Can You Steam Mop Carpet?
Can you steam mop carpet, and when is it a good idea to do so? I originally bought a steam mop to tackle the tile floor in our kitchen, but since it came with a carpet cleaning head in the box too, I want to make the most out of my purchase! I’ve learned that steam mopping carpet is an effective way to kill dust mites and get rid of bad odors, but there are limits to what it can achieve. And there are definitely good and bad days to use it!
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Can you steam mop carpet?
Steam mops are gaining popularity as cleaning tools, and with good reason. They’re not only lightweight but are also easy to use. And yes, you can steam mop a carpet! A steam cleaner is a must-have cleaning tool for lots of households. It’s a handy machine that lifts dirt and grime, kills germs, and neutralizes unpleasant smells. The steam can be used to sterilize a wide range of surfaces, including fabrics, hard floors, and carpets. Steam cleaners can help maintain your carpets, but it isn’t the best tool for removing ingrained dirt.
Can you use a steam mop to clean carpet?
Many models of steam mop are sold with a carpet cleaning head. Since the steam is diffused through a microfiber pad, using the mop on carpet without a carpet cleaning head is tricky – the microfiber drags along the carpet and the friction makes progress hard work. A carpet head is a plastic framed glider that covers the mop head, making it easy to move around.
Not all steam mops are sold with a carpet head. If you want to use yours on carpet, check for this attachment before you buy!
Can you steam mop carpet to remove stains and smells?
When you use a steam mop, the water in the reservoir heats to a predetermined temperature and changes into hot steam, which diffuses through the head of the mop. The hot steam is effective at killing bacteria and dust mites, and breaking down some of the compounds that cause bad odors, such as sweat and pet urine. It can also loosen some stains, making them easier to remove with a cloth or brush. But a steam mop by itself won’t remove dirt from carpets – there is no vacuum action to suck dirt up or trap it elsewhere. And there is little friction to wipe it away either.
What steam mopping is good for is sterilizing, deodorizing, and restoring the bounciness of carpet pile where it has been trodden down.
What is the best way to steam clean a carpet?
Here are some tips for getting the most out of steam mopping your carpet.
- Open the windows. Because you will be using lots of steam, open the windows and doors to improve circulation and let the moisture escape. It’s a good idea to steam mop your carpet on a dry day!
- Declutter. Go round the room and pick up everything of the floor before you start. You’ll thank yourself for it later.
- Vacuum first. A steam mop won’t lift dust out of your carpet, it will just turn it into hot, wet dust. So vacuum first.
- Fill-up. Fill the steam cleaner tanks with water or a suitable detergent, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can use white vinegar which is a natural substitute for detergent!
- Do a test. Fire up your steamer and clean a test patch in a discreet corner.
- Steam cleaning. If that goes well, start on the rest of the room. Works backward to the door from the farthest corner, to avoid stepping on the wet carpet.
- Deep cleaning. For a deep cleanse, stroll slowly, taking a step every five seconds. This way, the steam will penetrate deep into the rug’s fibers. Bear in mind it will also take longer to dry.
- Work in sections. Make your work easier by sectioning your cleaning. Run the steam mop in long lines instead of a vacuum’s short strokes. Overlap every pass by two inches to avoid missing areas.
- Spot cleaning. Go back and gently spot clean stubborn marks using a microfiber cloth.
- Thorough drying. Keep the windows open while your carpet dries out completely.
- Quality maintenance. To help your carpet remain new and clean, vacuum at least twice weekly. Install door rugs on every exit. Wipe your feet before stepping on the mat and if possible, take off your shoes before stepping into the house. Use house slippers instead.
Is it better to steam or shampoo carpet?
Shampoo cleaning involves shampooing the carpet to loosen deep stains and dirt. Hot water and detergent are pushed into the pile, and vacuumed back out again. This is the best way to clean a carpet which is very dirty, or hasn’t been cleaned for a long time. But, shampoo cleaners are bulky to use and store, and more expensive to buy outright than steam mops. Lots of people hire them instead. Furthermore, your carpet will be much wetter after shampooing than steaming.
So, which is better depends on what you want to achieve. Shampooing is better for deep cleaning heavily soiled carpets. And steaming is better for maintaining carpets in between deep cleans.
Can you steam mop carpet – summary
Yes, you can steam mop a carpet. A steam mop heats water to produce steam that freshens up your carpets and leaves them plumped up and smelling neutral. Regular steam cleaning is one way to help keep your carpet looking brand new. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to get the most out of your steam mop cleaner.
Have you tried steam mopping your carpet?
How did it turn out? Let us know in the comments box down below!
