How to Steam Clean Your Carpet?

Many people say that it is not difficult to clean the carpet yourself with a steam carpet cleaning method. However, what is a steam cleaner? How does this household appliance work?

Can you use a steam cleaner to restore your carpet to its original appearance? How to do it right? There are many questions, and we have an answer for each of them.

What is a steam cleaner?

The steam cleaner - or, as it is also called, the steam generator - belongs to the category of low-pressure household appliances. The principle of operation is simple: 

Simple running water is poured into a special reservoir. The device is connected to the network, and in a short period of time, the liquid is heated.

Having reached a boil, the water gradually turns into steam. Simultaneously with this process, an excess of pressure is created in the tank. As soon as the user presses the button on the handle of the guiding device, steam is fed out through the permeate valve.

For greater efficiency, the set of the household appliance includes various attachments and replaceable heads. The good thing about the steam cleaner is that the humidity of the generated steam does not exceed 6%. Remaining dry, steam can be used not only for cleaning, but also for disinfecting various surfaces, such as upholstered furniture, carpets, covers, and various fabrics.

How to Prepare the Carpet for Steam Carpet Cleaning?

To clean the carpet quickly and efficiently, it should be well prepared for this. To do this, you need to: Move all the furniture that is on the carpet to another room. Or at least move it to the side, freeing up the working area. Thoroughly vacuum the entire area, removing both large and small debris. If there are stains or streaks, they should be treated with a suitable solution and allowed to absorb. Then rinse with plain water.

The last step is to prepare a cleaning mixture for the steam generator. Dilute one measuring cup of carpet cleaner with as much liquid as the steam generator reservoir can hold.

Carpet Steam Cleaning – Step by Step

Steam carpet cleaning should be done correctly, otherwise, the condition after cleaning may be worse than before. For example, too much detergent will cause more dust and debris to stick. 

Starting point - ready-made detergent solution. Now the solution must be poured into the reservoir of the steam generator, leaving 0.5 cm of free space to the top. Connect the steam cleaner to the mains and press the power button on the body of the household appliance. Wait for the moment when the indicator lamp shows the readiness of the device for operation.

Then, begin to clean the carpet. We gradually move from the end of the room, located as far as possible from the front door. Cleaning must be carried out so as not to walk on the already treated area.

After the first time, let the carpet dry and repeat the procedure. After you have walked the steam generator over the carpet for the second time, you need to dry it again, pour clean water into the device without cleaning agent and steam the working area for the last time.

Do not forget to use plain clean water at the end of the hot water extraction carpet cleaning procedure. This will help get rid of the small amount of cleaner left on the carpet. If you neglect this stage, the remains of household chemicals will cause the accumulation of even more debris and dust.

A Few Helpful Hints 

Your carpet cleaning is over, but a few good tips never hurt. Also, don’t forget to clean your skirting boards while doing your carpets. You’ll be surprised at how much better your skirting boards look with a quick clean and dust. Plus, it’ll help to make your carpets look even better! 

Check if you desperately need to walk on a freshly cleaned carpet. This can be done, but in order not to spoil the fruits of your labour, wear clean home shoes. Simple socks are a versatile option.

Before you start steam carpet cleaning, carefully read the instructions that came with your carpet - of course, if it has been preserved. If not, then it is best to consult with a professional carpet cleaning company for advice on whether you can use a steam cleaning method. 

 
Steam cleaning your carpet will help reduce pests from gathering, however, if it is a recurring issue and you do struggle with pest problems, search for companies such as pest control Maryland (or wherever your location is) and reach out for further support.

Lastly, there is no need to buy expensive equipment like a steam cleaning machine – you can rent it or you can book carpet cleaning services. In fact, you should use deep carpet cleaning, performed by expert cleaners at least once a year.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.