No matter what type of industry you work in, your commercial or residential property needs clean carpets. A popular and effective way to clean your carpets is using a steam cleaner.
Below, we’ll tell you about the steam cleaning process, along with its pros and cons. At the end of this blog, you should be able to make an informed decision about whether or not steam cleaning is right for you.
Steam Cleaning
Because of the name, you might assume that steam cleaning uses steam to clean your carpets-it’s only logical. Actually, steam cleaning combines cleaning chemicals with water to remove dirt and grime from your carpets.
First, a steam cleaner, more accurately called a carpet extractor, sprays carpet-cleaning detergent mixed with hot (though not steamy) water, and then uses a wet vac to extract the now dirty water from the carpet..
Pros of Steam Cleaning
Using carpet extraction is probably the best deep-cleaning method you can use on your carpets. Because it combines hot water with chemicals, it cleans much more than just the surface of your carpet-it can remove dirt and debris that have sunk deep into your carpet. The spray from the water also helps jostle difficult-to-remove particles loose.
If you use a steam cleaner on your carpets, you can expect nearly pristine results. The process should deal effectively with most stains, dirt, and debris and can remove allergens and pests.
Cons of Steam Cleaning
Some business owners worry that the chemicals used in steam cleaning can damage carpet or harm employees. However, Ben’s Cleaner Sales carries many chemicals including Green Seal Certified chemicals that are environmentally responsible, and are critical to not leaving any residue.
Others worry that because steam cleaning uses water, it could cause mold and mildew to grow in the carpet.
In general, if you let the water sit on the carpet for too long, use too much water, or don’t properly vacuum the carpet with a wet-vac, the water could seep deeper into your carpet and cause mold. However, if you make sure to vacuum properly and not let the water completely soak your carpets, you should dodge this problem.
This is why you use a carpet extractor such as the commercial ones Ben’s Cleaner Sales rents and sells which have high CFM and water lift for pulling all dirt and moisture out of the carpet unlike the grocery store or box type that don’t have the power.
Because of the low moisture content left behind by a Ben’s extractor, any residual can be wicked out of the carpet by running a fan across the carpet overnight.
What Else Should You Know About Carpet Cleaning?
Every business needs effective, regular carpet cleaning. This regular maintenance will extend the life of your carpet by removing the deep dirt and grime that grinds at the carpet fibers. However, you can take steps to protect your carpet and ensure that you don’t need to clean your carpets more often than necessary:
- Vacuum your carpets at least every week, though preferably you should vacuum twice a week. Vacuum high traffic areas even more frequently.
- Use mats near doorways to keep muddy boots and abrasive snow-melting salts off of your carpets, often called walk-off mats.
- Clean up stains immediately-don’t let them sink into your carpet.
If you need to rent or purchase carpet cleaning equipment and chemicals, including steam cleaners, get in touch with our company. We’re happy to talk to you about the right cleaning options for your company.
Rest assured that no matter which method you choose, we can provide you with high-quality equipment that helps you get the job done.
FAQs
Is steaming the best way to clean carpets? ›
Steam Cleaning
Using carpet extraction is probably the best deep-cleaning method you can use on your carpets. Because it combines hot water with chemicals, it cleans much more than just the surface of your carpet-it can remove dirt and debris that have sunk deep into your carpet.
Steam cleaning is a really effective and efficient way to lift build up from the carpet fibers, including mold and pet scents. It also is effective at improving the appearance of carpets that have been neglected over time.
Is it better to steam or shampoo carpet? ›When choosing between steam cleaning and shampooing your carpet, you really can't go wrong with both, but steam cleaning would be the better option. It removes more unseen pests and dirt, and can handle heavy-duty cleaning without making you wait long for drying.
How often should you steam clean your carpet? ›Most carpet manufacturers recommend having a professional steam clean the carpets every 12-18 months to maintain the warranty. That's the absolute minimum, according to the people who make carpet!
What is the best method of cleaning carpet? ›Hot Water Extraction
Otherwise known as steam cleaning, this is easily the most common professional carpet cleaning technique. Steam cleaning uses hot water at high pressure to penetrate into carpet fibers, breaking down the dirt and bacteria stored deep within. The hot water is then extracted via vacuum.
Steam cleaning can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours to completely dry. However, it only takes 4 to 8 hours to dry when carpets are cleaned without the use of traditional steam cleaning methods that use large amounts of water due to their reliance on soaps and shampoos.
Should you vacuum carpet after steam cleaning? ›Ultimately, running your vacuum over your carpets after a professional deep clean is great but remember to do it only after your carpet is completely dry. Vacuuming your carpet when it's still damp could cause dirt to be transferred from your vacuum cleaner, so patience does pay off.
Is steam cleaning enough? ›Results showed a steam effectiveness rate of 99.99%. While chemical-based cleaning products are difficult to find and sometimes too harsh for sensitive skin, consumers can invest in a garment steamer and steam mop to naturally and effectively sanitize their homes and garments.
