Must I dry vacuum before steam cleaning my carpet?

Question

I know it is suggested... but will it make that big of a difference?

Answer 1

if your carpet is really dirty, yes, it makes that much difference.


Also, if you DON"T vacuum first, the water in the steam cleaner will get dirty a lot faster, and you will have to dump out the dirty water and replace it with clean water AND more cleaning solution.

which is heavy, messy, and more expensive ( usually)

Answer 2

Yes, it can make a big difference, unless you have a really clean carpet! You should also vacuum AFTER steam cleaning.

Answer 3

yes, if you want to keep from totally clogging up the steam cleaner. if it is your cleaner, you will have a big enough mess cleaning it out before you put it away. if it is a rental, you will still have a bigger mess cleaning it before you return it. besides, when you vacuum first, the steamer won't have to work as hard to make your carpet look good and it won't take as long.

Answer 4

Yes - my Hoover Steamvac is great. But it will leave behind dirt and pet fur unless you vacuum regularly beforehand. Get as much dirt, hair, and pet fur off the carpeting before using a steamvac.

Answer 5

its easier to clean dry dirt then wet. Vacumming removes up to 79% of the dirt in a carpet. This leaves less dirt to be cleaned while wet. Essentially sand is easier to clean then mud.

Answer 6

It would be advisable to remove as much loose dirt as possible before spot cleaning and steaming.

Answer 7

No, you don't really have to but I always vacuum before and after the carpet has dried.:)

Answer 8

Yes. Hair can get in your bush and will make the carpet full of wet hair. UHG

Answer 9

You should. Depending on your carpet, the stuff that you don't vaccum up might clog your shampooer. It will take less time to vaccum than it will to take apart and clean your shampooer.

Answer 10

I would because the Steamer might leave dirt marks behind