All About Steam Carpet Cleaning

The process commonly known as steam cleaning doesn't involve steam at all, unless you count the small amount that rises from the top of the water in the tank. "Steam" cleaners shoot a jet of hot water and carpet shampoo onto your rug and then vacuum it back up.

Steam is a naturally powerful cleaning force that leaves no toxic residue on surfaces, and does not discolour clothing. Even emitted at a low pressure, the heat of steam alone is able to rid your home of unseen allergens and bacteria as well as visible dirt and grease. Steam cleaners can be used virtually anywhere in your home or workplace, garden, car or caravan for a wide variety of tasks. Our operatives use steam cleaning mainly when carrying out end of tenancy cleaning services. Steam cleaning is suitable for all types of carpet, including Woven, Needlefelt, Knotted, Tufted, flatweave carpets.

HOW TO DO IT

Preparing the Room

To get the most out of your steam cleaner you need to prepare the room beforehand.

1. Remove all furniture from the room.
2. Clean the ceiling and windowsills to remove dust and cobwebs – you don't want dirt falling on your freshly cleaned carpet.
3. Clean your baseboards – a Spray & Wipe product works well for this.
4. Use a stiff brush to remove dust and dirt from the crevice where the baseboard meets the carpet.
5. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly.

Spot Treat Stains

If you have stained patches on your carpet treat them before steam cleaning with spot carpet cleaner.

1. Spray the stain with spot cleaner.
2. Allow the cleaner to sit in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
3. Rub with a clean cotton towel – for stubborn stains, gently scrub with a brush.

Prepare the Steam Cleaner

1. Ensure your steam cleaner's waste tank is empty.
2. Remove the clean water tank from the machine and fill with about three and a half litres of hot water. Hot water from the tap is just right. Do not use boiling water as this will damage your carpet.
3. Add between ¼ and ½ a cup of carpet soap to the water.
4. Replace the clean water tank.

In high traffic areas your carpet may be more heavily soiled. To treat these areas make a second pass over the carpet with your steam cleaning machine perpendicular to the direction of your first pass. This time, however, do not activate the soap/water solution as you don't want to get your carpet over-wet. Just allow the machine's brushes to do the work.

For more useful ideas, check out our main page here:

Auckland steam carpet cleaning