A report on the flooring industry revealed that the carpet sector in the United States accounts for 51% of the total market.

If you have a lot of carpeting in your home, you are probably aware of the importance of keeping it clean. Just as regular tile floor cleaning and hard surface cleaning are required upkeep, so is carpet cleaning in your home. On a daily basis, this includes vacuuming to remove surface dirt and debris.

However, this is not enough to remove stains. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at steam carpet cleaning in Chicago and everything you need to know about it.

What is Steam Carpet Cleaning?

Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is a carpet cleaning method that deep cleans your carpets using hot water and a cleaning solution.

The procedure entails spraying hot water and a cleaning solution onto the carpet and then extracting the water and dirt with a powerful vacuum. This leaves your carpets clean and smelling fresh.

Prepping to Steam Clean Your Carpet

Are you ready to give your carpets a deep clean? Steam cleaning is the way to go! So, let’s get prepping and get those carpets looking spick and span in no time.

Clear the Room

Start by removing any furniture, toys, or other objects from the room that you’ll be cleaning. This will give you more space to work and allow you to clean the entire carpet without any obstructions. If you can’t move certain items, consider covering them with plastic or moving them to one side of the room while you clean the other side.

Treat Stains

If there are any stains on your carpet, treat them before you begin steam cleaning. Use a carpet stain remover to treat the stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Allow the solution to soak into the stain for several minutes before blotting it up with a clean cloth. This will help to lift the stain and make it easier to remove during the steam cleaning process.

Protect Walls and Baseboards

Steam carpet cleaning creates a lot of moisture, which can damage your baseboards and walls. To protect these surfaces, use a piece of cardboard or plastic to create a barrier between the carpet and the wall or baseboard. Place the barrier against the wall or baseboard and tuck it under the edge of the carpet before you begin steam cleaning.

How to Steam Clean a Carpet: The 6-Step Process

But if you don’t know the proper steam cleaning tips and techniques, you could end up with a mess on your hands. Want to get the most out of your steam cleaning session? Here are the six steps to follow:

Step 1: Do a Risk Assessment

Before you start steam cleaning your carpet, it’s important to assess any potential risks or hazards that may arise during the cleaning process. This may include identifying any areas of the carpet that are particularly fragile or prone to damage, such as loose threads or delicate fibers.

Additionally, ensure that all electrical outlets or appliances in the area are protected from water damage. Don’t forget to you have the necessary safety gear. This includes gloves and goggles, to protect yourself from chemicals or cleaning solutions.

Step 2: Prepare the Machinery

Once you’ve assessed any potential risks and hazards, it’s time to prepare the steam cleaner machinery. This may involve filling the water tank, checking the hoses and connections, and ensuring that the machine is properly grounded and in good working condition.

What’s more, you may need to adjust the settings on the machine, such as the temperature or pressure, depending on the type of carpet you’re cleaning.

Step 3: Pre-Vacuum the Carpet

Before you begin steam cleaning, it’s important to thoroughly vacuum the carpet to remove any loose dirt, debris, or pet hair that may be present. This will help ensure that the steam cleaning solution can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers and effectively remove any embedded dirt or stains.

Make sure to use a powerful vacuum cleaner that can reach all areas of the carpet, including corners and edges.

Step 4: Spraying and Treating the Stains

If your carpet has any particularly stubborn stains or spots, it may be necessary to pre-treat these areas before steam cleaning. This may involve using a specialized stain removal solution or spot cleaner. It should be applied to the affected area and left to soak in for several minutes.

Once the solution has had time to work, you can use a clean cloth or brush to gently scrub the stain and remove any remaining dirt.

Step 5: Pre-Spray the Entire Carpet With the Cleaning Chemical

It’s time to pre-spray the entire carpet with a nontoxic biodegradable carpet cleaning solution. This solution will help break down and loosen any remaining dirt or grime, making it easier to extract during the steam cleaning process.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning solution, and avoid using too much or too little, as this can affect the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

Step 6: Hot Water Extraction

Finally, it’s time to perform the hot water extraction, which is the actual steam cleaning process. This involves using the steam cleaning machine to inject hot water and cleaning solution into the carpet fibers, then immediately extracting the solution and dirt using a powerful vacuum.

The hot water and steam help to loosen and remove dirt and grime, while the vacuum extracts the water and solution from the carpet, leaving it clean and fresh.

Make sure to move the steam cleaning machine slowly and steadily over the carpet, working in sections to ensure that each area is thoroughly cleaned.

Once you’ve completed the entire carpet, you can use a clean, dry towel or mop to blot any excess water or solution from the carpet. Leave it to dry completely before walking on it.

DIY Steam Cleaning vs. Hiring a Carpet Cleaning Company in Chicago

When it comes to carpet cleaning in Chicago, homeowners have two options – DIY steam cleaning or hiring a professional carpet cleaner.

