If you want your carpets really clean you need a carpet steam cleaner. A carpet steam cleaner will go beyond the clean of a vacuum cleaner and give you a floor that is not only clean, but disinfected as well. Using a carpet steam cleaner will remove the dirt that has become embedding in the carpet fibers, an ordinary vacuum cleaner can’t do that!
Carpet Steam Cleaner Buying Guide
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a carpet steam cleaner? Usually people tend to think of a steam vacuum cleaner or a type of upright machine. This is one type of steam floor cleaner, but you can also use a smaller, handheld steamer to clean carpet spots. Both types of steam cleaners are very effective carpet cleaners, but they both will serve different purposes.
A steam carpet cleaner that is modeled more like a vacuum cleaner is a great choice for people who usually clean their own carpet and find themselves renting a commercial carpet cleaner frequently. If you own a carpet steam cleaner you will save a lot of money in the long run over renting equipment when you need it. Not to mention you will be able to clean your carpet whenever you want because you won’t have to worry about the rental store having a carpet cleaner available.
An upright carpet steam cleaner generally works the same as the rental carpet cleaners. You fill the reservoir with hot tap water and then you add carpet shampoo. Many carpet steam cleaner models have options for heating the water or at least keeping it the same temperature as you use it. This is a great feature because you want the water to be as hot as possible to get true steam cleaning, if the model you are looking at doesn’t have an on board heater then move on to your next choice.
Another great feature you can find on a carpet steam cleaner is the ability to regulate how much soap is dispensed as you clean. Most carpets don’t needs as much cleaner as some carpet machines deliver, so the ability to use less soap and even a water only option are a feature you will want. The water only feature is great because you can go over the carpet and make sure all the soap is completely removed.
This type of carpet steam cleaner will spray a water and solution mix into the carpet and then fast moving brushes will scrub the carpet, finally the vacuum portion of the carpet steam cleaner will suck up the water. For dirty spots, you will want to pre-treat with the carpet cleaning solution so it will have time to penetrate the fibers. Then go over the area with the machine. When you are finished cleaning your carpet, you will want to make sure you go over the whole area one last time using just water in your carpet steam cleaner. This will help remove any leftover soap residue.
Using a Carpet Steam Cleaner with No Chemicals for Spots
When you buy an upright carpet steam cleaner you will generally get a model that uses chemicals in the form of carpet shampoos. Often the residue left by these chemicals will attract dirt faster because it leaves the carpet slightly tacky feeling. You want a clean carpet without using chemicals. That is where a true steam cleaner will be what you want.
A smaller, handheld steamer is an effective and efficient way to spot clean carpets and upholstery. Using just the super-heated steam at a high pressure you can remove most stains easily. If you are using a vapor steam cleaner you won’t even have very much moisture left behind. Some steamers have a large enough water capacity and the right tools that you can use them as a carpet steam cleaner as well.
If you get a model that has a floor tool and your carpet isn’t too long, you can use it just like a full size carpet steam cleaner.
The best thing about using just steam to clean your carpets is there will be no residue left behind. This is especially important if you have family members who suffer from allergies or asthma. A carpet steam cleaner that doesn’t use chemicals will clean your carpets deep down, remove pollen, kill dust mite, and leave your carpet fresh with no leftover soap residue.
Using a carpet steam cleaner is a great way to make sure every fiber of your carpet is a clean as can be. You will know that the grime and germs are gone and your carpet is not only clean, but disinfected as well. Isn’t a carpet steam cleaner worth it?