How To Use Steam Cleaners

A steam cleaner may be purchased or rented from one of any cleaning supply stores or home improvement warehouses, such as the Home Depot. It is advisable to reserve one full day for rental, and, if possible, to choose a day that is most conducive to fast, efficient drying. The conditions of such an ideal day are hot and dry; during the summer is most preferable.

Once a steam cleaner has been attained, the first step to the process is removal of all furniture from the carpet to be revitalized. Plan ahead to ensure that the furniture may be stored elsewhere for at least one full day, in order for the carpeting to fully dry. Once the carpet is cleared of all furniture and obstructions, it is ripe for a deep steam cleaning.

To prepare the carpet for the deepest, most transformative refreshment, give it a standard vacuuming to remove the loosest dust and grime from its top layer. This will clear the path for ultimate cleansing. After vacuuming, remove the water container from the steam cleaner and fill it with the appropriate amount of hot tap water.

Steam cleaner rentals will typically come with soap that is manufactured specially for this very purpose, and so it is essential not to tamper with any other soap except that which is included. At the rental store or warehouse, make sure such soap is included in the rental package. If not, inquire as to which specific product would be best with the rented model, and purchase an appropriate quantity of that product. Though steam cleaning may be accomplished without the usage of this soap, it will make a visible and odorous difference that most will find to be worthwhile.

Add soap to the hot top water, and place the water container back into the steam cleaner. Make sure a substantial quantity of soap and hot water is placed in the container (there will be a “full” line that marks such quantity). Before diving in to the act of steam cleaning, scan the carpeting for any remarkably deep or noticeable stains. Depending upon the type of stain (specific food or drink, burn, acidic substance, etc.), a specialized carpet stain removal spray may be employed to properly eliminate such blemishes. If the origin of the stain is unknown, an all-purpose carpet stain removal spray may be utilized to handle the job most effectively. With the chosen product, spray the damaged areas thoroughly.

Finally, it is time for an invigorating steam cleaning. The appropriate physical motions of steam cleaning are essential to understand before commencing, so as not to unnecessarily harm any section of the carpeting. Firmly grip the handles of the steam cleaner, and notice the lever on one or both of the handles. There are two motions to operating a steam cleaner on each section of carpeting: forward and backward. On the forward motion, in which the steam cleaner is pushed out arms-length, pull the lever to release the soap and water injection. On the backward motion, in which the steam cleaner is pulled in toward one’s body, release the lever to allow scrubbing of the soap and water, and mixture into the deepest layers of carpeting. Work one small section at a time across the entire carpeting. It is advisable not to dwell on one section of carpeting for more than two motions, as extensive washing and scrubbing will lengthen the drying process. A particularly stubborn stain, however, may call for such extensive action. In this case, work the steam cleaner on the stained area until the unsightly discoloration has disappeared.

The drying process requires one to participate in the waiting game. Sternly yet kindly remind anyone passing through the carpet’s household that the cleaned area must remain untouched. To accelerate drying, open any blinds and windows near the steamed carpet to allow for maximum wind and sunlight. Fans may be craftily positioned as well for the speediest drying possible.