What is steam cleaning?

The term 'steam cleaning' is slightly misleading because this process does not actually use steam. Very simply, a hot water extraction unit is used to pump a solution of hot water and detergent into the carpet and the extract it again with soil from the carpet.  more

The concept of steam cleaning carpets is not real. In order to steam clean, a temperature of 212 must be maintained. This is impossible and no carpet cleaner is cleaning at this temperature. This is a marketing tool that companies may use. The correct term to use is hot water extraction.  more

Are You Confused About Carpet Cleaning Methods? You should be. It seems every company claims their process is the best. The five carpet cleaning methods are: Shampooing Dry foam Bonnet (Dry Cleaning) Dry Powder Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) Let's start with the oldest form of modern carpet cleaning first: SHAMPOOING Shampooing is the use of a motorized circular brush in which foaming cleaning products are introduced to the surface of the carpet and are then scrubbed into the carpet. This method has very good agitation and is best suited for low pile commercial carpet or low cut pile carpet that is highly soiled. This method, unless it is used with some other type of carpet cleaning, has no extraction in the cleaning process but rather relies on vacuuming after the shampoo dries. Because of it's high aggressiveness, and the large amounts of cleaning product residue it leaves, this method is not recommended for most cut pile residential carpet. It also can have long drying ...

Steam cleaning is a deep cleaning process that combines the use of chemicals and a high-pressure blast of hot water and steam to remove dirt and grime from different materials and surfaces. While the process of steam cleaning is usually thought to be for cleaning carpeting only, the same process can also be employed to clean jewelry, bathroom tile, and brick. Various types of steam cleaners are employed for the task of cleaning with steam, depending on the specific application. When it comes to cleaning carpeting, steam cleaning is a deep cleaning process that helps to dislodge dirt and grime that has ground into the fibers of the carpet. In order to remove the dirt, the steam cleaner uses a mixture of hot water and some type of cleaning agent. The mixture is routed through high-pressure jets that allow the steamy water to permeate the fibers of the carpeting and loosen the grime. As the detergent dislodges the dirt, the cleaner uses a strong vacuum to retrieve the now dirty water ...  more

Vaporized water, which comes out of the attachments from a machine that physically resembles a vacuum cleaner, is applied to a multitude of surfaces in a home or industrial setting. The steam vapor is exceptionally hot, usually over 200º F at the tip. Heat is the first important component. Heat weakens the physical bond between the dirt or stains to the various surfaces to which the dirt is sticking or is embedded. The second component is "dry steam" i.e. water which is almost moisture less steam. Using the "dry" steam, dirty surfaces can be wiped, scrubbed or rubbed clean and the dirt collected in a steam-moistened towel, often attached by clips to the attachment. Why is Vapor Steam Cleaning more effective than traditional cleaning? All hard surfaces are actually porous. Steam can penetrate those pores and get at that embedded dirt. One of the more interesting tests we did, was to wipe down a kitchen counter top with a good quality micro fiber towel. We then took one half of the ...  more

Steam cleaning uses hot water for cleaning, and powerful suction for quick dry times. The water is pumped through the mobile plant located inside the van, from your water spigot outside, or, if one is not available, from a large fresh water tank on board. It is mixed with a cleaning agent and sprayed down on your carpet at high pressure and heat for maximum penetration and cleaning power. The dirty water is then extracted from your home and pumped into a holding tank on board the van. Only a high powered truck mount system can provide this much power and heat that a portable unit couldn't possibly come close to.  more

Vaporized water, which comes out of the attachments from a machine that physically resembles a vacuum cleaner, is applied to a multitude of surfaces in a home or industrial setting. The steam vapor is exceptionally hot, usually over 200 F at the tip. Heat is the first important component. Heat weakens the physical bond between the dirt or stains to the various surfaces to which the dirt is sticking or is embedded. The second component is "dry steam" i.e. water which is almost moisture less steam. Using the "dry" steam, dirty surfaces can be wiped, scrubbed or rubbed clean and the dirt collected in a steam-moistened towel, often attached by clips to the attachment.  more