How to Get a Steam Clean Carpet

Published by Hala Zaqqout on December 19, 2021 | Last updated on May 14, 2023

I used to clean carpets monthly at home, during that, I’ve learned something: cleaning carpets isn’t an easy job unless you have the suitable tool for the job.

Carrying a heavy bucket and scrub brush everywhere and constantly changing the water to get stains out of the carpet makes the job more difficult. So, I began looking for a solution that can make mopping carpets easier. 

Carpets can seem like a warm, comforting option for your house until spots of dirt and stains appear. It’s not the best moment when you decide to clean your carpets but realize how to get the stains out of your carpets and do it yourself.

You might start wondering if you can remove the dust, stains, and bacteria from your carpets effectively without using potentially dangerous chemicals to get the job done. This article provided you with detailed information about how to clean your carpet with a steam mop.

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How to Clean Your Carpet With a Steam Mop Effectively?

Before proposing the solution, always vacuum first to get all sorts of dirt and other items out from your carpets. But vacuuming alone is not enough to remove dirt and kill the bacteria and viruses in your carpet.

Have you ever thought of trying to clean your carpet with a steam mop?

You search for a safe option to clean your carpets? Cleaning your carpet with a steam mop is a safe option to get the best results for a deep clean. The steam mop is a powerful and perfect option to clean your carpets without having to turn to harsh chemicals unless you don’t know how to use them.

In this article, I listed out all the details related to how to steam clean carpet with a steam mop, features to look for before selecting a suitable one, how it works on carpets, tools needed, and a complete guide of how to steam clean carpet with a steam mop.

Then, I’ve selected a range of the best steam mops for carpets below if you decide to choose the right mop for your needs.

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Is Steam Cleaning Really Effective?

Steam is an effective and powerful cleaning tool for your carpets. Hot and powerful steam alone from a steam mop can get stains, dirt out and kill almost all bacteria and viruses living in your carpets without chemicals.

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Is It Effective to steam clean Carpet with a Steam Mop?

You might be wondering if it is really safe to steam clean carpet with a steam mop.

Here are the reasons behind choosing steam mop to clean stains that are stuck inside the carpets.

1. No chemicals necessary:

What characterizes the steam mop is the use of the power of water only without any detergents or harsh chemicals.

It can get dirt and stains off, as it also can kill almost all bacteria and viruses that are stuck deep in your carpets.

2. Fast-drying:

It won’t take much time to go back to your daily routine.

Because the steam produced when cleaning evaporates quickly, a steam mop substantially speeds up the drying process.

3. Deep clean:

While vacuuming will only get large debris out of your carpets, a steam mop uses the high heat that can penetrate deeply into your carpets and remove the smallest of dirt particles.

The high heat of the steam can destroy almost all the bacteria and viruses in your carpets by shooting hot steam into the carpet fibers.

4. Easy and time-efficient:

The steam mop is super easy to set up and use if you use it properly. All you need is to follow up on the guidelines, so it can save you time and effort when you steam clean carpet.

Lesser time is needed to finish your task. You don’t need to carry a scrub brush and heavy bucket to change the water. Steam mops only use microfiber pads that are easy to clean and use again. Just pop them in the wash and you can use them again.

5. Good for People with Allergies:

If you or someone in your home is allergic to chemicals, cleaning carpets with a steam mop will be the best choice.

Steam mop uses pure hot water only that can sanitize your carpets without adding any chemicals or liquid cleaners.

6. Cost-effective:

Given that the steam mop only depends on hot water, then you don’t have to spend anything on any cleaning product.

Using your own steam mop will cost you less if you don’t prefer to get your carpets cleaned by professional carpet cleaners.

7. No need to dispose of dirty water:

Rather than having to deal with dirty water, you only come into contact with water using a steam mop when you have to dump out any leftover clean water that wasn’t used throughout the cleaning process.

We also provided you below with how to wash and clean the steam mop pads easily. Scroll down to know more about this process.

