How does steam cleaning work on carpets?

Steam cleaning is one of the primary methods used by commercial and residential carpet-cleaning companies to deep-clean carpets. The process has been the same for years, and with commercial-grade machines and a little technique, it is a proven way to safely lift dirt and debris with ease. Here at Edmonton Furnace and Carpet Care, we have been using hot water extraction cleaning since we first opened our doors, and our professional cleaners know the process inside and out. So, let's dive in and see how steam cleaning actually works on carpets here in Edmonton, Alberta.

Pre-Cleaning Process

A normal steam cleaning service will start with a pre-cleaning process to maximize the results of your clean. We start by vacuuming the entire area to remove loose hair and grit, which can cause blockages in our hot extractor hose. Next, we will apply an enzyme cleaner to high-traffic areas to begin breaking down tough, deep stains before using the steam cleaner to remove them. We use a green enzyme cleaner that is safe for dogs and kids, but tough enough to handle the most stubborn stains.

The Cleaning Process

Injection

The first step of the steam cleaning process is called injection. This step has the hot water extraction machine pump a mixture of hot water and cleaning solution into the carpet at high pressure.

Agitation

The next step in the process is agitation, which is completed by combining the heat from the hot water and the machine's pressure while moving the cleaner's head across the carpet or rug. This agitation will loosen dust mites, pet dander and any embedded dirt and grease from the carpet fibres without the need to manually rake or scrub the carpet.

Extraction

The final part of the process is for a vacuum to extract the dirty water into a recovery tank either on board the machine or in a truck. The powerful vacuum leaves no standing water and ensures that the carpet is left with only clean fibres. Some units have the vacuum and injector on the same head in a wet vac setup, while others have separate hot extraction and vacuum systems. 

Things to Know After a Steam Clean

After you clean your carpet, it will take between six and twelve hours to fully dry. We recommend waiting to move furniture back into the room until it is dry, as moving furniture onto the carpet too early can damage the coils and, in some cases, increase the risk of mildew or mould. You can speed up the drying process by running fans, dehumidifiers, or even opening the windows. To test whether your carpet is dry enough, the fibres should feel warm to the touch, and there should be no musty odour or discolouration across the entire area.

What Makes Commercial Steam Cleaning Different

Unlike a residential machine, our commercial steam cleaners are built with efficiency in mind. Our systems feature stainless steel tanks designed to heat water to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, loosening dirt and allergens more quickly. We also have an integrated vacuum function that will suck up the dirt as we extract, leaving you with a completely clean carpet at the end of every pass. We can customize the tools and temperatures we are running to better match the specific fibre and thickness of the carpet.

If you are looking to work with a residential or commercial hot extractor cleaner here in Edmonton, the team at Edmonton Furnace and Carpet Care is here to help. We have worked with businesses, condo complexes, and residential homeowners to provide a professional, thorough cleaning process proven to deliver a cleaner carpet. From spring clean-ups to annual maintenance, our professional cleaners have the tools and expertise to keep your Edmonton carpet happy and healthy for years to come with a steam clean!