A Step-by-Step Guide to Carpet Steam Cleaning

Posted on August 14, 2024

• Cleaning

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Professional carpet steam cleaning is the ultimate way to bring life back into your carpets. There are many carpet cleaning methods to choose from, but steam cleaning has come out on top time and time again. 

Even though it’s the best option for carpet cleaning, a certain protocol needs to be followed in order for steam cleaning to be effective. In this guide, we’ll lay out all the necessary steps for successful carpet steam cleaning done by professionals. 

Why This Job Should Be Left to the Pros

Many sources will tell you that steam cleaning can be a DIY job, but it’s best to leave this task to the professionals. 

First of all, DIY steam cleaning products and equipment aren’t nearly as effective as professional-grade detergents and tools. More importantly, though, coming in close contact with steam can be dangerous, even leading to severe burns. 

To top it off, steam cleaning incorrectly can actually do more harm than good. For example, using too much water during the extraction process can result in mould and mildew growth within the inner fibers of your carpet, and this damage is often irreversible. 

Steps for Carpet Steam Cleaning According to Professionals

Even though you’ll be leaving steam cleaning to the pros, it’s still a good idea to get to know the process before a technician enters your home. Below, we’ve covered exactly what you can expect from carpet steam cleaning from start to finish. 

Step 1: Remove Furniture & Vacuum the Area

Before the pros can start working their magic, it’s up to you to remove furniture and clutter from the area. It’s important to clear as much of the floor space as possible to give the technician complete access to the carpeted surface. 

Once the furniture has been removed, it’s time to vacuum. Some services will vacuum for you, but it’s still recommended that you thoroughly vacuum the area to remove as much dirt, debris, dust, and pet hair as possible. 

Step 2: Inspect the Area

Upon arrival, the technician will thoroughly inspect the area that’s going to be treated. He or she will identify any problem spots that might need extra attention, and an experienced tech will explain the process to the owner to set realistic expectations. 

This is the perfect time for you to ask questions or express any concerns to the carpet cleaning professional. 

Step 3: Pre-Treat Stains

Professional steam cleaning equipment is designed to loosen and extract the stain at its deepest point. While there’s no guarantee that a stain will be gone forever, your best chance at removing a stain is to call in the professionals. 

If the technician noticed any deep-set stains during the inspection, he or she might choose to pre-treat the stains with a heavy-duty cleaning solution. 

Step 4: Rinse & Extract

The next and possibly most important step involves injecting steam into the carpet. The commercial-grade equipment used by professionals is capable of injecting steam vapor into the carpet at high temperatures and pressure, helping to loosen built-in dirt and stains. 

After allowing the hot water to sit for an allotted amount of time, the technician will then extract the water using a high-powered vacuum device. You’ll notice that carpet steam cleaning is often called “hot water extraction”, and this is why.

Step 5: Repeat Step 4 (If Necessary)

In some cases, it’s necessary to repeat step 4 for optimal results. Injecting and extracting hot water for a second time can make a huge difference, and even though it adds to the cleaning time, your carpets will thank you.

Step 6: Allow Carpets to Dry

Carpet steam cleaning uses hot water to extract dirt and stains from the carpet padding. A great deal of water is used, so it can take as long as 12 hours for the carpet to dry completely.

Carpet drying times can vary based on a few factors like the type of carpet being treated and humidity levels within your home. No matter how long it takes, ensure that your carpets are completely dry before replacing your furniture. 

Want more info on Mint’s steam cleaning services? Get in touch today for an obligation-free quote!