Is DIY Steam Cleaning my Carpet Effective?

The short answer is yes, you should steam clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months. However, this answer can change if you have pet traffic or a large family. Using a steam cleaner regularly will extend the life of your carpets, and remove carpet stains, dirt, and other allergens that can cause indoor allergies. The high temperature of the steam will also kill living things like mold, bacteria, and dust mites. The main advantage of using a steam cleaner on your carpets is its ability to kill and remove harmful particles without the use of chemicals. However, there are many more benefits of using a steam cleaner on your carpets.

Carpet cleaning is important for these two reasons:

It removes dirt and debris that break down carpet fibers over time and it protects your family’s health. Carpet cleaning machines do both of these with its high temperatures and ability to sanitize using just hot water. For the cleanest carpets, we recommend vacuuming once to twice per week and steam cleaning every 1-12 months depending on the level of foot traffic in your home.

Steam cleaning your carpets regularly will:

Extend the life of your carpets – Carpet steam cleaners will remove dirt and debris that can break down your carpet causing balding.
Remove harmful allergens – Dust mites, mold, bacteria, and other allergens can cause indoor allergies. This carpet cleaning solution is guaranteed to remove these allergens from your carpets.
Sanitize your carpets – The high temperatures of this carpet cleaning machine will kill mold, bacteria, and dust mites. Additionally, you get expert-level sanitization without having to come up with a homemade carpet cleaning solution.
Save you money – When you steam clean your carpets it will save you money in the long run by extending the life of your carpets and protecting your family’s health.

How often should I steam clean my carpets?

How often you need to steam clean your carpets will depend on a number of factors, including the type of carpet you have, how much foot traffic it gets and whether you have pets. If your carpets are in a high-traffic area or you have pets, you may need to steam clean them as often as every three months. Otherwise, once or twice a year is typically sufficient.

Carpet steam cleaning is a relatively simple process, and there are a number of ways you can do it. You can either rent or purchase a steam cleaner, or hire a professional carpet cleaning service. If you decide to do it yourself, be sure to read the instructions carefully before getting started. And remember, always test a small area of the carpet first to be sure it won’t be damaged by the steam cleaner.

What should I know before steaming my carpets?

Before you steam clean carpet, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Make sure to vacuum your carpets first. This will help remove any surface dirt and debris that could potentially clog the steam cleaner.
Test a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before proceeding with the entire cleaning. This will help you ensure that the steam cleaner does not damage your carpet. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Each steam cleaner is different and you’ll need to make sure you’re using yours correctly in order to avoid any damage.
Carpet steam cleaning is an effective way to clean your carpets, but it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for professional carpet cleaning. Professional steam cleaners vary significantly from steam cleaners you can rent or buy.
When you steam clean carpet, make sure your carpets are made of synthetic fibers. Always do proper research before steam cleaning any of your carpets or upholstery.
Steam cleaning works wonders on most carpet stains, but pet urine stains should not be cleaned with a steam cleaner. This will only cause the pet urine to become more attached to the carpet fibers.
When you decide to steam clean carpet, it will take some time. Make sure to allow yourself enough time to do the job properly, factoring in drying time as well.

Frequently Asked Questions about steam cleaning carpets

1. What is Steam Cleaning?

Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is the most effective way to clean carpets and upholstery. The process involves using a special carpet cleaning machine to inject hot water and detergent into the carpet pile, then rapidly extracting the dirty water. This not only removes the dirt and stains, but also helps to sanitize the carpet and kill any bacteria or dust mites that may be present.

2. How often should I Steam Clean my Carpets?

For best results, it is recommended that you steam clean your carpets at least once a year. However, if you have pets or children in the home, you may need to clean more often.

3. Will Steam Cleaning damage my Carpets?

No, hot water extraction is actually gentle on carpets and upholstery, and will not cause any damage. Just make sure you follow the manual that comes with your steam cleaner prior to using it.

4. How long does it take to Steam Clean my Carpets?

The time required to clean your carpets will depend on the size of the room and the type of carpet you have. However, cleaning your entire carpet in one room can be completed in 1-2 hours. It will typically take professionals 30 minutes to clean one room.

5. How much does Hot Water Extraction cost?

A professional using the hot water extraction method will vary depending on the size of the room and the condition of your carpets. However, you can expect to pay around $100-$200 for a typical job.

6. Do I need to do anything before Steam Cleaning Carpets?

For best results, it is recommended that you vacuum your carpets before steam cleaning. This will help to remove any surface dirt and debris that could potentially clog the machine.

7. Do I need to do anything after Steam Cleaning Carpets?

After your carpets have been steam cleaned, it is important to allow them to completely dry before walking on them or placing any furniture back in the room. This can take anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on the type of carpet you have.

If you decide you would like to hire a professional carpet cleaning company to professionally steam clean your carpets, contact Carpet Cleaning of Chattanooga to get your free estimate! We would be happy to do the job for you so you can get back to doing what’s important!