Vacuuming is an important first step before steam cleaning. It loosens dirt that would otherwise be difficult for the machine to suck up and helps to prevent carpet damage during the steaming process.
Steaming cleans, deodorizes, and sanitizes your carpet. It also relaxes crushed fibers and removes furniture dents, and the high heat kills germs without leaving a soapy residue (1).
1. Vacuum
While regular vacuuming is essential for carpets (it picks up hair, dust particles, crumbs and more), it can’t tackle stains or deeper dirt that has been embedded in the fabric. A professional steam cleaner can. These appliances use high-temperature water to break down messes and suck them up, along with lingering allergens. They’re particularly ideal for those with allergies, as they usually use fewer chemicals than traditional vacuums.
Before you get started, vacuum the area thoroughly. This will help loosen up any dirt, crumbs or other debris in the fibers so it’s easier to remove when the cleaning process is underway. It also helps prepare the carpet for the steam, which ruffles up the fibers so it’s more open to receiving the water and breaking down any staining material.
Next, clear the space and move any furniture. If it’s too large to relocate, try working in half the room at a time and moving the furniture back to its original spot after each section is steam cleaned. You may also want to protect any wood or metal legs on furniture by sliding a square of plastic or wax paper underneath them, which will absorb excess moisture and prevent damage.
Finally, if your machine comes with a pretreatment spray, apply it to the affected areas before you start steaming. It’ll break down any stains so they can be easily removed, and it will also help the carpet retain its moisture once the cleaning is finished.
Once you’re ready to start, follow the instructions that came with your machine for the perfect results. The best way to do this is by starting with the lowest setting and gradually working your way up until you’re satisfied that the carpet is clean enough. Remember that less is more when it comes to steaming, as oversaturating the fabric can lead to mold and mildew.
After you’re done, it’s important to let the carpet dry completely before you step on it again. This will prevent stains from forming and will ensure that the sanitizing process is effective. If you have a dehumidifier or fans, use them to speed up the drying process, and be sure to keep windows open to help the moisture escape more quickly.
2. Test Area
Unlike shampooing, steam cleaning is powerful enough to unearth dirt, germs, and bacteria that lie deep within carpet fibers. It also sanitizes the carpet, leaving behind no residue that can attract mildew and mold. In addition, it leaves fewer water stains on the floor and is safe to use with most types of furniture.
However, the effectiveness of steam cleaning depends on the proper preparation of carpets and the use of appropriate tools. The following steps will ensure that you get the best results from your carpet steam cleaner:
Examine the area to be cleaned for any loose fibers or stains that could become trapped in the machine and damage it. Use a pair of scissors to trim any stray fibers that are too long and prone to catching on the roller brush. Also, test the colorfastness of your carpet by applying a small amount of steam and detergent to a corner of the room. Wait five minutes, then blot the area with an undyed rag to make sure that no color is transferred.
When using your steam cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the correct amounts of water and detergent. Start with the lowest setting and work slowly and carefully to avoid overdoing it. Be especially careful when you are working on older, delicate or heavily soiled areas.
After steam cleaning, it is important to let the area dry completely before you allow anyone to walk on the floor. This will help prevent the formation of mildew and mold, which can leave a musty smell. You can speed up the process by blocking off the room from foot traffic or by covering the floor with plastic bags.
It is also a good idea to vacuum the carpet before you begin to clean it. This will remove any lingering dust or debris that the steam cleaner may have missed. In addition, you should also dust any surfaces that are adjacent to the carpet or rug. This will make it easier for the steam to penetrate the fibers and kill any germs that are embedded there.
3. Steam
Steam cleaning uses a combination of heat and suction to wash away dirt and other contaminants. It can be especially effective for ingrained dirt and stubborn stains that vacuuming alone might miss, as well as lingering germs. It’s recommended by carpet manufacturers, and some warranties even require it.
Before using the steam cleaner, make sure that you’ve tidied up the space. This means removing toys, papers, and other items from the room. Also, vacuum the carpet again before sanitizing it. You want to pick up all the dust particles that a standard vacuum can’t remove and that will interfere with the steam’s ability to penetrate the fibers and bind to them.
It’s important to follow the instructions for your particular machine to determine how much water and what type of detergent you need. Some machines use just hot water, while others let you add a little bit of detergent for extra cleaning power. If you decide to go the extra mile and add some detergent, try to find a kind that’s safe for your carpet and doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue. You could also opt to simply use warm water or a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water, depending on your preference and the results you’re after.
Once you’ve filled the steam cleaner with the appropriate amounts of water, turn on the machine and move it over the carpet slowly. This gives the steam time to work, disperse, and suck up the dirt before it’s left in the fibers. It’s also a good idea to open any windows and put on some ceiling fans to help the process along and get your carpets dry faster.
When you’re done, don’t walk on the carpet until it’s completely dry. If you do, it risks re-stinting the area and potentially causing damage to the fibers. If you’re unsure about how to properly use your steam cleaner, or you have particularly difficult stains to deal with, it might be wise to hire a professional. They’ll use special products and equipment to ensure the best possible result for your carpets.
4. Drying
Before you start steaming, make sure the area is dry. Using the steam cleaner will leave behind moisture, and if the carpet is not fully dry it could develop mold or mildew. The best way to speed up the drying process is to open windows and doors, and to run standing fans or ceiling fans to further circulate the air. If you live in a humid climate, placing a dehumidifier in the room can also expedite the drying process.
If possible, remove furniture from the room you’re cleaning. That way you can clean around it more effectively, and the carpet can dry before you return it to its original spot. If you don’t have the luxury of moving the furniture, consider doing half the room at a time. Then you can move the furniture back to the half you just cleaned, and the carpet will be ready to be walked on while still drying.
Once you’ve tidied the space, vacuum it once more. This is a great opportunity to get rid of any loose dirt or debris that you might have missed with your normal vacuuming routine. Next, test the carpet with your steam cleaner in a hidden spot to see how it reacts. Some older carpets may have an adverse reaction to steam, so it’s important to play it safe before you start cleaning the rest of the carpet.
When you’re ready to begin, start from the farthest corner of the room and work your way towards the door. Be sure to work slowly, and overlap each line slightly. This will prevent any lines of uncleaned carpet. If the steam cleaner doesn’t have enough power to reach a certain area, try running it over with just water. This will help eliminate any residual soap and may kill lingering bacteria, germs, or insects.
Finally, if your carpet is stained, you can use a stain pretreater in conjunction with the steamer. Ideally, this would be done on a separate day so that you can allow the detergent to sit overnight. Some of the best steam cleaners for carpets on our list come with pretreatment nozzles for this very purpose.