Carpet Steamer – How To Find The Best Carpet Cleaning Steamers
Contrary to its name, a carpet steamer does not actually involve the emission of steam to clean the carpets. You will find a built-in heater in many models of these cleaning equipments but its main purpose is to prevent the hot water from cooling off while the carpet cleaning steamer is in use, not to actually give off steam.
Basically, the equipment sprays the hot water and detergent solution into the carpet, thus, stimulating the fibers to release the dirt, dust and grime embedded in it. Then, the powered brushes agitate these unwanted substances from the carpet, which will then be suctioned out of the carpet using a vacuum-like action.
Thus, a carpet cleaning steamer actually applies two actions – it loosens the dirt with hot water and sucks it out. In the process, even harmful microorganisms like dust mites, molds and bacteria can be killed. Your family will then enjoy clean carpets inside and out.
You may be asking why we recommend a carpet steamer instead of, say, hiring a professional cleaning service. Well, the foremost reason is that these private cleaning businesses can be deceptive about the price of their services so much so that you will end up paying 50% more than the initial price quote. With the carpet cleaning steamer, you pay exactly what it says on the price tag plus the shipping fee, not to mention that you can use it again and again without paying for anything more.
The trick is in choosing the right kind of carpet cleaning steamer especially as durability issues are the main complaint of many customers. In this case, we suggest looking for the following features in a carpet steamer:
* Specialty tools and attachments are essential in cleaning the rough stains and dirt on carpets as well as on the floors. Keep in mind that you can actually clean other surface areas like upholstery on the sofa and bare floors with the carpet cleaning steamer, which these attachments will make possible.
* Look at the options in the carpet cleaning agents and solutions. Most manufacturers will offer their own brands although a few will assert that a store-bought brand is also a good substitute. Then again, look at the terms of the sale since using another brand of cleaning agent can void the warranty on a brand-new unit. To be sure, just add in the cost of the cleaning agent into the initial price and maybe even purchase a 3-months supply.
* Consider the length of the cord and hose. You want it to be sufficient for the size of the carpet intended for regular cleaning. You do not want extension wires to be snaking all over the place especially when you have kids.
* Consider the portability of the carpet steamer. If you intend to use it on the car carpet, then we suggest the portable ones but for carpets inside the house, the upright units are your best shot.
Also, it is important to note that carpet steamers may come in two varieties – regular and budget, so to speak. According to most consumers, the best carpet cleaner is the Hoover SteamVac while the best budget carpet cleaner is the Bissell QuickSteamer PowerBrush. But of course, we shall leave your best carpet steamer up to you as it is always a matter of preference and needs.