What are the disadvantages of steam cleaning? ›There are a few disadvantages to using steam cleaners. One is that they can be expensive. Another downside is that they require a lot of water, which means you will need to empty and refill the tank often. Finally, steam cleaners can take longer to clean than other methods.
Where does the dirt go when you steam clean? ›So, where does the dirt go when you steam clean? Actually, it doesn't go anywhere. Instead, the heat and vapour of steam cleaning ensure that all the unwanted substances or stains are fully broken down and easy to get rid of.
Does Stanley steemer use steam to clean carpets? ›
We are often asked about our steam carpet cleaning. The truth is we do not actually steam clean carpet. At Stanley Steemer, we use a process called hot water extraction to clean your home. This is often referred to as steam cleaning because of the steam you see as we clean, but we don't actually use steam to clean.
What is the most effective method for cleaning badly soiled carpet? ›Baking soda is an excellent choice for cleaning heavily soiled carpet, as it absorbs mud, grease, and other unsightly residues. To use baking soda over your entire carpet, sprinkle it heavily along the surface and then grind or push it into the fibers using a fresh, dry sponge mop.
What method does Stanley steemer use to clean carpets? ›The method we use for carpet cleaning is hot water extraction, commonly referred to as steam cleaning. Stanley Steemer's exclusive hot water extraction method removes the toughest, deepest dirt safely and gently. Hot, soft water and a specially formulated cleaning solution are injected deep within the carpet fibers.
What is the easiest and fastest way to clean carpet? ›In a bowl or small bucket, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Dip the bristles of the scrub brush into the solution and rub them into the carpet. Massage them into the fibers well (without fully saturating the carpet) and follow up with a cloth to help blot excess moisture.
How do I get my carpet clean and fluffy again? ›Fluff it up
Matted carpet can easily be brought back to life. Spritz a little warm water onto the matted area then gently blow-dry with a hairdryer as you fluff the carpet fibres back into place with your fingers, the edge of a spoon or a hairpin. Allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it.
Clean With a Steam Cleaner
Removing the soil that weighs down fibers will make the carpet look fluffier. You can also hire professionals to deep clean the carpet yearly.
It's not unusual for DIY carpet cleaners to need eight or even 10 passes on a carpet before the water runs clear. This is especially true when: It has been a long time since your carpet was last deep-cleaned.
What do you put on carpet before steam cleaning? ›Use stain remover on specific bad spots.
Steamers can't always lift deep, set-in stains, so it's always helpful to treat stains before steaming the carpet. Use a carpet stain remover, or other natural solutions if you prefer. Blot the stain remover up with a cloth or leave it to be sucked up by the machine.
Steam cleaning is generally intended for routine maintenance, with the self-cleaning mode (called pyrolytic cleaning, which uses very high heat to turn residue into ash) for tougher stuff. Steam cleaning is much quicker and, because it uses lower heat, a safer alternative.
Is steaming as good as dry cleaning? ›Steam is all natural and doesn't require any soaps or detergents which may irritate your skin. And although steaming your clothes is a great option to extend the time between washes, it's not a complete replacement for good dry cleaning.
Are home steam cleaners worth it? ›
Steam cleaners are a wonderful way to deep-clean many types of surfaces since they don't' use harsh chemicals. Hard surfaces easily cleanable with a steam cleaner include countertops, kitchen & bathroom fixtures, some types of flooring, as well as other impervious surfaces.
How long does it take for steam cleaned carpet to dry? ›Steam cleaning can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours to completely dry. However, it only takes 4 to 8 hours to dry when carpets are cleaned without the use of traditional steam cleaning methods that use large amounts of water due to their reliance on soaps and shampoos.
Does professional carpet cleaning work better than doing it yourself? ›It is in the best of your interest to hire a professional carpet cleaning service merely because of their experience. This helps them to do a much better job than you can do it yourself. Further, their equipment has more extraction power than anything available to you.
Do any carpet cleaners use steam? ›A carpet cleaner is designed to force a mixture of hot water and cleaning solution into the carpet to clean deep down. The solution and dirt are then extracted from the carpet, leaving the fibers and carpet base clean. So unlike actual steam cleaners, a carpet cleaner does not use steam.
Why does my carpet smell worse after steam cleaning? ›One of the main reasons why carpets smell after a deep clean is the underlay. Basically, this part of the carpet padding is not exposed to direct light or air, so it takes a lot more time to dry properly. And you know what excess moisture leads to? Precisely – mould and mildew smell after carpet cleaning.
How do you flatten a rug after steam cleaning? ›Use a Pressing Iron - If you've tried to steam up your rug or sun-dry it but it won't lay flat on the floor after several days, it may be time to get your pressing iron to work. You can straighten the curled or folded part of a rug, flatten a rolled rug with a pressing iron. You can also flatten a rolled rug with it.