How to Prepare to Steam Clean a Carpet
Prepare the space by dusting all baseboards, shelves, and other spots that could harbor dust and dirt.
Carpeting is a comfortable, stylish addition to home and office spaces; however, due to its nature, carpeting can become a breeding ground for bacteria and odors if not cleaned properly. These bacteria and odors can cause allergic reactions or irritation in people and animals, so it's crucial to eliminate them.
On top of regular vacuuming and spot treatment, steam cleaning is an effective and efficient way to eliminate odor-causing bacteria and leave the space fresh. These steps outline the necessary preparation for steam cleaning to achieve soft and sanitary carpets.
Clear the room
Steam cleaning is a highly effective way to leave a carpet germ and stain-free; however, it's an intensive process that should only be done every 10 to 12 months. So, when steam cleaning, remove all furniture and objects from the room to do a thorough job and reach all parts of the carpet.
Dust the baseboards and shelves
Prepare the space by dusting all baseboards, shelves, and other spots that could harbor dust and dirt. When dusting these spots, some loose dust is sure to fall onto the carpet. It's best to let the dust fall before cleaning the carpets, rather than after, so that the dust can be fully extracted from the space.
For safe measure, dust the bottoms and corners and vacuum the crevices of all furniture and objects removed from the space. This prevents these objects from bringing in dirt and dust when returned to the room and instantly dirtying the carpet again.
Vacuum and spot-treat the entire carpet
Vacuum the carpet to remove larger debris, such as hair, outdoor residue, and food particles. Move slowly over the carpet in an even pattern to ensure all large particles are absorbed, and no spots are missed. Removing larger debris before steam cleaning allows the steam cleaner to penetrate deeper into the carpet to remove all dirt and dust thoroughly. If larger particles are not first removed, the steam cleaner could miss these finer, deeper particles.
Similarly, some surface-level stains are easily removed with spot treatment methods. Search the carpet for any surface stains that can be quickly extracted so the steam cleaner doesn't miss any deeply set stains.
Steam cleaning
Fill the steam cleaner with hot water, then add the cleaning solution as instructed. Vinegar is an alternative if chemical products are undesirable. Start steam cleaning in a corner of the room. Move slowly, and remember to push and pull the machine as directed. And after steaming the entire carpet, let it dry completely—usually six to eight hours. Carpet fibers are especially vulnerable to wet damage, as the fibers could easily be crushed by pressure and are more prone to absorbing dirt and dust. Once the carpet seems dry, vacuum it again to ensure it's completely dry.
Steam cleaning helps disinfect a carpet so that it does not cause allergies or irritation and helps to ensure the carpet's longevity. Steam cleaning can seem overwhelming, but with proper preparation, keeping carpeting in pristine condition is well worth the job.
3D Carpet Cleaning and Restoration offers home service cleaning and sanitation, air duct cleaning, and 24-hour flood service in Tampa & South Florida. Call (813) 833 - 4126 today.
