How to Clean a House Infested with Fleas

Fleas might be tiny, but when they take over your home, they can cause major frustration. These stubborn pests bite, spread fast, and can leave both your pets and family members scratching non-stop. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean a house infested with fleas, you’re not alone. The good news is: with the right steps—and a bit of persistence—you can reclaim your home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through where fleas hide, how to clean effectively, and what treatments actually work.

Understanding the Enemy: Where Do Fleas Hide?

Before you attack the problem, it helps to know your opponent. Fleas don’t just live on pets; they spread throughout the home. Common hiding spots include:

• Carpets and rugs (deep in the fibers)
• Upholstered furniture (sofas, chairs, cushions)
• Pet bedding, blankets, and toys
• Cracks and crevices in hardwood floors
• Curtains and drapes where pets lounge

Fun fact: Only about 5% of fleas live on your pet. The other 95% are scattered around your home in various life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults). That’s why cleaning the entire house—not just your pet—is key.

Step 1: Treat Your Pets First

Your furry friends are the flea’s first target, so start here:

• Use vet-approved flea treatments (oral or topical). Over-the-counter sprays and shampoos may help but aren’t always as effective as professional vet prescriptions.
• Comb daily with a flea comb to remove fleas and flea dirt.
• Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water and dry on high heat to kill eggs and larvae.

If you skip this step, fleas will keep coming back.

Step 2: Deep Clean Your Home

Here’s where you roll up your sleeves. Cleaning is one of the most effective ways to break the flea cycle.

Vacuum Everything (and Often)

Vacuuming pulls up eggs, larvae, and adult fleas from carpets, furniture, and cracks. Pay extra attention to:

• Pet lounging spots
• Baseboards
• Under furniture

Tip: Immediately empty your vacuum canister or bag into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it outside. Flea eggs can hatch inside a vacuum if left unattended.

Wash and Heat-Treat Fabrics

• Wash all bedding (yours and your pets’), blankets, cushion covers, and washable rugs in hot water.
• Dry them on the highest heat setting—heat kills fleas at all stages.

Steam Clean if Possible

A steam cleaner is a powerful weapon. The heat penetrates carpet fibers and upholstery, killing fleas that vacuuming might miss.

Step 3: Use Flea-Specific Treatments

Cleaning removes a big chunk of fleas, but infestations often need extra help.

Household Sprays and Powders

Look for products containing:

• Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): These prevent eggs and larvae from maturing.
• Adulticides: Kill adult fleas on contact.

Apply sprays or powders to carpets, furniture, and baseboards—anywhere fleas may be hiding.

Natural Remedies (Optional)

Some homeowners prefer less chemical-heavy approaches:

• Diatomaceous Earth (food-grade): A fine powder that dehydrates and kills fleas. Sprinkle lightly on carpets, leave for a few hours, then vacuum.
• Essential oils: Use with caution—some are toxic to pets. Always consult your vet before trying.

Step 4: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Here’s the tricky part: fleas don’t disappear overnight. Their life cycle can last several weeks to months, so persistence is key.

• Vacuum daily during the first few weeks.
• Re-wash fabrics weekly.
• Re-apply sprays or treatments as directed.

Step 5: Prevent Future Infestations

Once you’ve put in the hard work, prevention is easier than cure:

• Keep pets on year-round flea prevention from your vet.
• Vacuum at least twice a week.
• Wash pet bedding regularly.
• Treat outdoor areas (like yards) if your pets go outside.

FAQs About Cleaning a House Infested with Fleas

1. How long does it take to get rid of fleas?

It can take 3–8 weeks to completely eliminate fleas, depending on how severe the infestation is. Consistency is key.

2. Can fleas live on humans?

Fleas don’t live on humans the way they do on pets, but they can bite and cause itching. They prefer animal hosts.

3. Will just cleaning my house get rid of fleas?

Cleaning is essential, but it often needs to be paired with flea treatments (for pets and the home) to fully break the cycle.

4. Do I need a professional exterminator?

For severe infestations, yes. A cleaning company (like us!) can deep clean while pest control handles the chemical treatments. Together, it’s the fastest solution.

5. Are DIY remedies enough?

Mild infestations might be controlled with consistent cleaning and natural remedies, but for larger infestations, vet treatments and insecticides are usually necessary.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with fleas can be stressful, but remember—you’re not powerless. By combining pet treatments, deep cleaning, and targeted flea products, you can reclaim your home. The process takes effort and persistence, but a fresh, flea-free home is worth it.

And if the infestation feels overwhelming, professional cleaning services can step in to help eliminate fleas from every hidden corner, saving you time and stress.

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