How Does Steam Cleaning Work?

Steam cleaning is just what it sounds like – cleaning with steam. To clean carpets and upholstery, hot, vaporized water (steam) is shot into them at high pressure. The heat and moisture helps to break down and loosen dirt, grime and oils. The suction from the machine removes this broken-down dirt. Sometimes, mild cleaning chemicals are added to provide fragrance and a deeper clean. This cleaning process sounds great, but is steam cleaning effective in removing stains?

Will Carpet Steam Cleaning Remove Stains?

Steam cleaning is highly effective at removing stains, but it’s not foolproof. There are a couple of situations where your stains may persist even after steam cleaning. A lipstick stain, for example, is waxy and will require more than steam to dissolve.

That being said, if you use a steam cleaner on your carpets, you can expect nearly pristine results. The process should effectively remove most stains, dirt, and debris, as well as allergens and pests. However if you want to be sure, use a spot cleaner on your stains before you steam clean. This will help to break down the stain and make it easier for the steam to clean it.

What to do When the Steam Cleaner Can’t Remove the Stain

While a steam cleaning machine can remove almost all stains, there are some it can’t. This could be because:

If the Carpet is Old or Thinning

If you have an old carpet, the backing may also be stained and ruined as the thinning leaves it exposed. Removing stains from coarse, deep-seated materials (such as the backing) is tough. Steam cleaning will likely damage your rug further.

If the Stain is Bonded to the Fibres

When a stain is left to settle in, it can bond to the carpet fibres and be harder to remove. That’s why it’s crucial to tend to the stain as soon as possible. Once an odour and stain has bonded, there is no guarantee it can be removed.