Carpet cleaning is crucial for maintaining a healthy home, and steam carpet cleaning is one of the most popular methods for doing so.
Steam carpet cleaning removes dirt, debris, dust mites, and other contaminants from carpets using high-temperature steam.
But what exactly does steam carpet cleaning involve, and why is it the go-to carpet cleaning method?
Let’s take a closer look at how steam carpet cleaning works, as well as its advantages.
What Is Steam Carpet Cleaning?
Steam carpet cleaning is a deep-cleaning method that employs the use of hot water to break down dirt and debris in carpets for easy removal.
This method is known for its thoroughness and effectiveness, as the hot steam penetrates deep into the carpet fibers to loosen dirt and contaminants.
Steam is not the sole component of this carpet cleaning method. Professional carpet cleaners use expert-grade detergent to “activate” the steam and help break down the dirt.
Steam-activated detergents can also be used to remove stains from carpets, but it is best to consult a professional to determine which type of detergent is the most appropriate for your carpet.
The steam works as a gathering agent that gathers dirt, dust, stain, and other materials that diminish the quality of the carpet.
The steam also has disinfecting properties, helping to reduce the number of bacteria and other germs in carpets.
This method is totally different from the dry carpet cleaning method and carbonated carpet cleaning.
Time Required for Steam Carpet Cleaning
The time it takes to finish steam carpet cleaning depends on the size of the area that you want to have cleaned.
Generally, it takes an average of about two hours to clean a standard-sized room’s carpets.
However, if the carpet is heavily soiled or stained, it may take longer for the steam cleaning process to be completed, ranging from three to four hours.
The cleaning process isn’t the time-consuming part of steam cleaning. The actual time it takes for the carpets to dry can range from four to eight hours, so one should plan their cleaning schedule accordingly.
How Much Does Steam Cleaning Cost?
The cost of steam cleaning depends on a variety of factors such as the size and condition of your carpets, the type of steam cleaner used, and the company you have hired to do the job.
Generally speaking, professional steam cleaning services usually start at around $130 for a one-bedroom apartment.
The cost can go up to $500 for a larger home with more carpets and furniture that needs to be moved.
Some professional carpet cleaners may also charge on an hourly basis, in which case the cost could range from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the company.
Benefits of Steam Carpet Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a highly efficient method for cleaning your carpet. Hailing from the professional cleaning industry, steam carpet cleaning offers a variety of benefits.
Let’s look at some of the main advantages:
1. It’s Eco-Friendly
Most of the carpet steam cleaning process consists of water. In comparison to the carpet shampoo methods, this one calls for the use of hardly any or just a minimal amount of detergent.
As a result, there are no chemical residues that can pollute the environment.
Opting for steam carpet cleaning will ensure that you are doing your part for the environment.
Plus, it does not release any toxins into the drainage system that may make their way into the rivers or lakes.
2. Helps Remove All Pollutants
One of the most important advantages of steam carpet cleaning is its ability to thoroughly clean the carpet, removing not just the dirt but also a wide range of pollutants that can get trapped in the fibers.
Even if they cannot be seen with the human eye, germs, viruses, bacteria, and mildews are still present and can harm your health.
Steam cleaning helps penetrate the carpet’s fabric, removing all the hazardous contaminants embedded within it.
The temperature of the steam alone is strong enough to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, making it one of the most effective carpet cleaning methods available today.
3. Refreshes Your Home
Steam’s qualities as an antibacterial and deodorizing agent are a great help when it comes to keeping your carpets smelling fresh and clean.
And only carpets it is also helpful in cleaning the couch thoroughly. Usually, a couch made from microfiber material is ideal to be cleaned using steam cleaning.
The heat of the steam helps release any odors from deep within, ensuring that your carpets smell and look good as new.
For homeowners who suffer from allergies and asthma, steam carpet cleaning is the ideal solution for keeping the home free of allergens.
Not only does it help remove dust and dust mites, but it also helps kill mold spores and other microorganisms that can cause allergic reactions.
4. Removes Pet Odors
Pets can be amazing companions, but they can also leave behind strong smells that linger for a long time.
Even though every pet owner loves their furry companions, no one wants to be welcomed by a strong pet odor when entering their home.
Luckily, steam carpet cleaning helps remove pet odors from carpets, making your home smell fresh and inviting once again.
During the steam cleaning procedure, the heated vapor will destroy any pet odor molecules that have been ingrained into the carpet fibers.
This helps eliminate any bad odors and leaves your carpets smelling clean and fresh.
5. Increases The Lifespan Of Your Carpet
One of the best things about steam carpet cleaning is that it can help improve the overall lifespan of your carpets.
Steam cleaning helps thoroughly clean the pores of your carpet, thus enabling the fibers to remain in good condition for a longer period of time.
This helps keep the carpets looking new and fresh, increasing their lifespan by several years.
How Does Steam Carpet Cleaning Actually Work?
Steam, as we all know, is the result of the rapid evaporation of water when heated. This is exactly what happens during the steam carpet cleaning process as well.
First, a professional cleaner will use a cylinder and hose attachment to suck any loose dirt particles from your carpets.