DIY steam cleaning can be a convenient and cost-effective option, but it may not be as effective as hiring a carpet cleaning company and can cause damage to carpets. In contrast, professional Chicago carpet cleaners have access to high-quality equipment and specialized treatments. However, they can be more expensive and there is a risk of damage to the carpets.

DIY steam cleaning may also be a good option for those who have a small soiled area to clean and are comfortable using a steam cleaning machine. However, for large soiled areas or delicate carpets, it is best to hire a professional carpet cleaner who has the necessary experience and equipment to effectively clean your carpets.

Professional carpet cleaners have the expertise to use high-powered equipment to clean carpets and extract dirt and debris. They also have access to specialized cleaning solutions and treatments that are not available to consumers.

Additionally, hiring a professional carpet cleaner is convenient as homeowners do not have to rent or purchase equipment. Add that to the fact that they also enjoy a variety of residential cleaning services.

Why Is Steam Cleaning Beneficial for Your Carpets?

Do you want to keep your carpets looking new for longer? Steam cleaning is the answer! Here are more reasons why you should start steam cleaning your carpets:

Removes Deep-Seated Dirt and Debris

One of the main benefits of steam cleaning is that it can remove dirt, dust, and debris from deep within the carpet fibers. The hot water and cleaning solution penetrate the carpet and loosen dirt and debris, which is then extracted by the powerful vacuum.

Kills Bacteria, Germs, and Dust Mites

Steam cleaning uses high temperatures to kill bacteria, germs, and dust mites that may be lurking in your carpets. This can be particularly beneficial for people with allergies or respiratory issues, as it can help to improve the air quality in the home.

Helps to Prevent Mold and Mildew

Steam cleaning can also help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew in carpets. By removing excess moisture from the carpet, steam cleaning can help to create a drier environment that is less conducive to mold and mildew growth.

Extends the Lifespan of Carpets

Regular steam cleaning can help to extend the lifespan of carpets by removing dirt and debris that can cause wear and tear on the fibers. This can help to prevent premature aging and damage to the carpet, saving you money in the long run.

Improves the Appearance of Carpets

Steam cleaning can give carpets a fresh, clean look by removing stains and dirt that may have been visible before. This can help to improve the overall appearance of your home and create a more inviting and comfortable space.

Safe and Eco-Friendly

Steam cleaning is a safe and environmentally friendly method of cleaning carpets. The hot water and cleaning solutions used in steam cleaning are non-toxic and biodegradable, making them a good choice for families with children and pets.

Reduces Allergens and Improves Indoor Air Quality

Steam cleaning uses hot water and steam to deep clean your carpets, which can help to eliminate dust mites, pet odor, and other allergens that can cause respiratory problems and allergy symptoms.

When you vacuum your carpets, you may only remove the surface dirt and debris, leaving behind dust mites and other allergens that are embedded in the carpet fibers. Steam cleaning, on the other hand, uses high temperatures to kill and remove these allergens, leaving your carpets cleaner and healthier.

Steam Carpet Cleaning FAQs

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, hiring a carpet cleaning company is the best way to the job done. Read on for answers to all of your questions about steam carpet cleaning services.

Is Steam Carpet Cleaning Effective?

Yes, steam carpet cleaning is generally considered to be one of the most effective methods of carpet cleaning. The hot water and cleaning solution help to break down and remove dirt and stains from the carpet fibers. The powerful vacuum then removes the dirt and solution from the carpet, leaving it clean and fresh.

Can Steam Cleaning Damage My Carpets?

While steam cleaning is generally safe for most types of carpets, there is a risk of damage if the cleaning solution is too strong or the equipment is not used properly. Choose a carpet cleaning company in Chicago that has experience and expertise in steam cleaning to avoid any potential damage to your carpets.

Is It Better to Shampoo or Steam Clean Carpets?

The answer will be determined by the task at hand. If you want to remove stains and filth from your carpet, a carpet shampooer is a better option. If you want to disinfect or remove small blotches of stain from your carpet, steam cleaning is an option.

How Often Should I Have My Carpets Steam Cleaned?

The frequency of steam cleaning will depend on factors such as the level of foot traffic in the area, the presence of pets or children, and any allergies or respiratory issues in the household. It’s recommended to steam clean carpets at least once a year. But more frequent cleanings may be necessary for heavily trafficked areas.

How Long Does It Take for Carpets to Dry After Steam Cleaning?

The drying time will depend on factors such as the humidity and temperature in the room, the level of airflow, and the type of carpet. In general, carpets can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to dry completely after steam cleaning.

Avoid walking on the carpets until they are completely dry to prevent any new dirt or debris from settling into the damp fibers.

Get That Fresh, New Smell – Call Us for a Deep Carpet Clean

Yes, vacuuming on a daily/weekly basis is critical, but you should hire a professional cleaning company to perform carpet steam cleaning at least once a year.

Our carpet steam cleaning team at Carpet Cleaning Group is highly trained and experienced in the process. We also use high-quality tools and chemicals to complete the job correctly.

Get in touch with us today on (773) 570-4224 to request a free quote or learn more about our carpet steam cleaning. We’re here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.