How to properly clean a carpet with a steam cleaner. Can I use a household steam cleaner to clean carpet?

Many housewives say that cleaning a carpet with a steam cleaner is not difficult. But what is a steam cleaner? How does this household appliance work? What is its cost and is it possible to return your carpet to its original appearance using a steam cleaner? And if so, how to do it right? There are many questions, and we have an answer to each of them.

Kinds

Today, all steam cleaners can be divided into three groups.

Manual. This device is characterized by a fairly compact size and is easy to use.
Compact. It is presented in the form of a small vacuum cleaner, which has medium dimensions. The unit is easy to use, does not take up much storage space and copes with its main task perfectly.
Steam vacuum cleaner. This is a very powerful device, which is distinguished by its rather large dimensions, high power and provides excellent results. It is worth noting that this unit will require a separate storage space.

Nozzles

To clean the carpet efficiently and quickly at home, you should use nozzles, which are available in a wide variety. With their help, cleaning will be faster and easier. Any steam cleaner model can be supplemented with various attachments:

for treating floor coverings such as tiles or stone;
for washing glass and mirrors, for example, can be used to clean windows;
nozzle in the form of a brush for cleaning plumbing elements;
high power nozzle for cleaning sewer system drains;
The sprayer allows you to treat house plants.

How does it work?

It is the hot steam that enters the unit’s reservoir using pressure that is responsible for cleaning surfaces. This steam can be used to clean various surfaces, even in hard-to-reach places. It not only cleans the surface, but also disinfects it, without the need to use various chemicals. Water is poured into the steam generator, which, after heating, turns into steam and goes out through the pipe. When exposed to hot steam, dirt practically dissolves before your eyes.

Why you should freshen your carpets with a steam cleaner

Carpets are not a professional cleaner: they cannot be washed completely, only refreshed. But here too the device shows its advantages.

Quick removal of local stains. Manually applying carpet cleaner, waiting, and cleaning the surface with a brush for a long time - all this is a waste of time, the most expensive resource. With the help of a steam cleaner, the same procedure can be completed much faster.
Hygiene. When manually cleaning, you will need to come into contact with dirt; a steam cleaner allows you to avoid contact due to the fibers that can be used to wipe the surface. After refreshing the carpets with hot steam, your apartment will be cleaner and safer to live in. In addition, you will not need to use aggressive agents, which in themselves can be dangerous.
Efficiency. Steam penetrates deep into the carpet and softens even stubborn dirt.

Advantages and disadvantages

A steam generator is already an indispensable assistant in many homes, as it has many undeniable advantages.

Easy to clean and versatile. The surface is cleaned quite carefully, so the steam cleaner can be used on various materials.
No marks or streaks. For this reason, it is often used to clean glass and mirrors.
Save time. With the help of this equipment, the cleaning process is quite quick and easy.
Getting rid of unpleasant odors. The steam penetrates quite deeply into the fibers of the fabric, thereby allowing you to get rid of not only stubborn stains, but also unpleasant odors.
Ability to clean even hard-to-reach places. With the help of special attachments you can greatly facilitate the cleaning process. The unit is characterized by excellent maneuverability, unlike a conventional vacuum cleaner.
Elimination of various microorganisms , including dust mites and other various allergens. Steam is one of the best disinfectants.
No need to use “chemistry”. Hot steam does not require the addition of chemicals, because it perfectly copes with even stubborn stains, which is why it is often used for cleaning carpets and rugs.

Unfortunately, many steam cleaner buyers face some disappointments. Some users think that cleaning the carpet with this device can be done in a matter of minutes, but there is no magic button with which the unit will clean itself; of course, you need to work with it. If you use a regular steam cleaner that does not have a vacuum cleaning function, then all the dirt after using the device will still remain on the carpet. It will help soften it, making it easier to remove later. Therefore, you will additionally need to use a vacuum cleaner or go over with a microfiber cloth to make the carpet clean.

Another disadvantage of steam cleaners is their high price, because high-quality models cost from about $300. If you buy cheap options, they usually cannot thoroughly clean the dirt; you will also have to use other cleaning methods, then the need for a steam cleaner will disappear by itself. Usually, cheap models have a weak steam stream, or it cannot heat up to a high temperature. Cleaning time increases significantly, and you need to put in a lot of effort.

