Steam Cleaning a House

Steam cleaners are used for cleaning carpet and upholstery in homes and offices. One can buy or rent a steam cleaner at local retail stores. These machines heat water and a cleaning solution to a boil to help in dirt removal. The water is applied to the surface along with steam that helps loosen tough stains. The dirty water is then vacuumed and stored in a separate compartment. Although steam cleaning is the best way to clean carpet and upholstery thoroughly, it should not be done too often because it will remove carpet fibers.

Solution and Water

A concentrated cleaning solution is poured into a small container, which is then placed, nozzle down, into the machine. Hot water is poured into a second, larger container up to its fill line and placed into its slot. After it is turned on, a button must be pressed and held for the machine to work. It is usually found on the handle so that the operator can hold on to it easily. The unit will move the cleaning and water solution in and out only while the button is held down. It is best not to do one area too much to avoid damaging carpet fibers and over-soaking. The machine is moved over the floor slowly so that the steam and cleaner can be disbursed evenly, and so that it will be able to pull as much water back up as it can. Brushes turn in the bottom of the cleaner to help work dirt to the surface so that it can be pulled up into the machine.

When to Check Machine

Most steam cleaners have a clear plastic section in the machine where the user can see the water moving through the system. When it is noticed that water is no longer moving, it usually means that either the water or cleaning solution is out. Refill the cleaner bottle if needed and replace. If there is still cleaner, take out the water container and check the contents. The container is actually two containers in one. A bladder inside holds the clean water, and the dirty water ends up outside the bladder when it is pulled out of the carpet. Empty the dirty water and add more clean water. Put it back, and the machine should operate normally again.

Upholstery

There is an attachment that is used for cleaning upholstery. A brush is placed on the end, and the extension has its own button for starting operation. A switch changes the mode of operation from flooring to upholstery so that the hose will be sent the cleaning solution. The brush is pressed next to the cushions and worked in the same manner as the main machine.

After Cleaning

Once cleaning is done, it can take up to several hours for the flooring or upholstery to dry, and it is recommended that it not be walked on until it is. This will keep fresh dirt from sticking to the wet surface. If there are still dirty sections after the first cleaning, another cleaner formula might be tried to see if it works better.