amarant's Profile

I would try them out around the house, see how you feel after a week or so. If you don't love them in the end, put them up on craigslist or ebay. It seems like a win/win situation to me.

As someone currently dealing with bedbugs in Chicago, our household has recently had some major talks about what we're okay with bringing in either from the curb or from thrift stores.

All items must be thoroughly inspected, and we are frowning on anything that is apolstered, especially if it is too large to be easily cleaned. (However, if you have a steam cleaner, keep in mind that steam is an excellent way to get rid of the buggies.)

Also, any linens or clothing we buy must be stored outside in well sealed plastic bags (right now we're using contractor bags and packing tape) until they can be taken to the laundry mat. Putting things in the dryer on high for 20+ minutes will kill bed bugs. We dry for 40 minutes just to be safe.

You can also freeze items that cannot be washed/dried. They must be left in the freezer for at least two weeks, and the temperature must remain consistent for the entire duration.

I'm glad I have this information to pass along, but also am mournful that I ever had to learn it in the first place.

Best of luck, and pick carefully, there's a major bed bug resurgence afoot.

My favorite bedside table: a stack of vintage suitcases.

I've acquired all of mine for free through my family, but it seems like you could easily find a few at a good thrift store.