Preparing the carpet for cleaning

In order for the carpet to be cleaned quickly and efficiently, it should be well prepared for this.

To do this you need:

Move all furniture that is on the carpet to another room. Or at least move it to the side, freeing up the working area.
Thoroughly vacuum the entire area, removing both large and small debris.
If there are stains or streaks, they should be treated with a suitable solution and allowed to soak in. Afterwards, rinse with plain water.

The last step is preparing the cleaning mixture for the steam generator. You need to dilute one measuring cup of carpet cleaner in as much liquid as the steam generator tank can hold.

We recommend: Is it possible to wash latex paint – or can streaks be avoided?

Cleaning carpet with a steam cleaner at home

This should be done correctly, otherwise the condition after cleaning may be worse than before it. For example, too much detergent will cause more dust and small debris to stick.

Sequence of carpet cleaning with a steam generator:

The starting point is a ready-made cleaning solution. Folk remedies, as a rule, are not friendly with technology, so it is worth using household chemicals intended for caring for carpets.
Now the solution must be poured into the steam generator tank, leaving 0.5 cm of free space to the top.
Connect the steam cleaner to the mains and press the power button on the body of the household appliance. Wait until the indicator lamp shows the device is ready for operation.
Let's start cleaning the carpet. We gradually move from the end of the room, located as far as possible from the front door. Cleaning must be carried out in such a way as not to walk on the already treated area.
Move the nozzle in one direction: from above and slowly down. You shouldn’t use too much force, but weak cleaning won’t lead to a noticeable result.
After the first time, let the carpet dry and repeat the procedure.
After you have passed the steam generator over the carpet for the second time, you need to dry it again, fill the device with clean water without a cleaning agent and treat the working area with steam for the last time.

Do not forget to use plain clean water at the end of the procedure. This will help remove any small amount of cleaner left on the carpet. If you neglect this stage, the remains of household chemicals will cause the accumulation of even more debris and dust.

Possibilities of a washing vacuum cleaner

These devices differ from their predecessors in their ability to perform a large number of different functions. A washing vacuum cleaner is a universal system, as it can be used for dry as well as wet cleaning.

After cleaning any surface, it becomes absolutely clean, there are no streaks or stains left. Moreover, the washed area dries instantly. The design of the device includes several elements. The system is equipped with two tanks. One contains clean water, the other contains a special composition.

After switching on, the composition passes through a hose into a special nozzle equipped with a sprayer. Due to the high pressure, liquid is injected onto the dirty area, it dissolves and absorbs it. Contaminants are sent to a special container.

Some useful tips

Carpet cleaning is over, but a few helpful tips never hurt.

For example, you desperately need to walk to the far end of the room along the newly cleaned carpet. This can be done, but in order not to spoil the fruits of your labor, wear clean house shoes. Simple socks are suitable as a universal option.
Or maybe you need to put the furniture in a clean area? There are no special problems with this either: the furniture can be placed on small pieces of polystyrene foam, and when the carpet is dry, carefully remove them.
Before you begin steam cleaning, carefully read the instructions that came with your carpet - of course, if they are still available. If not, then it is better to ask professionals for advice. For example, talk to the employees at your nearest dry cleaner.

The most important advice: if you are not sure that you can clean the carpet yourself, contact a specialist. You will spend more money, but save your nerves, and this is very important.

Many can afford to purchase a steam generator, unless, of course, they raise their demands to the expensive Karcher. But not everyone will be able to perform high-quality cleaning using such a device. The information in the article should help you with this - you just need to follow the instructions and listen to the advice.

Preparing for work

Before turning on the vacuum cleaner and starting work, you must first perform several checks. If after a visual inspection no damage is found, you need to check the equipment of the device. The device comes with certain equipment:

bag;
hose;
filter;
tubes.

Filling with water

Then the product is filled with water. It is poured into the smallest tank. A larger container is designed to collect dirty water. If the operating instructions allow the use of detergent, add it to clean water. This is only done if the surface is very dirty.