After that, they will start the steaming process by spraying hot pressurized steam onto the carpets.
This hot pressurized steam will then penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, breaking down and dissolving the sticky dust particles that have been trapped there.
Once this is done, the carpets will be vacuumed up to remove all the dirt and debris that has been loosened by the steam.
This process helps to leave your carpets looking as good as new without any of the dirt particles or odors that were previously trapped in them.
Steam Carpet Cleaning
Preparing for a Steam Carpet Cleaning Service
There are some things you can do to make sure that the steam carpet cleaning process goes as smoothly as possible.
While the professionals will surely do their job well, there are a few things you can do to prepare and make sure the process is done properly.
Here’s what you can do to prepare for a steam carpet cleaning service:
1. Vacuum the Carpets First
Vacuuming your carpets before the steam cleaning process is advised as it helps to loosen dirt particles and debris from deep within. This makes it easier for the steam cleaning process to do its job properly.
You don’t necessarily have to give your carpets a thorough vacuuming as the steam cleaning process will also do that, but vacuuming beforehand can make the job easier for the professionals.
2. Clear Away Any Obstacles
Make sure to clear away any furniture or obstacles from your carpets before starting the steam cleaning process. This will ensure that all areas of your carpets are equally and properly steam cleaned.
If you’re unable to move furniture, be sure to notify the carpet cleaning service so they can work around it.
3. Spot Test
It is always advised to spot-test any new product that you are going to use on your carpets.
This helps prevent discoloration or damage to the carpets due to the ingredients in any of the cleaners used by the service providers.
Conducting a spot test is simple – just apply the cleaner to an inconspicuous area of the carpets and wait for about 24-48 hours before proceeding with the steam cleaning service. This will also help you ensure that all the products used are safe for your carpets.
What Happens During the Steam Cleaning Process?
Steam cleaning is a multi-step process. Here is what you can expect when getting your carpets steam cleaned:
1. Pre-Inspection
The professionals will first inspect your carpets and identify any areas that need special attention. They will also note any pre-existing damage or stains that need to be treated separately.
Pre-inspection is a crucial step that allows the cleaners to determine the best cleaning method for your carpets.
For example, a deep stain may require special cleaning agents or techniques to be removed, or certain fabrics may require a specific cleaning process.
2. Vacuuming
The carpet cleaning service providers will do an initial vacuuming of the carpets, removing all the loose dirt and debris.
This helps them get a better idea of the state of your carpets and also provides them with a blank canvas to work on.
3. Pre-Treating
The professionals will then proceed to pre-treat any stains or heavily soiled areas with special cleaning agents that are specifically designed for effective removal of those specific types of stains.
This helps ensure that all the embedded dirt and debris are removed from the carpets.
4. Steam Cleaning
Once all the stains have been pre-treated, the carpet cleaners will then proceed to steam clean your carpets with high-powered equipment that generates very hot steam.
During this process, all the dirt, dust, and other contaminants trapped within the fibers of the carpet are released, allowing for a thorough and effective cleaning.
5. Post-Cleaning
Once all the carpets have been steam cleaned, the service providers will proceed to do a final inspection of your carpets.
This helps them ensure that the job has been done correctly and that all stains and pollutants have been effectively removed.
What To Do After Steam Cleaning?
Once your carpets have been steam cleaned, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that they stay clean and free of dirt and debris for a longer period of time.
1. Steer Clear of the Area
The carpets will be wet after steam cleaning and may take anywhere from 4-8 hours to dry completely, depending on the type of carpets and the climate.
Avoid walking on your carpets as much as you can for at least 12 hours after steam cleaning.
This will help prevent any dirt or debris from getting stuck in the fibers, as they are still wet and vulnerable to contamination.
2. Rearrange Furniture
If you had to move the furniture for steam cleaning, make sure to put it back in its rightful place, but not on top of the carpets.
This will help ensure that your carpets stay clean and free from any dirt or debris that can be brought in from outside sources.
Let the furniture stay on the side until your carpets are completely dry. This will also help prevent any potential damage to the furniture, as damp carpets can cause them to rot and warp over time.
3. Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming helps keep your carpets clean and free of dirt and debris in between professional steam cleaning services.
Make sure to vacuum your carpets at least twice a week, or more, depending on the traffic in your home.
Vacuuming removes all the loose dirt and debris that can accumulate over time and prevents them from getting embedded deep within the fibers of your carpets.
This will help extend the life of your carpets by preventing unnecessary wear and tear.
Wrapping Up
Steam carpet cleaning is an effective and powerful way to keep your carpets clean and free from dirt and debris.
With steam carpet cleaning services, you can enjoy clean, sanitized carpets without any of the hassles associated with traditional methods.
By following the pre- and post-cleaning steps mentioned in this article, you can ensure that your carpets stay looking good for longer.
Daleyza knows a lot about carpets! She has worked with carpets for over 7 years and can help with things like putting them in, keeping them clean, and replacing them. She really likes carpets and spends most of her time learning about new ways to work with them. When she’s not learning about carpets, she enjoys reading books. She’s really good at helping people choose the right carpet for their homes and making sure they’re happy with it. If you want to know more about carpets, Daleyza is the person to talk to!