Is Steam Cleaning An Effective Carpet Cleaning Method?

There are numerous carpet cleaning methods, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some people swear by steam cleaning, while others believe it is ineffective. So, is steam cleaning an effective method of carpet cleaning, or is it a waste of time?

In this blog post, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of steam carpet cleaning to help you evaluate your carpet cleaning options. 

What is steam cleaning?

Steam cleaning machines clean surfaces by heating water to produce hot steam. The high-pressure hot steam vapor is forced out of the steam cleaners through a brush or nozzle attachment. The strong water vapor loosens surface dirt and kills microorganisms like dust mites, mold, and bacteria.  

The pros and cons of carpet steam cleaning 

So, how effective is carpet steam cleaning? We have listed our evaluations below: 

carpet steam cleaning in progressPros:

1. Effective and Cheap

One significant advantage of carpet steam cleaning is steam cleaner cleans surface dirt and eliminates microorganisms effectively and economically.  

Simply using hot water vapor only to clean surfaces, the steam from steam cleaners penetrates carpet fibers, lifting dirt particles and killing dust mites or bacteria present. You don’t need to purchase additional cleansers.  

2. Eco Friendly

Cleaning chemicals are not needed for steam cleaning. making steam carpet cleaning an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic option for regular carpet maintenance.  

3. Neutralize Carpet Odor

Steam cleaners can neutralise odor in carpet fibers, as the hot steam eliminates odor-producing bacteria and enzymes in the carpets. Steam cleaning is an effective odor removal option without the use of harsh chemicals.  

Cons: 

1. May cause permanent damage 

Applying high-pressure steam may cause permanent damage to carpets. Insufficient drying leads to moisture trapped in carpets. 

Furthermore, the extremely hot moisture used in steam cleaning may cause discoloration of certain carpet materials. It is critical to take precautions such as keeping fans in the area while the carpet dries and ensuring adequate ventilation afterward. 

2. Risk of mold and mildew 

Carpets that are not properly dried after steam cleaning may cause mold and mildew to grow within the carpet pile. This is not only harmful to the structural integrity of your carpets, but it can also lead to an unhealthy indoor environment.  

To avoid mold or mildew, remove any excess moisture from carpets as soon as possible after a steam clean or avoid using moisture to clean carpets. 

3. Does not remove stains effectively 

It may not be suitable for carpets that are especially dirty or soiled. Steam cleaning cannot remove all deep-set contaminants or greasy spots, which can be treated only through a deep carpet cleaning process that involves stain treatment.

Beverage spilled on carpet
Beverage spilled on carpet. | Image: Freepik

If you have heavily soiled carpets at home or at work, it is best to engage professional carpet cleaners that can offer effective deep carpet cleaning treatments. 

Should I Consider Steam Cleaning My Carpet? 

Yes…

  • If your goal is to disinfect the surface of your carpets quickly and cost-effectively, then steam cleaning may be a great option for you.  
  • If you are experiencing unpleasant odours from your carpet but there are no visible stains, you may consider steam cleaning your carpet.

No…  

  • Steam does not deep clean. Therefore, steam cleaning is NOT the method you should use if your carpet is stained and dirty. Your carpet requires professional carpet cleaning. 
  • Steam may cause moisture trapped within the carpet fibers, which leads to microorganisms like mold breeding within your carpet if the damp carpet does not dry thoroughly after cleaning. Therefore, you should avoid having the carpet cleaned with steam if you have concerns about mold growth in your carpets.  

If you own carpets or rugs, you must use a professional carpet cleaning service at least once a year. While regular vacuuming and steam cleaning of the carpet help with general maintenance, the thick carpet fibers still need a deep cleaning to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

De Hygienique provides professional carpet cleaning services in two varieties: biodegradable compound cleaning and encapsulation technology. The options are available for different carpet soiling conditions and cleaning needs.

Deep cleaning by De Hygienique compound carpet cleaning.
Deep cleaning by De Hygienique compound carpet cleaning. | Image: De Hygienique

Both methods are also eco-friendly, requiring less than 90% less water than other conventional shampooing systems. This also means you can walk on the cleaned carpet immediately after the carpet cleaning treatment is completed! 

 To find out more about De Hygienique’s carpet cleaning services, contact us for a no-obligation consultation today.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You May Also Like

Trustpilot