Carpets can harbor a lot of hidden dirt and grime deep down in the fibers that regular vacuuming just can’t reach. As someone who hates living with dirty carpets, I was thrilled when I discovered this secret method for getting carpets truly clean. Here’s how to easily get rid of all the hidden dirt in your carpets for good.
Why Hidden Dirt Gets Trapped in Carpets
Carpets are made up of layers of fibers and padding. Dirt and debris gets caught deep down in the fibers, especially in high traffic areas. Over time, this causes carpets to appear dull and dingy, even right after vacuuming.
Some of the reasons dirt and grime accumulates are:
- Foot traffic – Shoes track in dirt and debris from outside.
- Spills – Liquids seep into the fibers before being cleaned up. Stains leave residue behind.
- Pet dander & hair – Furry friends spread hair, skin cells and oils.
- Pollen & dust – Tiny particles in the air settle into the carpet.
All this hidden buildup causes carpets to look worn out and feel rough. It also wears down the carpet fibers faster.
Why Regular Vacuuming Isn’t Enough
While vacuuming picks up surface-level debris, it simply can’t deep clean. The bristles don’t reach down into the base of the carpet fibers to pull out the embedded dirt and oils.
Vacuums also use suction which only lifts up loose particles on the surface. Suction can’t draw out the grimy buildup stuck deep down.
So vacuuming alone will never fully clean carpets or remove stains that have set in. To really revive dingy carpets, a deep clean is needed.
The Secret Trick Professional Cleaners Use
The professionals know the secret to getting carpets truly clean is steam cleaning. Steam cleaning (also known as hot water extraction) uses extremely hot water to deep clean carpets.
A powerful steam cleaner blasts hot water deep into the carpet fibers under high pressure. This hot water and pressure loosens the embedded dirt, stains, oils and allergens from deep down in the carpets.
Next, the dirty water gets immediately extracted back out by the suction. This prevents the carpets from getting oversaturated with water.
I was amazed at how much dirty water came out when I first tried this! The carpets were left clean, fresh and dry.
Why Steam Cleaning Beats Shampooing
Some people try to shampoo their carpets instead of steam cleaning them. However, shampooing is not nearly as effective.
Here’s why:
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Shampooing only cleans the surface of carpets using detergents. It does not deep clean.
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Shampoo residues get left behind which attract even more dirt.
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Liquids do not get extracted out, leaving carpets damp.
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Does not rinse away detergent residues stuck in the fibers.
So shampooing carpets is basically just a surface wash and will not remove deep down dirt. Steam cleaning is the clear winner!
How Often Should You Steam Clean Carpets?
Most carpet manufacturers recommend steam cleaning carpets every 12 to 18 months. However, high traffic areas may need it more frequently, such as every 6 to 12 months.
It’s best to steam clean whenever carpets start looking dingy or feeling rough. Catching carpets before they get too dirty allows the steam cleaning to be more effective.
What You’ll Need To Steam Clean Carpets
The good news is you can rent a steam cleaner so you don’t have to buy one. Here’s what you’ll need:
Steam Cleaner Rental
Look for a steam cleaner rental at your local hardware or home improvement store. The heavy duty models work best. Avoid handheld carpet cleaners.
Carpet Cleaning Solution
Use a non-sudsing, gentle carpet cleaning solution made specifically for steam cleaners. Do not use laundry detergent or dish soap.
Stain Remover (optional)
For stubborn stains, use a liquid stain remover designed for carpets before steam cleaning. This helps loosen set-in stains.
Scrub brush (optional)
A stiff scrub brush can help agitate heavily soiled areas before steaming.
How to Use a Steam Cleaner for Maximum Results
Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively clean carpets with a steam cleaner:
1. Vacuum thoroughly
First, vacuum the area to remove surface dirt and debris. Make sure to vacuum both directions.
2. Pre-treat stains
Pre-treat any tough stains with a carpet stain remover. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes before steaming.
3. Fill steam cleaner
Fill the steam cleaner with very hot water and add the carpet cleaning solution as directed.
4. Scrub soiled areas
For super dirty spots, do some extra scrubbing with a stiff brush to help loosen the grime before steaming.
5. Steam clean
Run the steam cleaner slowly over the carpet according to the device’s directions. Overlap each pass slightly.
6. Empty dirt tank
Empty the steam cleaner’s dirty water tank often to avoid redepositing grime into the carpet.
7. Allow to dry
After steaming, leave the carpets to dry completely before walking on them. Place fans to speed up drying.
Steaming vs Professional Deep Cleaning
Renting a steam cleaner and DIYing will save money compared to hiring professional carpet cleaners. However, professional carpet cleaning offers some advantages:
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Stronger equipment – More powerful steam and suction.
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Truck mounted – Cleans more square footage before needing to refill.
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Expert techniques – Gets out more dirt in heavily soiled areas.
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Fast drying – Uses fans and dehumidifiers.
Either method is far better than just vacuuming! But for deeper cleaning, professionals may be worth the investment, especially for very dirty carpets.
Revive Your Carpets Today!
Don’t let hidden dirt continue to ruin your carpets! By using this secret steam cleaning technique, you can finally get rid of the grimy buildup for clean, fresh carpets. Give it a try and unlock the power of steam cleaning. Your floors will thank you!
