About Steam Cleaning
Carpet is a great surface for many areas in your home. While some people prefer the classic look of hardwood floors, carpet has many advantages over hardwood. For one, it’s a warm, cozy surface to walk on whether in your bedroom or living room. Additionally, it’s soft and slip-free, so it’s great for children to play on; and you also don’t hear footsteps when you walk on it.
However, to keep your carpet in good shape, it’s important to routinely clean it. The best method for cleaning a carpet is with steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction. This is a cleaning method in which a special chemical formula is applied to the carpet and then hot water and agitation are used to remove stains. Because this is a complex procedure, it’s best to have a trained professional steam clean your carpet.
Why Use Steam Cleaning?
Taking care of your carpet will increase its life span and keep it looking its best. While vacuuming may remove dust and dirt, steam cleaning can also remove stains like juice, oil and wine, as well as eliminate odors. If you don’t clean your carpet regularly, the dirt embedded in it can rub together and cause wear on the carpet fibers.
Steam cleaning involves applying an alkaline or acidic detergent to the carpet, followed by agitating it with a brush or scrubbing machine, and then extracting the detergent and stains. After the cleaning is performed it will typically take 4 – 12 hours for the carpet to dry.
How Much Does it Cost?
You can buy your own steam cleaner for anywhere from $150 to $2,000 depending on the type and quality of the machine; or you can rent a steam cleaner for between $50 and $100 a day. However, not all carpets require the same chemical treatment. Carpets with natural fibers need different cleaning solutions than carpets with synthetic fibers, and unless you are knowledgeable about which cleaning solution to use, you could end up damaging your carpet while you attempt to clean it.
What’s more, after the hot water is applied to the carpet it’s important for the carpet to dry. However, this process can take a while and may need an expert to determine when the carpet is ready for use. If not ventilated properly, the dampness left in the carpet can turn to mold. According to professionals in the Dallas, Texas cleaning service and in other big cities, cleaning companies typically charge between $100 and $300 to clean your home’s carpets, depending on the amount of rooms you have and the extent of the cleaning needed. Odor removal and certain hard-to-remove stains may add to the cost.
Tips
To get the most out of your carpet, in addition to regular vacuuming you should have it steam cleaned once a year, or at the very least once every two years. Not only will this extend the life of the carpet but it will also improve your home’s air quality and reduce allergies.
Mark Stevens is a writer from New Jersey who has written over 100 home improvement articles. Want to ask Mark something? Send him a message.
