpets, furniture, bedding, baseboards, and even between floorboards.
Since fleas multiply rapidly, cleaning after a flea infestation requires a thorough, step-by-step approach to remove not only adult fleas but also their eggs and larvae.
Begin your inspection by checking common flea hotspots: pet sleeping areas, rugs, floor coverings, upholstered furniture, and baseboards. Addressing these areas first gives you the best chance at full flea eradication.
Remove Pets from the Cleaning Area
Before you clean your house after fleas, treat your pets with veterinary-approved flea control products.
This prevents them from carrying fleas back into freshly cleaned areas. Keep pets in a separate, flea-free space until the deep cleaning is complete.
Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring a Pest-Free Home
Start with Intensive Vacuuming
Vacuuming is one of the most effective post-flea infestation cleaning steps.
Use a vacuum with strong suction and a rotating brush to remove fleas, eggs, and larvae from carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
Pay extra attention to corners, wall edges, and under furniture, favorite flea hiding spots.
Dispose of Vacuum Contents Immediately
After vacuuming, place the vacuum bag inside a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside.
If you have a bagless vacuum, empty the canister into a sealed trash bag, then wash it with hot, soapy water. This prevents any surviving fleas from reentering your home.
Wash All Fabrics in Hot Water
Fleas can cling to clothing, bedding, curtains, and pet products.
Wash these items in hot water with a strong detergent, then dry them on the highest heat setting. The heat kills both adult fleas and eggs.
Treat Upholstered Furniture
Soft furnishings are a common flea habitat.
Steam clean couches, chairs, and mattresses to kill pests with high heat.
If steam cleaning isn’t an option, use a flea-specific upholstery spray that’s safe for pets and children.
Clean and Mop Hard Floors
Fleas may hide in cracks between tiles, gaps in wood planks, and along baseboards.
After vacuuming, mop floors with hot water mixed with mild detergent or vinegar.
Focus on edges and low-traffic corners where fleas may lurk.
Scrub Baseboards and Wall Edges
The junction between walls and floors is a prime flea hiding place.
Clean these areas with hot, soapy water or apply a pet-safe flea spray. This ensures fleas in all life stages are eliminated.
Use Flea-Specific Cleaning Products
Specialized flea cleaning solutions disrupt the pest’s life cycle.
Always read labels to confirm they’re safe for your household. Applying these products after your initial deep clean improves long-term results.
Steam Clean Rugs and Carpets
High temperatures from steam cleaning kill fleas instantly.
Move the steam cleaner slowly so the heat penetrates deep into carpet fibers.
Let surfaces dry completely before letting pets back into the area.
Don’t Forget Hidden Areas
Closets, storage bins, under cushions, and even your car can harbor fleas.
Clean these overlooked spots thoroughly during your flea eradication steps to prevent reinfestation.
Clean Pet Accessories and Toys
Pet beds, blankets, collars, and toys can be flea hotspots.
Wash fabric items in hot water and clean hard toys with pet-safe disinfectant.
If items are heavily infested, consider replacing them.
Address Outdoor Flea Sources
Fleas thrive in shady, damp outdoor areas.
Regularly mow your lawn, trim overgrown plants, and remove debris.
Treat your yard with a pet-safe outdoor flea treatment to stop fleas from migrating back inside.
Maintain a Post-Infestation Cleaning Schedule
For at least two weeks after a flea infestation, vacuum daily to catch any remaining eggs before they hatch.
Continue washing pet bedding weekly and monitor your home for signs of fleas.
Monitor Pets for Flea Activity
Regularly check your pet’s fur and skin for flea dirt or bites.
Early detection is key to preventing another full-scale infestation. Use monthly flea preventives as recommended by your vet.
Consider Professional Help
If the infestation is severe, professional flea cleaning services can save you time and stress.
Experienced cleaners use advanced tools and targeted flea treatments to restore your home faster.
Restore Freshness to Your Home
After the deep clean, open windows to let in fresh air, use air purifiers, and swap out old linens.
A flea-free home feels healthier and more comfortable for both you and your pets.
Keep Preventive Products Handy
Stock up on flea sprays, powders, and pet treatments so you can respond quickly to any future flea sightings.
Prevention is far easier than handling another large infestation.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean a House After Flea Infestation
A detailed, methodical approach is the best way to clean your home after fleas.
From treating pets to scrubbing every baseboard, each step plays a vital role in keeping your space pest-free.
Take the Stress Out of Cleaning
NW Maids offers professional post-flea infestation cleaning services to help restore your home’s cleanliness and comfort.
Their expert team ensures your space is free of fleas so you can enjoy peace of mind in a healthy, flea-free environment.
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