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Should I Add Carpet Cleaner to Water in a Steam Mop?

As we talked earlier, the good news for the steam mop to sanitize your carpet is using only pure hot water which, once heated, effectively cleans a variety of surfaces, without adding any detergents, liquid cleaners, or harsh chemicals.

Adding any liquid cleaners or chemicals to the water may damage your steam mop and carpet. Either way, you should follow up on the guidelines for your steam mop model.

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Tools and Materials Needed:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Gloves
• Cloth
• Luke water
• Mask
• Bucket
• Carpet glider
• Mop pads

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Which to Use; Carpet Cleaner or Steam Mop?

You may ask yourself why using a steam mop to steam clean carpet yet carpet cleaners are always there to help!

Despite the fact that carpet cleaner is effective in sanitizing carpets, it is more expensive than a steam mop. Along with this, it uses chemicals, unlike the steam mop that only uses water.

Moreover, the carpet cleaner is often heavier than a steam mop and needs much storage space. People tend to use a lightweight machine so they can use it easily.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Carpet with a Steam Mop?

At first, you should vacuum your carpets regularly once or twice a week to keep them always clean between the steam cleaning sessions.

We recommend you steam clean carpet once every three to four months.

But more accurately, it depends If you have pets, kids, how much foot traffic is on your carpets, your lifestyle, or an otherwise busy household.  

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How Often Do I Have to Replace the Mop Pads?

You will get at least one cleaning pad that is typically made of microfibers once you buy a steam mop. It is machine washable, so you can simply toss them in when they get dirty without adding any bleach or fabric softeners

But if your pad becomes damaged or shabby with repeated use, you will need to buy a replacement.

Continue reading if you want to know how to clean and wash the mop pads.

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How to Clean Steam Mop Pads Easily?

• Soak the steam mop pads in warm water for at least 15 minutes before adding baking soda and a small amount of laundry detergent. But never add bleach or softeners, since they will weaken the fabrics.

• Rinse your steam mop pads under warm water, or put them in the washer on the rinse only cycle to remove the detergent.

• Dry and store the steam mop pads. You can use the dryer or line drying.

• Store the pads in a clean, dry place where any remaining moisture from the cleaning process will be able to evaporate.

• The steam mop pads are now ready to be used again.

Generally speaking, this process can be repeated until the pads are worn out and need to be replaced.

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what to look for in the best steam mop for carpets?

• Water Tank Capacity
• Cleaning pads
• Carpet glider
• Pad rest
• Power cord
• A telescopic wand
• Accessory tools
• Heat-up time
• Time in use
• Size and weight
• Variable steam

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How to Steam Clean Carpet With a Steam Mop?

Still wondering how to steam clean carpet with a steam mop?

We at cleanersadvisors.com, have prepared a step-by-step guide of how to steam clean carpet with a steam mop.

Follow these steps to save your time when you steam clean carpet with a steam mop in order to reach the desired results.

1. Remove furniture:

Remove any large items from the carpet, and move light furniture and obstructions out of the way.

2. Vacuum your carpet:

Vacuuming your carpets is the first step before using the steam mop in order to reach the desired results. The power suction of the vacuum is important to remove dirt that could otherwise get stuck on your mop head.

3. Attach the cleaning pad then attach the carpet glider:

Attach the cleaning pad and make sure it is secure. Then, make sure the carpet glider is properly attached to the mop head.

Because hot steam may start coming out of the mop quickly, attaching the glider before plugging in your steam mop will help prevent scorching.

4. Fill the steam mop with water:

Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions and avoid overfilling the mop, since this could cause boiling water to spill all over the place.

Fill the tank by using the measuring cup that came with your steam mop with clear water and never add ant chemicals or carpet cleaner.

5. Plug-In and turn on:

Plug and turn on the steam mop and let it boil the water before you use it to clean your carpet. It usually takes less than a minute for the mop to heat the water sufficiently.

Please don’t leave the mop stand on your floor for long when hot, since the heat may cause damage.

