Are you a homeowner trying to pick the best carpet cleaner available in the market out there? Once you start shopping, you will get overwhelmed by numerous options. Not every carpet cleaner can deliver the “perfect” results you expect. That’s why we thought of sharing a guide that you can follow to pick the right carpet cleaner for your home. Go ahead, read on and make the right selection!
Why Your Carpet Needs Deep Cleaning
Carpets trap dirt, dust, allergens, and stains over time. Regular vacuuming only removes some surface-level debris. To really refresh your carpets and remove deeply embedded particulates, an occasional deep clean is necessary. Deep cleaning not only makes carpets look cleaner, but it can also extend their lifespan and contribute to better indoor air quality. Signs it’s time for a deep carpet clean include dull appearance, matted areas, stubborn odors, visible stains, and dander/dust buildup.
Types of Carpet Cleaning Machines
There are 3 main types of carpet cleaning machines:
Steam Cleaners
These work by injecting carpets with hot tap water or cleaning solution, agitating the fibers with bristled brushes, then suck up the dirty solution with suction. The heat and scrubbing action degrease carpets and lift dirt from deep within fibers while the suction removes it.
Shampooers
Carpet shampooers apply foamy cleaning solution to carpets then use rotating brushes and vacuum suction to scrub carpets clean. The bubbly solution helps lift dirt and grime that vacuuming misses and leaves carpets smelling freshly cleaned.
Dry Compound Cleaners
These machines distribute absorbent cleaning powders across carpets then use stiff brushes and strong suction to rake dirt loose and lift the powdery soil into the machine. The powder does the cleaning work, so no liquids or heat are needed.
Key Buying Factors for the Best Carpet Cleaners
There are some factors to consider when selecting the best carpet cleaner. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Suction, Heat & Tank Size
When choosing an efficient carpet cleaner for your home, key factors include:
Suction Power
More powerful suction allows machines to thoroughly vacuum up dirty water during steam cleaning or fully retrieve absorbent cleaning powders for improved results.
Heating Element
Only steam carpet cleaners require heating elements. Choose a model that heats to at least 210°F to sanitize carpets of lurking allergens, bacteria, and dust mites.
Solution/Clean Water Tank Size
For steam carpet cleaners, larger tanks allow longer runtimes between refills so you can clean more carpet area per session.
Some of the most powerful models offer dual water tanks to keep clean and dirty water separate during operation.
Best Carpet Cleaners for Pet Stains
Pets tend to track in dirt and leave behind stains or odors on carpets. To effectively tackle mess left behind by furry friends, choose a carpet cleaner with extra cleaning power or formula tailored specifically for pet messes. Top choices include:
- Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro: Features specialized pet cleaning solution plus an antimicrobial brush roll and powerful suction to remove pet hair and eliminate odors.
- Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner: Offers 75% more suction power than rental units along with dual tanks and superheating to sanitize carpets and remove set-in stains.
Budget vs Premium Models Compared
Entry-level carpet cleaners range from $80-$200 and rely on manual power, smaller water tanks, and less powerful suction. While cheaper, they require more work and time to thoroughly clean carpets. High-end carpet cleaning machines cost $300 or more and offer larger tank capacities, automatic cleaning modes, heated formulas, and superior suction for faster dry times and better cleaning results.
How to Use a Carpet Cleaner Step‐by‐Step
- Vacuum first. Use a regular vacuum to suck up loose dirt before steam cleaning carpets for best results.
- Spot clean stains. Pre-treat any stubborn stains prior to deep cleaning carpets with a full-sized machine.
- Prepare the solution. For steam cleaners, fill the clean water tank with hot tap water and the recommended amount of carpet cleaning formula.
- Attach attachments. Rinse tools, upholstery nozzles or handheld attachments may need connecting to the machine prior to operation.
- Scrub carpets. Push forward slowly, allowing machine to dispense solution and brushes to agitate fibers. Overlap passes for thorough coverage.
- Extract dirty solution. Pull machine back over treated areas to vacuum up dirt and moisture from carpets. Go slow to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Allow long dry time. Keep pets and people off carpets for 6-12 hours after cleaning to ensure they fully dry. This prevents bacteria growth or stained paw prints.
- Dispose waste water. Pour dirty solution tank contents down a toilet or drain when finished, not outdoors. Rinse interior hoses/tanks to remove residue.
Carpet Cleaning FAQs & Maintenance Tips
How often should I steam clean carpets?
For light use rooms, once per year is usually sufficient. High-traffic areas like stairs, halls, or nurseries may need cleaning every 6 months.
Can over-wetting damage carpets?
Yes, soaking carpets and padding excessively can promote mold growth underneath or cause fibers/backing to separate. Always extract as much moisture as possible with carpet cleaner’s vacuum function. Pointing ceiling or floor fans at recently cleaned carpets will also speed dry time.
How can I make carpet shampoo solution at home?
Simple green, vinegar, and water in equal parts makes an effective DIY shampoo alternative to save money. Baking soda can deodorize while hydrogen peroxide helps brighten.
What’s the best way to prep for carpet steaming?
Thoroughly vacuum the entire area first, then spot treat any prominent stains with an enzyme cleaner or hydrogen peroxide before operating the cleaner for best results.
Final Words
Refreshing your home’s carpets with a deep clean helps remove embedded dirt, brighten faded colors, eliminate odors, and extend the carpets’ lifespan. Whether tackling daily mess from kids and pets or an occasional seasonal refresh, choosing the right carpet cleaner for your needs will ensure you achieve the best cleaning results. Models with strong suction, large tanks, and specialized formulas make carpet cleaning faster and more effective so you can maintain a fresh, clean home environment.