How to Use A Carpet Steam Cleaner

While they may look very intimidating, a carpet steam cleaner is actually very easy to use. For first timers, the step-by-step procedure outlined below can help them get started.

But before one starts cleaning, it is important that he or she has already browsed through the steam carpet cleaner’s manual to know which carpet cleaning solution he or she can use as well as other warnings and specifications it may indicate, especially for children and pets. If you are currently shopping for a carpet steam cleaner, you may also want to check out my previous post on How to shop for a home carpet cleaner machine.

After going through the manual, the first step in using the steam carpet cleaner is to clear the area first of any furniture or equipment. In that way, it will be much easier to clean up hard-to-reach places, such as under the couch or sofa.

Second, before using the carpet cleaner, it is best to vacuum the carpet first. This removes the surface dirt and debris found on the carpet. Steam carpet cleaning machines work best with freshly vacuumed carpets.

Next, detach the plastic tank which stores the water and shampoo solution from the carpet cleaner and prepare the amount directly in the tank, as specified in the manual. One must remember not to use cleaning agents other than what is specified in the cleaner’s manual as this could void your cleaner’s warranty should it break down.

Once done, reattach the tank back to the steam carpet cleaning machine and secure it to the machine replacing the metal lid on the top.

Now, one can start the cleaning process. Power on the steam cleaner and activate the switch that sprays hot cleaning solution to the carpet. To cover the area, run the machine over a four by four foot area of the carpet.

Once the carpet has been sprayed with the solution, release the switch or lever, then maneuver the machine over the shampooed area, allowing the machine to soak up the dirty water from the carpet. For best results, experts recommend pulling the machine rather than pushing it away as it sucks in more dirt, grime and stains.

Once the first area has been cleaned, the same steps should repeated on the next section of the rug until the entire rug is cleaned.

Along the way, one could run out of solution, so when it happens, he or she must remove the tank again and mix the recommended ratio of water and shampoo or cleaning solution directly into the tank. Once done, replace the tank into the machine then secure the metal lid.

Once the carpet has been cleaned thoroughly, allow it to dry by opening all the vents, powering on the fans and opening all the windows to hasten up the drying process. Depending on the weather condition and the humidity, the carpet may take a while to dry, possibly around 24 hours.

Once the carpet is dry, vacuuming it again can help loosen the carpet threads and keep them refreshed.

With a carpet steam cleaning machine, spending regularly on professional carpet cleaning services or carpet cleaning machine rentals are a thing of the past.

To learn about the best home carpet steam cleaner that money can buy, check out the Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaning Machine 86T3