6. Test the steam mop then steam the carpet:

Test your steam mop to ensure that your carpet isn’t only going to get a burn from the mop. Test the mop on a small section of your carpet to determine its tolerance to steam.

Go over stubborn stains and dust for several seconds to help further loosen materials in the carpet’s fibers with the steam mop by moving in straight lines across the carpet.

7. Wait until completely dry:

You should let the carpet air dry before stepping on it.  Open all the windows and doors to allow air in and facilitate faster drying. 

The carpet will dry in 6-10 hours, but it may take up to 24 hours in some cases! Simply avoid walking barefoot or in shoes on the damp floor, since this may make the surface dirty again. If you have to get in, wear clean socks or use plastic paper.

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How to make your carpet dry faster?

Here we provide you with a list of tips if you want to make your carpet dry faster.

• Open your doors and windows
• Use a dehumidifier
• Use standing fans
• Wet vacuum cleaner
• Move furniture away

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What not to do while you steam clean carpet with a steam mop?

1. Use gloves:

Gloves protect your hands from injury and damage. The steam that comes from the steam mop can easily reach and burn your hands while you’re using it.

2. Always overlap passes:

Cleaning your carpet in straight lines makes it easier to see where you’ve been and what’s left.

3. Avoid using hard water:

We already discussed that the steam mop relies on clear water, so avoid using hard water that contains minerals and limestone that may leave deposits on your carpet’s surface, giving it an unsightly look, and reducing the mop’s efficiency.

4. Don’t forget the carpet glider:

Using the steam mop on carpets without carpet gliders, the pads adhere to the fibers of the carpet. The glider will ensure that the mop glides easily across your carpet’s surface.

5. Avoid electrical wires:

Avoid using a steam cleaner near electrical wires, people, or pets. Because of the high temperature of the steam, major injury and damage might occur.

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What to do after you steam clean carpet with a steam mop?

Here are some tips to follow to reach the desired results. Read below to know more about this process.

1. Let your carpet dry completely, and this can take between 4-6 hours depending on the carpet material, how much moisture, airflow, and other factors as we discussed above.

2. If you need to walk over the carpeted floor before it is completely dry, wear clean socks, put on shoe coverings to avoid introducing new dirt to the carpet.  

3. After the carpet is completely dry, the fibers are sometimes stiff. Vacuum the carpet once more to loosen the fibers and make it more comfortable to walk on.

4. Move the furniture back into place, and remove any protective coverings you may have used.

5. Remove the cleaning pad. If it is reusable, wash it, either in the laundry or by hand. We already discussed above how to clean the cleaning pad easily. Then remove the carpet glider.

6. Empty the water tank in the steam mop.

7. Store the steam mop.

If you decide to get a suitable steam mop and try to steam clean carpet, here we at cleaneradvisors.com, we’ve prepared a detailed list of the best steam mops to steam clean carpet effectively with their positive and negative points, so you can decide whether it fits your utilization or not.

If you’re interested, read below and make up your mind about which suits your home.

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The Best Steam Mops to Clean Your Carpet by Features

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1. Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940

Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940 Features

Removable Water Tank

It has a nice 16-ounce16-ounce Turn Off~454g~454g water tank that will get you through all your messes. This water is adequate for one hour of continuous steam mopping.

However, in the advent that the water runs out the removable tank can be removed, refilled, and replaced while the steam mop is still in use.

Heats Up Fast

It barely takes 30 seconds to start steaming with 1500 watts after we turn it on.

It also includes a digital steam control that allows you to choose between low, medium, and high steam cleaning levels.

Carpet Glider

It helps to glide the steam mop over the carpet to ensure perfect adhesion. The cleaning pad sits on top of this strong and well-built plastic attachment.

It allows the mop to glide across carpeted floors smoothly while you’re steam cleaning.

Cleans Well

The high heat can get stains, dirt out and kill almost all bacteria and viruses living in your carpets without chemicals.

