Steam vs. Chemical - What’s The Best Way To Clean Carpeting

Several times a week we are asked " We have allergies. What is the best way to clean carpets"

Carpet cleaning – the best way to clean carpeting, steam or chemical, is an ongoing debate. There are many proponents and critics of each method so the only way to make the right choice for your home is to investigate both methods and find out what they have to offer. Then you can make an informed decision as to the best way to clean your carpets.

Steam cleaning is also known as deep cleaning. That’s because it is the only carpet cleaning method known to remove at least 97 percent of dirt and bacteria from carpeting.

It is also the only method that reaches all the way down to the lowest layer, or “pile”, of your carpeting to clean it thoroughly. This makes it the best method for dealing with the ground in or difficult stains.

When it comes to carpet cleaning, the ability to deep clean is just one consideration. Since steam cleaning uses water heated to a very high temperature, it can take far longer for the carpet to dry after treatment.

Depending on how good the cleaner’s extraction system is and how thick the carpet is, it can take 45 minutes to several hours. In some cases, we have seen where carpets were still damp the next day and that creates a whole other set of problems. If you need access to your room quickly, then you might want to consider using another method of cleaning.

As the name suggests, chemical cleaning involves the use of a chemical solution to remove dirt from your carpet. Some of these solutions are called “dry” shampoos, although that term is used lightly.

They are not, in fact, completely dry but they do use significantly less water than steam cleaning. This means that carpets that are chemically cleaned generally dry much faster as there is less moisture to evaporate once cleaning is done.

As with steam cleaning, drying time is not the only consideration to take into effect when considering the subject of carpet cleaning. Because chemical solutions only work in the top layers of carpet, they are almost completely ineffective for treating deep stains.

Also, there is a tendency for some chemical residue to be left behind in your carpet, meaning you and your family can be exposed to these chemicals.

Make sure you fully understand what chemicals they are using.

For individuals who are concerned about chemical exposure, steam cleaning may be a better option

The method you choose depends on your particular needs and your concerns if any about using chemicals. Arguments can be made for both sides, steam or chemical, the cost can vary as well, so that’s another factor you’ll need to take into consideration.

Either way, if you choose a reliable product or service you can be sure of getting good results. Ask your friends and neighbors who they use. That is the best way to find a carpet cleaner.

The carpet cleaner we use here at the office uses a steam process and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. When he is done not only does the carpet look good he can tell you how much water he used and how much he recovered.

For light cleaning, we will use our Vapamore MR100 Primo steam cleaner. It works great for small areas but we don't recommend you try to do a large carpeted area. With that being said nothing cleans tile better than steam and it is how we clean the tile in our house.

Your carpet can make a strong first impression of your home or office, so make sure you treat it right and keep it clean. Do your research and find out whether steam or chemical cleaning is the right choice for you.

Also, check with your neighbors and friends to see what method and company they have used. In the end, you’ll be able to enjoy clean carpets and that’s what good carpet cleaning is all about.

BTW. Steam cleaning is not just for carpets. We have used a portable steam cleaner for years on our floors, counters, walls, shower and many other places in the house. One of the big benefits with steam is it kills mold and bacteria in hard to reach places.

Wishing you the best of health

Allergy elimination is about eliminating the allergy-causing substance in your home the best you can. Once you do this, you may be able to eliminate the need for all the medications and doctor visits. For additional information please click here to download your free copy of" You Can Do It! Allergy Free Living.