Assembly

After pouring, they begin to fix other parts. The operation is performed in a certain technological sequence:

First, a nozzle is attached to the flexible hose;
the hose is inserted into a special connector.
the cable is plugged into an electrical outlet (220V).

Quite simple operations that do not take much time and can be performed by anyone.

Note! If the water container has a small volume, there is a high probability that you will have to add liquid. Perhaps even several times.

To add water, the device must be disassembled. This nuance must be taken into account when choosing a product. A device with a large reservoir is considered ideal, allowing you to completely clean the room without adding water.

What are the advantages of a steam cleaner

Versatile for use on all surfaces . A steam cleaner can be used to wash almost all hard materials: tiles, mirrors, metal, various types of floor coverings, plumbing equipment, etc.

Effective against most pollutants and viruses. Compared to traditional cleaning methods, steam cleaning not only allows you to get rid of greasy stains, ingrained odors, dust, scale, soap and limescale deposits in the bathroom, but also disinfect surfaces.

Environmental Safety . The steam cleaner only works with water. The device does not require the use of special detergents and disinfectants. Steam treatment is one of the best solutions for cleaning a children's room, kitchen, or classroom.

Homemade express remedies

This option is only suitable for coatings that tolerate moisture well:

Strongly carbonated mineral water helps to soak dried stains from wine and tomato juice.
Salt - absorbs fat well. Sprinkle salt on the stain for a few minutes, then brush off the salt particles; if a trace remains, use a soap solution.
Baking soda - has absorbent properties like salt, will remove grease stains and help cleanse blood.
Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda onto the stain, leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
Vinegar (table white 9%) - removes fruit stains (juices), copes with stains of chocolate, coffee, urine.

Dilute vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:5, moisten a towel with the resulting solution and apply it to the stain with blotting movements until it is completely saturated. After 20-30 minutes, use a damp, clean towel to remove the remaining vinegar solution using the same movements. For stubborn stains, try combining efforts and first applying soda to the stain, then applying a vinegar solution on top; as a result of the reaction, the actively released carbon dioxide “knocks out” the dirt particles.

Laminate

To clean laminate and varnished parquet, reduce the steam supply by half. Attach two napkins to the steam cleaner nozzle or fold one napkin in half to protect the surface from thermal effects. When cleaning, it is recommended not to stay long in one area so as not to over-wet the laminate. The water dries quickly after cleaning, leaving no streaks. A few recommendations:

vacuum the floor before steam cleaning;
Clean only on well-laid and glued laminate flooring;
fold the napkins on the attachment so that you get at least 4 layers.

Washing instructions

Using a steam mop to wet clean laminate flooring doesn't seem overly complicated. The main thing is to follow the sequence of actions, and then a pleasant result will not keep you waiting.

At the first stage, large debris and dust are collected with a regular vacuum cleaner or broom. Then pour water into a special tank and turn on the device. Set the required temperature and mode. After the steam appears, you can begin direct cleaning, passing the brush over the surface. If it is necessary to add water, the device must first be turned off, and after cleaning the excess water is poured out.

Proper use of the device will help extend its service life.

Important! The device should not be left in one place for more than 1 minute, in which case the laminate may significantly change color.

Tile

The main problem with tiles is soap and limescale deposits. A steam cleaner allows you to get rid of dirt without damaging the tile surface. To work, use a point nozzle, which is brought close to the coating and moved slowly, waiting for the plaque to completely dissolve. If the deposits have hardened, it is necessary to further treat the problem areas with a brush. The combination of intensive wiping and constant steam allows you to remove even old, dried plaque. The napkin in the nozzle is changed as needed. It is recommended to periodically treat the tiles with steam to prevent repeated deposits.

Tile seams

To clean joints, use a point nozzle and a round brush attachment. The work of steam is combined with mechanical friction to clean dried contaminants in the seams. After cleaning, the surface of the tiles and tile joints are wiped dry.

Important: if silicone grout was used to lay the tiles, then the effect of the steam cleaner should be short-term.

Can I use a Karcher steam cleaner to clean mirrors and windows? How to do this correctly?

