How Does a Carpet Steam Cleaner Work?

Dirt, germs and pet hair can burrow deep into carpet, and normal vacuuming is not enough to thoroughly clean your carpet fibers.  Allergens and pests such as fleas can live in carpet, and steam cleaning at least twice a month can ensure bacteria and germs don’t have a chance of survival deep in your carpet.

If you have small children, it is especially important that you keep your carpet clean, as children are more susceptible to germs than adults.

• The steam cleaner works by using water to create steam, then steam is forced into your carpet as a mixture of moisture and heat. Combined with agitation, this cleans and sanitizes carpet. The machine simultaneously forces the steam into and sucks the water out of your carpet. The agitation is a combination of the user’s motions and a brush or other cleaning attachment.  The water may need to be changed, depending on how dirty the carpet. The amount of heat and moisture in the steam varies depending on the machine.  More expensive, high-end machines usually use smaller amounts of water to create more concentrated steam. These machines leave less water residue in the carpet, which means less drying time.  Poli, a European brand, receives high marks from consumers.

• Carpet steam cleaners are versatile.  They can clean and sanitize almost any surface, but avoid those that are heat sensitive, like silks or plastics. You can use it to clean furniture, drapes, pet bedding, even defrost frozen pipes. There are special attachments allowing you to steam clean shower doors, metal blinds and tile floors. You can get a handheld portable version for countertops and automobile interiors.