Cleaning carpets can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t have a dedicated appliance to make the job easier. I was stuck in a cycle of borrowing my mom’s bulky carpet cleaner as I didn't have space to store a bulky single-use tool.
When I discovered you can clean carpets with a steam mop, I knew it was the answer for my tired carpets and invested in a Black + Decker steam mop, available at Amazon. It was absolutely worth the spend.
Now, I breeze through carpet cleaning, and it takes me less than half an hour, plus I use it all over my home to deep clean. Here’s how I steam clean my carpets every spring and why expert cleaners agree this appliance is a brilliant investment.
Cleaning carpets with a steam mop
With attachments to clean hard and carpeted floors, grout and tiles, ovens, upholstery and clothes, and windows, there is very little this seven-in-one steam mop cannot do around my home.
I use a Black + Decker steam cleaner all over my home and it's by far the most versatile and essential cleaning tool I have ever bought.
My Black + Decker Classic Steam Mop, available at The Home Depot, came with a carpet glide fitting (also available separately at Amazon) which means the microfiber pads skim over carpets with ease. This is a lot easier than steam cleaning carpets with bulky carpet machines which are often incredibly heavy and require a lot of setup, cleaning and maintenance.
To clean carpets with a steam mop, I start by vacuuming, before filling the reservoir with tap water. I then fit a fresh microfiber pad and the carpet glide attachment, and get to work, moving back and forth in slow, even lines to cover the entirety of my rugs or carpet.
Forrest Webber, cleaning expert and owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning explains, 'Steam mops can help kill bacteria, remove odors, and eliminate bacteria, dust mites, and allergens because of its sanitizing method. Because it kills bacteria, the odors caused by bacteria, pet accidents, and spills can be neutralized.'
All prices correct at time of publication.
It is worth mentioning, however, that, unlike dedicated carpet cleaners, steam mops do not suck out dirt from between the fibers.
Forrest continues, 'Because steam mops do not have suction, dirt cannot be extracted properly. It also means that while the heat may loosen dirt, it will not be removed altogether. So you'll want to vacuum afterward.'
Bryan Griffin, cleaning expert and founder of Patriot Maids Cleaning Services assures me that this is nothing to worry about, however, saying, 'Steam loosens up all that deep, stubborn dirt by bringing it up to the surface. Once you go over it with a steam mop, a quick vacuum session picks up everything much more effectively. It’s like prepping the battlefield before going in!'
Having one of the best vacuum cleaners for carpets certainly comes in clutch here. I cannot tell any difference in cleanliness after using a traditional carpet cleaner and my steam mop besides my energy levels. A steam mop is certainly less exhausting to move around, especially on stairs.
What to shop
I don't want to have to get my steam mop out for every spill. To quickly clean stains before they set, I use the Dr. Beckmann carpet stain remover. With a built-in applicator, all I have to do is squeeze and scrub to quickly lift marks.
If you have pets, then you know the pain of removing their embedded fur from rugs and carpets. That's why Head of Solved Punteha van Terheyden deems a carpet rake one of the cleaning essentials people with pets need to remove fur and dander.
The Rituals home perfumes are among my favorites for scenting upholstery and soft furnishings like carpets and rugs. Just two sprays on my rug are enough to make my home smell nice for a couple of days. This particular blend features soothing lotus and white tea.
Why I love using a steam cleaner on carpets
Cleaning carpets with a steam mop is by far one of my favorite ways to clean my home without harming the planet, as it only needs plain water. Given that you don't need harsh chemicals to clean well, this is a win in my books.
Traditional carpet cleaning machines might be able to penetrate older dirt and stains more easily with suction, but they often require commercial carpet cleaning solutions that can be full of chemicals that leave your floor coverings sticky if not properly rinsed away. I would rather go over the same spot with my steamer a few times instead, and make the most of this non-toxic home essential.
Not to mention that my steam cleaner has multiple uses. I use a steam cleaner to deep clean my entire kitchen and have even used a steam cleaner to get rid of a flea infestation. It is certainly a cleaning tool to buy well and buy once for continuous pay-off.
Meet the experts
FAQs
Why is my carpet still dirty after steam cleaning?
If your carpet still looks dirty after steam cleaning, it might be that dirt that was embedded in the fibers has now been brought to the top as the fibers dry and moisture evaporates. Steaming again to loosen grime and vacuuming with a beater brush will help to remove lingering residue.
Do carpets need to dry after steam cleaning?
Carpets will need to dry after cleaning with a steam mop, but it generally takes less time than cleaning with a carpet cleaning machine. To dry a carpet thoroughly after steaming, leave it uncovered, and open a nearby window or two to improve ventilation. Alternatively, use one of the best dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air and reduce the risk of mold.
While I adore my steam cleaner, there are certainly some things you should never steam clean in your home. It is well worth brushing up on the dos and don'ts before you accidentally damage something expensive such as your best memory foam mattress.