Answer: Yes, of course you can. If the glass surface is small or is divided into small sections by some partitioning slats, then you can use a nozzle in the form of a point nozzle. To prevent the glass from cracking from hot steam, treatment should begin from a distance of about 30 cm, gradually bringing the nozzle of the steam cleaner nozzle closer to the glass. To clean normal-sized windows and mirrors, use a proprietary window cleaning nozzle, which is equipped with transverse nozzles and a rubber tie, with which you can easily remove traces of steam and collected dirt.

Question:

Kitchen appliances

A modern kitchen has a large number of smooth, shiny polished surfaces. The formation of fatty deposits and the settling of soot make them dull and untidy. A steam cleaner with a special cover and a yellow microfiber cloth will help restore your kitchen appliances to a sparkling appearance. Under the influence of steam, the fat dissolves. Dried-on dirt can be further treated with a brush without stopping the flow. The covering is changed as it becomes saturated with fat. To ensure that no streaks remain on the cleaned surface after drying, the equipment is rubbed manually using a napkin. Steam cleaners are equally effective and safe for both metal and glass ceramics, from which modern kitchen stoves are made.

Cleaning an apartment with a steam cleaner: laminate, carpets, windows, sofa and floor

Cleaning an apartment takes a lot of time. It will require at least three devices: a vacuum cleaner, a dust cloth. It is impossible to create perfect order with these tools; they only reduce the amount of dust, dirt and germs.

Cleaning the apartment using a steam cleaner will give us the opportunity to achieve perfect cleanliness . This device was originally produced for the purpose of disinfecting hospital premises.

Gradually he moved into our apartments and won the love of many housewives.

What can be cleaned with a steam cleaner?

It is not difficult to answer this question. This household appliance can clean almost everything! Yes, yes, a steam cleaner is a universal device.

Using a steam cleaner you can:

Wash floors made of a variety of materials: wood, laminate, linoleum, tile.
Clean the surface of the sofa and carpets.
Wash radiators and batteries.
Clean wallpaper.
Wash tiles and furniture in the bathroom.
Wash windows, glass, mirrors.
Clean surfaces from hair and animal fur.
Remove old fat.
Clean the inside of the refrigerator, oven, hob, hood, microwave oven.
Rid your car interior of germs.
Iron and clean clothes, tulle, curtains.
Clean soft toys from dust and mites.

Advantages of cleaning with a steam cleaner:

Ridding surfaces of harmful fungi, bacteria, germs and mold.
Getting rid of unpleasant odors, including dampness.
Gets rid of stains on any surface.
There is no need to use household chemicals.
Increasing the volume of pile when processing carpets.
Copes with getting rid of dirt in hard-to-reach places.
Cleans greasy surfaces.

Undesirable:

Wash wooden products that are varnished.
Clean soft plastic.
Treat surfaces that cannot be wet cleaned.
Clean silk and velor fabrics.
Wash windows during frosts.

How to use the device

It doesn’t matter what you are going to clean with this device, the preparation of the surface being treated is always the same. First you need to remove all foreign objects from the surface. Then pour the required amount of water into the steam boiler.

How can you clean laminate flooring with a steam cleaner? Using a steam cleaner, you can get rid of dirt, stains, animal hair on laminate flooring, and also disinfect the floor surface.

To cope with such contaminants, you need to use a microfiber cloth, which comes complete with a Karcher steam cleaner. It is undesirable to expose laminate flooring to hot water, especially low-quality flooring, so steam should be released periodically.

Heavily soiled laminate flooring can be washed with the addition of detergents, but only without glycerin and beeswax.

Cleaning the windows. Cleaning windows with a steam cleaner is a pleasure.

The Karcher device comes with a nozzle in the form of a point nozzle with a rubber scraper, which does an excellent job of removing dirt and stains.

To avoid damage to the glass by steam, the temperature of which is 95 degrees, you need to start washing the window from a distance of 30 cm. As the glass heats up, you need to gradually bring the nozzle closer to the surface.

Steam carpet cleaning. To clean carpets, you need to use Karcher simultaneously with a vacuum cleaner, since the former cannot suck up dust.

First, you need to pour the required amount of water into the steam cleaner with the addition of a cleaning agent, then treat the surface several times.

