Cleaning Carpets with a Steam Cleaner: Here's How to Do It Right

Contents

Can you clean carpets with a steam cleaner?
Advantages of steam cleaning a carpet
Which steam cleaner is suitable?
Which carpets are suitable for steam cleaning?
Step-by-Step Guide to Steam Cleaning
Renting a steam cleaner: Duration & costs

Carpet cleaning is a science in itself. Steam cleaning is a particularly thorough cleaning method that’s often used for stubborn stains and offers many benefits thanks to its disinfecting properties. This chemical-free cleaning method uses steam heated to up to 180 degrees. The steam penetrates deep into the carpet fibers, gets to the root of stains, and ensures a clean indoor environment.

Steam cleaners aren't suitable for all carpets. You’ll find relevant information in your carpet’s care instructions. You should avoid using steam cleaners on heat-sensitive carpet fibers to prevent damage caused by overheating. This is especially true for wool carpets, some synthetic-fiber carpets, and delicate natural-fiber carpets.

Steam cleaning is a hygienic, effective way to clean a carpet. The steam penetrates the carpet fibers under high pressure. Steam cleaning requires far less water than other cleaning methods. The warm, slightly moist air helps loosen dirt so it can be easily removed from the carpet. In addition, the steam cleaner helps restore the carpet fibers to their original condition. Steam cleaning also has a disinfecting effect and, thanks to the heat, is very effective against dust mites and other pests. Steam cleaning offers many everyday benefits, especially for people with allergies. This compact, chemical-free cleaning method also removes unpleasant odors from carpets and helps keep indoor air free of dust.

There are different types of steam cleaners, including steam vacuums, steam mops, and carpet cleaners. Steam vacuums are particularly well-suited for cleaning carpets. With this type of appliance, the hot steam penetrates deep into the carpet fibers, thoroughly loosening all dirt and killing dust mites, which are then sucked up along with the steam and directed into the dirty water tank. Steam mops look similar to traditional mops but are powered by electricity. Heating elements at the bottom of the water tank heat the water for the cleaning process. Steam mops, however, are more commonly used on smooth floor surfaces such as tile and laminate. Wet vacuums are multifunctional devices that clean surfaces with a damp cloth while simultaneously picking up dirt. They are essentially a vacuum cleaner, wet mop, and drying device all in one—a so-called “3-in-1” appliance. Unlike other types of steam cleaners, wet vacuum cleaners also use a cleaning solution in the water tank. Wet vacuum cleaners can be used on both hard floors and for carpet cleaning.

Follow the carpet's care instructions

Before steam cleaning, read the detailed care instructions for your rug. You’ll find them on the back of your rug. They’ll tell you whether your rug is heat-resistant enough. Heat resistance is an important factor in determining whether a rug is suitable for steam cleaning. Cotton rugs, for example, are very heat-resistant and can withstand heavy use. Steam reaching temperatures of up to 180 degrees does not damage the rug fibers; on the contrary, steam cleaning is a popular method for cleaning cotton rugs, as it thoroughly removes dirt.

Use caution with delicate carpets

Not every carpet is suitable for steam cleaning. Extra caution is needed, especially with wool carpets, synthetic fibers, and delicate natural fibers. Carpet care must be handled gently in these cases, as the carpet fibers can be damaged quickly. To be on the safe side, we recommend testing a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet with the steam cleaner to check for compatibility. Velour carpets, for example, are made of delicate fibers such as wool or silk and should only be dry-cleaned. You should also avoid exposing sisal carpets to moisture. The carpet fibers could be damaged, thereby reducing the quality and lifespan of your carpet.

We want you to enjoy your carpet for as long as possible, while also ensuring optimal cleaning results. Our step-by-step care instructions include all the important steps for cleaning your carpet with a steam cleaner. If you follow these instructions, you’ll achieve great cleaning results.

Step 1: Vacuum the carpet thoroughly

To remove coarse dirt from the carpet fibers, you should first vacuum your carpet thoroughly. Be sure to vacuum in the direction of the pile. For short-pile carpets, feel free to use a brush attachment. For deep-pile carpets, please vacuum only with a soft brush or a standard carpet nozzle.

Step 2: Prepare the steam cleaner

Before you start steam cleaning, fill the steam cleaner with water and heat it to the appropriate temperature. Be sure to follow your carpet’s care instructions and avoid using too much heat or too high a steam setting.

Step 3: Perform steam cleaning

Now start steam cleaning. Move the carpet nozzle quickly but carefully over your carpet. If your steam cleaner has a glide attachment, feel free to use it to protect the carpet fibers.

Step 4: Finish up with the vacuum cleaner

In the final step, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining moisture from the carpet. This will protect your carpet, and you’ll be able to use it as usual right after steam cleaning.

Step 5 (not essential, but useful): Waterproofing

If you want to keep your carpet looking clean for as long as possible, you can treat it with a fabric spray after steam cleaning. This will help keep dirt and other particles from sticking to the carpet.

For anyone who doesn't want to buy a steam cleaner, there's also the option of renting one for carpet cleaning. Many hardware stores, retailers, and specialty equipment rental companies offer this service. In addition to daily rates, weekend rates and rates for longer periods are also available. You can expect to pay between €15 and €20 for a day's rental.

Your carpet will remain high-quality and long-lasting if you know the most important dos and don’ts of steam cleaning. Be sure to follow the care instructions printed on the back of the carpet. All models in our online store come with detailed care instructions. If you have any questions, our carpet experts are happy to share their expertise with you by phone or email. Make carpet cleaning a priority and transform your home into a place of comfort and well-being.