Understanding Why Steam Cleaning Is the Best Option for Carpet Cleaning

Why Steam Cleaning Is the Best for Carpet Cleaning

You may have noticed that steam cleaning is very much on the rise lately. That is because it is much more sanitary and cleanlier than the traditional methods.

In the past, we relied heavily on a shampooing method to fight toxins in our floor. However, we are starting to see more and more about how steam cleaning is the most effective option.

Other cleaning procedures release high amounts of chemicals into your floor. This can be very bad for the ones in your home. Especially if you or anyone in your home has allergies or asthma, you will want to avoid use other cleaning solutions.

With so many alternatives, it is time to set the record straight on why we all need to permanently switch to steam cleaning.

Read on to learn the ins and outs of the best carpet cleaning procedure that is offered.

What is steam cleaning?

The Process

Steam cleaning is the process of cleaning your floor by applying heated water to the carpet. As opposed to other remedies that rely heavily on shampoo, steam cleaning is the application of hot water and minimal detergent.

The water and detergent solvent soak into the fibers of your carpet or floor. This reduces the debris build up by removing bacteria and germs.

Steam cleaning tools usually have a variety of power levels. If your carpet is more sensitive or delicate, then this process can still be for you. Simply request that your service provider uses a less intense power washing level.

After a few minutes of sitting, the excess water and debris are sucked up into a wet-vac. This removes any rubbish from the carpet and beneath the surface.

The wet-vacs are able to suck up a majority of the water used. Newer models can clear away up to 95% of the water.

The appearance and lifespan of your carpet are improved significantly through steam cleaning. Steam treatment strengthens your carpeting, not weakens it like other cleaning procedures.

Also, it should be noted that steam cleaning is sometimes referred to as ‘hot water extraction’. These two terms mean the same.

How long does steam cleaning take?

Unfortunately, steam cleaning typically takes a fraction longer than the conventional methods. To get the most effective clean, you or your service provider will want to apply the hot water and solution as slow as possible.

After applying, you will want to stay off of your carpet for typically 2 to 8 hours. During this time, you may walk on the damp carpet with booties (provided by your service provider) white socks, or clean, bare feet.

The drying times may shorten or lengthen depending on the professional cleaning service you hire so it’s important to inquire about a carpet cleaning companies average drying time. However, the type of machine and products being used, the drying conditions outside and the ones created within the home such as fans or A/C, as well as the work ethic and knowledge of the technician are all major factors that play a part in carpet drying.

Also, professional carpet steam cleaners are much more effective than any at-home kits or products. In most cases, home remedies and devices end up damaging the carpet fibers and padding and are a massive cause of re-soiling.

What are the benefits and advantages of steam cleaning?

Steam cleaning holds a great number of advantages over competing carpet cleaning procedures.

Sanitary Levels

The first, and most obvious, is that using it means your carpet is getting the most sanitary wash.

That is because traditional cleaning techniques only hit debris at surface levels. Steam cleaning goes beneath that into the fibers within your floor.

Also, by hitting the inside of your carpeting, you will reduce the chance of future build up. You will be able to go much longer without needing additional washes after getting your carpet steam cleaned.

Discoloration

Along with cleanliness, steam cleaning also prevents discoloration that other procedures cause. There are minimal shampoo and detergent used, making it the safest route for maintaining your carpet’s look.

Often times, after a regular shampoo clean, people will use other chemicals to remove discoloration. Yet, this can be dangerous especially if you have any pets and children in the house.

Steam cleaning ensures you are getting the highest quality clean without any scary leftovers. This leads me to further discuss..

Minimal Chemicals

With steam cleaning, you’re getting as close to a chemical-free solution as you can. Since it is mostly water, it is considered the safest carpet cleaning option.

Often times, the excessive chemicals used in dry cleaning or shampooing can be harsh. Kids and pets alike have faced scary consequences to conventional carpet cleaning procedures.

It should be noted that steam cleaning doesn’t mean it is entirely chemical-free.

However, it is still highly recommended to steam clean instead of shampoo. This is especially true if anyone in your home has allergies or asthma.

Cost Efficient

Depending on the company, you will likely be charged by number of rooms or square footage.

Along with space, the type of cleaning you choose will also affect the cost.

While there is no standard price for carpet cleaning, steam cleaning tends to be the less expensive option.

Dry cleaning requires using a cleaning solution paired with minimal water. Steam cleaning is the opposite of that.

Steam cleaning is minimal cleaning solution paired with mostly water. That is why this procedure usually costs less.

Deeper Clean

Steam cleaning gives a much deeper clean than other carpet cleaning alternatives.

Steam cleaning is the only solution that goes beneath the carpet’s surface. When using a steam cleaner, the water solvent hits the fibers within the floor.

When other cleaning methods avoid hitting the fibers, the dirt within the floor is never released. This can cause more dirt to build up, reducing the time between cleans.

Other cleaning methods are considered low moisture or encapsulating. That is because they do not contain the solution necessary to provide a thorough clean.

Where can I find steam cleaning?

Inevitably, your carpeting needs some sort of cleaning procedure to maintain its appearance. This time around, ditch the shampoos and excessive chemicals for a more natural process.

Steam cleaning is the best quality solution for preserving your carpet’s look.

At OCD Home, we offer the best steam cleaning service in Orange County. Our mantra is ‘Think Clean’ and we stand by it fully.

Contact us today to learn about our professional cleaning services! We also specialize in tile and grout, hardwood, and upholstery cleaning.

Check out this interesting article on “5 Simple Ways on How to Clean Carpet by Hand“