How to Get Rid of Fleas With Soapy Water

There are many different types of fleas that humans and animals are exposed to. However, the most common flea is the cat flea, which will bite cats, dogs and humans and feed on their blood. These small pests attach themselves to your pets fur and can be transferred to bedding as well as any carpeted areas in your home. Soap and water is an effective treatment for getting rid of cat fleas, the fatty acids in common soaps kill fleas upon contact.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Water
  • Bathtub
  • Large bucket
  • Steam cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1
      Washing your animal to rid them of fleas can be done in or outdoors.

      Bathe all animals in the home with soap and water. Apply liberal amounts of soap to each animal's coat in order to kill the fleas at their source. Each animal needs to be bathed as soon as you recognize fleas, as fleas spread quickly from one animal to the other. For the safety of your pet, be sure to rinse your animal until they are completely free of soap.

    • 2

      Use a steam cleaner and soap-based carpet cleaner to clean all the carpeted areas in your home. Wash small area rugs by hand, in warm water with soap, and hang them to dry. This will kill off any fleas or flea larvae that may have been embedded into the fibers.

    • 3

      Wash all bedding, sheets and any other washable fabrics with soap, laundry detergent and water. This will kill fleas and their larvae that may have spread from the pet to the fabrics within your home.

    • 4

      Check the house for any laundry and make sure they are laundered as soon as possible, just in case the clothes have come in contact with the fleas.