What is the best way to steam clean carpets at home?

Question

I am going to rent one of those steam cleaning machines.

Should I use a certain method (such as only going up and down or side to side)? Do certain stain removers work better than others?
Are there enviro-friendly cleaners to work with? Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

Answer 1

The rental machines are good for touch up cleanings and do not clean as well as a professional, and you have to use the cleaners that are made for those machines, be sure to follow the label directions and remember that more solution is not better. In order to clean, work in 3 foot sections, starting at the far end of the house and work towards the front. go back and forth in a v pattern, making sure that you overlap your passes. When you rent, be careful to follow the directions with your machine, don't over wet or over soap the carpet as this can cause your carpets to attract dirt and other particles and become soiled more quickly. Please note that most rental units will leave your carpets wetter, and require the tank to be emptied several times during the cleaning process. Be careful not to spill the soiled water back onto the carpet as you empty the tank. Keep air circulating with fans on the cleaned area, this will help it dry. The longer the carpet stays wet, the more chances of spots returning (called wicking) and increases the chance of bacteria growing.

Answer 2

Sugar Ple is right - most times it is more economical and less of a head and back ache (those machines are heavy especially if you have lots of stairs).

However if you are renting a machine the trick is to keep moving! The worst thing you can do (trust me I have done it) is to over soak the carpet.

Up and down or side to side doesn't make much difference just keep to a grid so you know you have hit all areas.

After you have made a pass with the steam and cleaning solution turn the water and brush off and just use the suction (around four passes of just suction should be good) to remove any excess water that may be in the carpet.

I found a good link (below) that gives the 10 commandments of carpet care. - Enjoy!

http://www.parish-supply.com/10_commandments.htm

Answer 3

Price those steam cleaner rentals, PLUS chemicals PLUS yoru time.... you'll probably find that Stanley Steemer's "3 areas for $99" is pretty close to what you'd spend on rental, and it's done for you, furniture moved for you, etc.

And no, I dont' own stock in SS! :-)