Steam cleaning your carpets is a true clean

By: christineh Tuesday December 1, 2015 comments Tags: steam carpet cleaning

Why do I want steam cleaning instead of hot water extraction?

We have seen people in line to rent a cleaner from the grocery or hardware store. We have also seen people purchase carpet cleaners from home stores. These can be okay for spot cleaning between regularly scheduled professional steam cleaning of carpets and upholstery, but they are not meant to replace them. Why?

The two cleaning methods have different purposes. Imagine if instead of brushing your teeth, you only flossed. You will have a level of cleanliness, but you won't have a full clean. And in fact, if you don't brush your teeth, you will have build up, odors and be lacking in overall mouth health. This is similarly true with a carpet cleaning that isn't done with a professional steam cleaning.

Sanitizing power of steam cleaning

First it is important to clarify that steam is not actually cleaning your carpets, rather it is hot water combined with heat activated cleaners that clean your carpets. Steam rises from the machine, which is why people sometimes confuse that. Powerful truck mounted vacuum suction then pulls back up the hot water, cleansing product and dirt and grime. However, the hot water and resulting steam is also killing bacteria and the dust mites that live in your carpets.

On the contrary machines bought or rented may require hot tap water (which cools) or they have a heating element to increase the water's temperature. If the water is cold or even cool, it is not going to effectively activate the cleaning agent. And in order to truly sanitize, destroying dust mites and bacteria, such as E. Coli and other known bacterias in carpet, the water needs to be over 100 degrees, which is a temperature most tap water can't reach, let alone hold.

Angie's List reports rented carpet cleaning machines aren't always effective: "Ground-in stains typically reappear in the first few days after cleaning. Commercial solutions can eliminate some of these problems, but there are certain stains -- pet stains or chemical stains, for example -- that require multiple treatments or cannot be removed."

Your carpet manufacturer recommends the steam cleaning method

Most carpet manufacturers suggest steam cleaning as their preferred method of cleaning. It cleans deeply and restores the carpet fibers. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification also recommends steam cleaning for reducing allergens, toxins, germs and mites, improving the appearance and lifespan of the carpet.

Steam cleaning your carpet is the most sanitary way to clean them and will not only improve the health of your carpet, but also the appearance.

Champion Carpet, Carpet Cleaning and more. We are a Colorado Family Legacy for over a quarter century, serving Colorado families and business with superior customer service. Our quality speaks for itself and when coupled with our family values you will see why some of our customers have relied on us for decades. It's so clean you will feel like a Champion!