The best steam cleaners will use a combination of water and electricity to force cleaning solutions into the carpet. It then sucks the water and dirt up into a dirty-water tank.
Steam cleaners are great for getting rid of stubborn stains on your carpet without the use of harsh chemicals. The key is to follow the correct steps.
1. Vacuum
According to Valley Carpet Cleaning, a steam cleaner is a great way to deep clean your carpet and eliminate all the dirt, stains, and debris that have built up over time. However, you must know how to use it properly.
First, vacuum your carpet thoroughly to remove the dirt and debris possible. Vacuum at least once a week and replace or empty your vacuum bags when they’re one-half to two-thirds full, as this helps boost your machine’s efficiency.
Before you begin, be sure to clear the floor area of all furniture and clutter. This will make the job much easier and faster.
Especially for heavy furniture, place squares of aluminum foil or wood blocks under and around the legs to protect them from moisture while steam cleaning your carpet.
Once you have removed all your furniture and clutter, you should be ready to start steam-cleaning your carpet. Set the steam cleaner to the gentlest setting you can find.
Next, push the steam cleaner back and forth slowly to suck up water from your carpet. This will help you effectively rinse your carpet, removing all the water and excess detergents.
Be careful when scrubbing your carpet with a steam cleaner, as you could cause severe damage to the fibers if you’re not careful. You may need to go over your carpet multiple times to fully remove all its dirt and odors.
You’ll also need to let your carpet dry completely before you can walk on it again. This can take several hours, depending on the weather and humidity in your home. During this time, open windows or doors to increase the airflow and allow your carpet to dry naturally.
2. Pre-spray
A steam cleaner provides extra cleaning power by using heat to sanitize the carpet. There are many different kinds of steam cleaners, so choosing the best one for your needs is important. The tank size, heating, and price all have an impact on how well the steam works.
The right product can help you deep clean your clients’ carpets without using harmful chemicals and residues. Depending on the type of product you use, your client’s carpets may come out looking brand new.
Pre-spraying helps prepare the carpet for steam cleaning. Typically, pre-sprays are formulated for lighter or heavier soiling conditions and various types of environments (a restaurant versus an office, for example). They also work more specifically on certain carpets, like wool rugs.
To pre-spray a carpet, fill a spray bottle with the appropriate amount of product and mist the carpet until it is damp but not saturated. Next, gently work the product into the carpet with a scrub brush. Finally, vacuum up the excess.
It is important to note that some pre-sprays can dry on the carpet, so you should not leave them for too long. Residue can cause re-soiling, which will increase your customers’ cleaning frequency and cost you money in the long run.
It is also important to select a product that does not contain harsh odors or pectins, which may attract pests. In addition, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never deviate from your carpet’s recommended dwell time.
3. Pre-spray with a solution
A steam cleaner will help you remove stains and dirt from your carpet. It can also help kill odors and lingering allergens. However, you will need to prepare your carpet before you begin cleaning it.
You can use a solution to pre-spray your carpet before you steam clean it. One option is to mix a solution of water and vinegar. This is a great option for people who want to avoid chemicals while keeping their carpets safe from toxic fumes.
Another option is using a solution made of baking soda and salt, which will disinfect your carpet and help it stay clean longer. You can spray this solution onto your carpet and then scrub it with a sponge or a brush.
When using baking soda, you should test it on a small section of your carpet before applying the solution to your entire home. This will ensure that the solution will not leave any residue behind.
If you are trying to eliminate greasy stains, such as coffee, red wine, and blood, try using an organic grease-cutting detergent. You can find these in the laundry aisle at most stores or make your own using non-bleach dish soap and 32 ounces of water.
Tarbox recommends using this method on “larger, tougher greasy spills.” Once the stain is soaked in the detergent, you can blot it up with a dry white cloth. Then, you can rinse it with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
You can also use the same solution on general stains such as juice, mustard, and paint. Tarbox suggests spot-testing it on an out-of-the-way corner of your carpet before applying it to the rest of your home.
4. Scrub
If you have a lot of dirt and stains on your carpet that a vacuum can’t remove, you might consider using a steam cleaner to deep clean it. It’s a great way to get rid of stubborn dirt and stains without the use of harsh chemicals, and it can help extend the life of your carpet.
Before scrubbing, it’s important to test your carpet to ensure it can handle the steam. To do this, you need to first vacuum the area. This will remove any sand, dust, and debris that might cause the carpet to react negatively to the steam.
Then, pre-spray the carpet with a solution. This will loosen any dirt and stains and make the scrubbing process easier. You can also mix a homemade stain remover with equal parts of vinegar and baking soda. This can work well on hard-to-remove stains, such as coffee or wine.
You can also try steam cleaning the area with a professional carpet cleaner. This can be a good option if you don’t have the time to scrub your carpet yourself or if your staining is particularly serious.
To ensure thorough cleaning, you should start in one corner of the room and work your way outwards. This will allow you to clean in sections and make it easier for you to exit the room afterward.
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, be sure to rinse the carpet thoroughly with water. This will remove any residue that might be left behind and prevent mold or mildew from developing.
Finally, ensuring the area has been properly dried before walking on it or replacing your furniture is a good idea. This will prevent sand, dust, and other debris from getting re-deposited on the carpet fibers and making it difficult to clean again.
5. Rinse
Using a steam cleaner can be a very effective way to deep clean your carpets. Unlike other dry-cleaning methods, it also has the advantage of being natural and chemical-free. However, it is important to know how to do this properly.
The first step is to remove all furniture in the room you plan to steam clean. This ensures that the entire floor will be clear of debris and can help your steam cleaner reach every area of your carpet.
Next, vacuum your carpets to remove loose dirt and grime before you steam clean them. This can also help your carpets dry faster, which can prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Another important tip when steam cleaning your carpets is to work slowly and in overlapping strokes. This will allow your steam cleaner to suck up as much water as possible.
Some steam cleaners use a detergent of some kind, so make sure to read the machine’s instructions carefully. Some will direct you to mix the detergent with the water, while others will have a specific compartment to which you must add the soap.
Once you’ve finished the carpet, it is important to rinse it thoroughly with a rinsing solution. This will remove any remaining cleaning solution that may be stuck to the carpet.
For this step, you can use a 50-50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and very hot water. Vinegar has acetic acid, which neutralizes any soap or cleaning solution that may still be on your carpet. It can also dissolve oil, dirt, and grime, killing any lingering allergens and odors.
You should aim to steam clean your carpets at least once a year, and this should be enough to keep them looking good and healthy. This is especially true if you practice good housekeeping, such as vacuuming at least twice a week and enforcing a no-shoe policy in your home.