The device will help get rid of dust, mites, stains, animal hair and disinfect and fluff up the pile of carpets. At the end of cleaning, you need to dry the carpet with a vacuum cleaner.

It is not advisable to walk on a wet carpet after steaming, but if you can’t wait, you need to wear clean socks. To install furniture on a damp carpet, you need to place foam buffers under it.

Cleaning the sofa . Before you start cleaning your sofa with a Karcher steam cleaner, you need to make sure that the upholstery fabric will not be damaged by high temperatures. During operation, the nozzle should be at an angle to the surface. Dirt softened by steam should be immediately collected with microfiber cloths.

How to clean greasy surfaces with steam? Washing kitchen appliances from a layer of grease is not a very pleasant task, but with the help of a Karcher steam cleaner it will not be difficult. You need to use a brush attachment.

Prepare a solution consisting of water and detergent in a separate plate. While steaming the surface, you need to periodically wet the nozzle in a soap solution. The softened fat should be collected with a soft cloth.

Cleaning your apartment with a steam cleaner will not only get rid of dust and dirt, but also clean various surfaces of bacteria, germs, dust mites, stains, unpleasant odors and animal hair. And you will save your energy and time.

Cost of steam cleaning furniture and carpets

Service	Cost (RUB per sq.m.)
Sofa or sofa 450 rub (1 place)	450 rubles	Order cleaning
Sofa cushions (1 piece)	350 rubles rubles	Order cleaning
Sofa made of genuine leather (1 place)	900 rubles	Order cleaning
Soft chair (1 piece)	800 rubles	Order cleaning
Armchair made of genuine leather	1200 rubles	Order cleaning
Chair-bed	800 rubles	Order cleaning
Chair or computer chair	300 rubles	Order cleaning
Pouf (1 piece)	400 rubles	Order cleaning
Carpets with glued backing (synthetic)	540 rubles	Order cleaning
Glued backing carpets (wool)	565 rubles	Order cleaning
Factory coatings (viscose)	970 rubles	Order cleaning
Factory coatings (silk)	1,292 rubles	Order cleaning
ФShaggy with long pile (synthetic)	680 rubles	Order cleaning
Shaggy with long pile (wool)	750 rubles	Order cleaning
Handmade carpets (wool)	2,600 rubles	Order cleaning
Handmade carpets (silk)	2,900 rubles	Order cleaning

How to wash a carpet with Karcher high pressure, carpet cleaning products, chemistry

Carpets in the house make the interior more comfortable. Such products perfectly absorb noise and make life much easier for neighbors. Covered floors retain heat and provide warmth during the cold season. On a mottled surface, dirt is less noticeable. Crumbs are not as visible on it as on laminate or linoleum. However, cleaning a carpet is not an easy task.

The dimensions do not allow you to put the product in the washing machine and wash it quickly. Doing this manually is tedious; taking rugs and runners to the dry cleaner is problematic. Calling a specialist home is expensive. With the advent of compact washing equipment on sale, the situation with cleaning the house has changed. You can wash your carpet with Karcher at home.

Thus, the process of washing the described products will be significantly simplified.

Limitations for washing with mini-washes

A beginner who begins to master professional equipment often makes mistakes. They often lead to damage to the carpet. Familiarization with the operating principle of washing equipment will help you avoid troubles.

Karcher is a unit that injects high pressure into water supply hoses. Through special nozzles attached to the end of the hoses, a strong stream of water bursts out, capable of breaking up any old dirt. Its pressure can be so strong that the jet can destroy the weave of the carpet. Woolen items cannot be cleaned this way.

The use of mini-washes is contraindicated if the carpet or paths have an adhesive base. Such products will simply fall apart after washing under high water pressure. Karcher is ideal only for washing synthetic surfaces. Expensive natural carpets should still be taken to specialized dry cleaners for washing.

There are also some restrictions when using the equipment.

Do not pre-soak the carpet and leave it wet for a long time;
Do not use hot water (optimal temperature is +30 degrees);
Do not dry the washed fabric folded (if the carpet is not completely straightened, creases will form at the joints).

Anyone who purchases mini-equipment for personal use should learn simple rules.

