How to Steam Clean Carpets

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum cleaner

  • Carpet pretreatment spray

  • Steam cleaner machine

  • Carpet cleaning solution

Tip

Sponsored tip: Need tools for your project? Check out RentalHQ and get connected with local businesses that’ll help you rent the equipment and tools you need.

Dirt and stains embedded deep into carpets damage the fibers and protective padding. Removal of the embedded dirt and stains requires the use of a steam cleaner machine. A steam cleaner machine uses heated water and cleaning solution to loosen debris from the carpet's fibers and padding. Steam cleaner machines may be purchased or rented from hardware stores, supermarkets, department stores or vacuum shops.

Advertisement

Step 1

Move furniture out the room being cleaned.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Vacuum the carpet to remove superficial dirt, debris or pet hair.

Step 3

Apply a carpet pretreatment spray on heavily soiled or stained areas of the carpet. Let the spray set for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the water tank from the steam cleaner and fill it with warm tap water. Remove the formula tank from the machine and fill it with carpet cleaning solution. Refer to the owner's manual for actual amounts.

Step 5

Plug in the steam cleaner, turn the power switch on and wait 1 minute to allow the built-in heater to properly heat the tap water. Begin cleaning by pressing the mechanism that releases the carpet cleaning solution and steam, which is usually located on the steam cleaner's handle. Push the steam cleaner forward and back over one section of the carpet. Avoid overwetting the carpet with water. Release the mechanism on the steam cleaner's handle, and push the steam cleaner forward and back over the same section of carpet to remove residual water, cleaning solution and pretreatment spray. Continue the process until the entire room is cleaned.

Advertisement

Step 6

Spill the dirty water from the water tank into the sink and refer to the owner's manual for machine cleanup and storage instructions.

Step 7

Let the newly cleaned carpet fully dry before moving the furniture into the room.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references