Professional or DIY Steam Carpet Cleaning?

Deep carpet cleaning is a task that usually falls into the category of spring cleaning chores. It is definitely a not very fun, but necessary job, and it should occur with approximately the same frequency. Most home owners, however, deep clean their carpets just once in 2-3 years (and some not even that often).

Proper carpet cleaning is not only cosmetic task. Having your carpet deep cleaned will revitalize it and prolong its lifespan. For optimal duration and performance, most manufacturers recommend having your rugs cleaned at least once every 12 months, depending on the traffic and stains your flooring gets. If you want to be sure to check your carpet’s label – it should contain this information.

One of the most popular methods of cleaning recommended by manufacturers is hot water extraction – often (though imprecisely) referred to as steam cleaning. In hot water extraction method, the water is essentially sprayed onto the carpet and then sucked back along with all dirt. A cleaning solution is usually added into the water to assist in the stain removal and sanitize the fibers. Technically speaking, the original steam cleaning procedure does not spray exactly water, but rather extremely hot steam to clean the fibers. However, today the term steam cleaning it is widely accepted.

Professional carpet cleaners use either a truck-mounted machines or portable units. The portable unit has obvious benefits – it can be used in apartments and other places that would otherwise be beyond the reach of a truck-mounted cleaning unit’s hose. However, truck-mounted machines are more powerful than portable ones and should be used when it is possible for optimal efficiency. Professional steam carpet cleaning always guarantees impressive results.

There are also a plenty of small steam cleaners available for either purchase or rent. However, for more deep and thorough cleaning of the entire carpet surface, we highly recommend calling a professional. There are a lot of variables with home steam cleaners – the water temperature, the amount of cleaner you have to add, the method of use – that create conditions for things to go wrong.

Generally, home steam cleaners tend to heat the water to lower temperature than professional machines, which could result in unsatisfactory cleaning results. In addition, these tools are not as powerful, as the ones used by the cleaning companies, which means they are not able to extract as much of the water and dirt from the carpet’s fibers.

Both hot water extraction and home steam cleaning have their benefits.  Home steam cleaning machine is perfect if you have to deal with small stains. But if your carpets get a lot of traffic, home cleaning will not be enough. Dirt settles deep into textile floorings and it can be reached and extracted only by powerful professional equipment. However if you vacuum your rugs regularly and clean accidental spills right away professional steam carpet cleaning once a year should be enough to keep your carpet in perfect shape.