Folk remedies

After the carpet is completely dry, its appearance may not change for the better. A solution of ammonia (two tablespoons per liter of cold liquid) or salt and citric acid (two teaspoons of juice and one tablespoon of sodium chloride dissolve in two liters of water) will help correct the situation.

Solutions are applied to the carpet surface using a brush. Excess moisture is removed with dry wipes. Since ammonia has a persistent odor, it is better to carry out the restoration procedure outside.

Prevention of contamination of carpets and rugs

It is recommended to remove snow from carpets once a year.
If you take timely care of the condition of the carpet, vacuum its surface daily, immediately remove stains and do not allow them to penetrate deep into the base, you can delay cleaning with mini-equipment indefinitely. Proper care will help prevent wear and tear on the carpet and tracks:

do not clean products against lint;
do not lay them on a wet floor;
do not clean with hot water;
Do not place heavy furniture with legs on the surface.

In winter, it is useful to beat out carpets using snow (the cold destroys germs), place rubber pads under the legs of heavy furniture, and periodically change the position of the carpet - this will avoid the appearance of abrasions in high-traffic areas. Experts advise carrying out deep intermediate cleaning once a year. The BRS 43/500 C model is most suitable for these purposes.

The price of Karcher for high-pressure carpet washing starts from 35,000 rubles. You can use the sink not only when cleaning carpets. It is suitable for washing cars, garden paths, building facades.

Disadvantages of steam cleaning carpets and rugs

It will not be possible to clean a carpet, rug or other carpeted surface with a steam cleaner, since its characteristics do not provide a suction function, but treating the surface with steam can soften dirt or some stains, which can then be cleaned with a brush, rag or napkin.
Before cleaning carpets with a steam cleaner, they must first be vacuumed from small debris and dust with a regular vacuum cleaner.
Steam cleaning of a carpet is not suitable for all types of carpets (the material of the pile, the backing, the presence of an adhesive base, etc. are taken into account), so consult with specialists in advance whether your carpet can be cleaned with steam.
It is impossible to disinfect a carpet or rug with a steam generator (steam cleaner)!
Most viruses, bacteria and microbes can easily tolerate short-term boiling and exposure to steam. Long-term treatment of the carpet with hot steam will quickly ruin the carpet than destroy all bacteria. To disinfect carpets, it is better to use modern chemicals specially designed for this purpose.
Steam carpet cleaning is not recommended for removing stains that contain protein (for example, blood, milk, eggs, etc.), because when exposed to high temperatures, the structure of the protein changes and the stain becomes impossible to remove.
Also, some other dirt and stains on the carpet under the influence of steam can be even more absorbed into the structure of the carpet pile and also become impossible to remove.

How to clean carpets with steam using a steam cleaner (steam generator)

Before cleaning, make sure your carpets can be steam cleaned.
Vacuum the carpets with a regular vacuum cleaner.
Pour water into the steam cleaner (depending on the model, some manufacturers recommend using distilled water, or a mixture of ordinary and distilled water, check the operating instructions).
Walk over the surface of the carpet with steam, without staying in one place for too long, so that the carpet does not become wet and the fibers are not exposed to hot steam for a long time.
Some light stains after steam treatment can be further cleaned with a brush or clean cloth.
Dry the carpets (wait until it dries), but it is advisable not to walk on them during this period.

In conclusion, it can be noted that steam cleaning carpets, as well as the use of various types of steam cleaners, has a number of advantages and disadvantages, like other types of carpet cleaning. When steam cleaning a carpet, the main thing is to use high-quality equipment, pay attention to the composition and properties of your carpets, follow the cleaning recommendations from the manufacturer itself, and if you have doubts and are afraid of accidentally ruining your carpets, then use the services of specialists in specialized dry cleaners in your region. We leave our reviews about cleaning and cleaning carpets with steam, recommendations on the use of steam cleaners when cleaning carpets in the comments to the article, thereby helping others with useful tips.

In what cases is steam dry cleaning of carpets performed:

This type of cleaning is safe for people suffering from allergic reactions to household chemicals and skin diseases
Cleaning carpets with steam is ideal for families with small children; such cleaning will not harm their developing immune system
Steam dry cleaning is carried out when it is necessary to delicately clean items without using chemicals that can damage or destroy the carpet pile.