It also can penetrate deeply into your carpets and remove the smallest of dirt particles.

Mop Pads Can Be Hard to Clean

The mops can be reusable and machine-washable. However, depending on how much dirt they might accumulate, removing the black or grey spots after several uses can be difficult.

However, we provided you above with the best way to clean the mop pads.

Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940 Verdict

The Bissell Powerfresh 1940 is an excellent addition to any home. It doesn’t only remove debris, but it also kills 99% f germs in your home. It includes many technologies that work together to make a useful and affordable product.

If you’re looking for a low-cost steam mop to clean your carpets, the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 will suffice. Plus, it has a water tank that can remove deep debris in the carpets.

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2. Light ‘N’ Easy Steam Mop

Light ‘N’ Easy Steam Mop Features

Super-Hot Steam

It simply takes 30 seconds for the high-efficiency heating element to produce steam. The surface will normally dry in 30 seconds or less once the steam has acted on it.

Sticky messes and tough stains are blasted away with a 212-degree hot steam temperature. The high heat eliminates grease or sticky messes while drying quickly without a streak.

Chemical-Free Cleaning

It uses the power of water only without any detergents or harsh chemicals, which s safe for humans, pets, and surfaces.

It can clean all surfaces naturally and get dirt and stains off, as it also can kill almost all bacteria and viruses that are stuck deep in your carpets.

Lightweight

The lightweight aids in portability while the compact design requires only less storage space.

Although this upright steamer is primarily made of plastic, it is surprisingly durable for such a light design. The whole can be simply stored in a tall closet because it only weighs about four pounds.

Five-in-One Flexibility

It can be used as 5 different tools; steam mop, counter cleaner, carpet cleaner, garment steamer, and glass cleaner.

You will be able to naturally clean bath flooring, kitchen counters, drapes, etc.

Small Water Capacity

In low setting mode, it can be used for up to 30 minutes while in the high mode, it can be used only for up to 10 minutes.

So you have to wait for the unit to cool off before replenishing the reservoir, then wait once more for the unit to output a new load of steam.

Light ‘N’ Easy Steam Mop Verdict

Looking for an effective and inexpensive steam mop?

The Light ‘N’ Easy Multifunctional Steam Mop is an inexpensive and compact multi-purpose unit that is easy to use and has sufficient capacity to handle most trouble spots around the home.

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3. iWoly M11 Steam Mop

iWoly M11 Steam Mop Features

Large Tank:

The 420 ML tank is exceptional as it stores water in large volumes. You can have access to steam for a total of twenty minutes straight and then wait for 45 seconds for the water to steam up.

It is a time-saving and effective way to keep your carpets clean.

Suitable for Carpet Cleaning:

It can clean your carpets just with a carpet glider and pure water. With the natural power of steam, it is safe to use on tile, wood, laminate, and other surfaces.

It can be used to get the dirt out and remove bad odors to renew the carpet.

2 sets of Intelligent Steam Control:

You can tailor the steam level to your particular needs with one-touch digital steam control on the body.

You can easily select steam modes without bending down by using the handle switch.

Kills Germs and Bacteria:

The high heat of the water used can get the dust out of your carpets, and kill almost all the bacteria and germs.

You can also use this mop as a quick surface disinfectant. It doesn’t use any chemicals or detergent to clean.

High Steam Setting:

The steam mop has some settings, and while they all work, the “high steam” feature appears to be a little fussy. That is, some users have complained that it produces too much steam, resulting in little puddles on the carpet.

iWoly M11 Steam Mop Verdict

The iWoly M11 Steam Mop is an excellent steam mop that is affordable, and very efficient. It has all of the features that you would expect a good steam mop to offer.

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How to Steam Clean Carpet with a Steam Mop FAQ

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To Wrap up

Now you know how to steam clean carpet with a steam mop. It’s very easy, and we hope our guide will help you get started.
Are you going to try to steam clean carpet with a steam mop? Read again the steps listed above and let us know how you get on in the comments.

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