Can anyone recommend a good cheap steam cleaner for carpets?

[motheroftwoboys]

Saw one advertised in the paper yesterday. Steam Maid Steam Mop - has anyone got one? DH has been doing DIY and entire house is filthy!

You don't want to be steam cleaning after DIY - it just glues the dirt to things, vac first. I've got one and it's great but it's a real fag putting everything together so I don't use it too often. You can hire them at supermarkets these days.

Do you know you've posted this thread three times btw?

You can hire them from Homebase for a day for around £30 including the carpet cleaner.

I've got a Vax steam cleaner. I love the steam cleaning itself but wouldn't recommend the Vax, the attachments are bobbins, it doesn't fold away neatly and you can't see how much water is left.

I used to have a Vax and can confirm they are a PITA!

We have a vax I don't really use it (dp does) but its a lifesaver for cream carpets, works v.well, quite big to store though (about the same size as a dyson). Dp says it is a faff to use.

Inexpensive steam cleaners won't clean a carpet. The steam will kill the house dust mites and refresh the carpet, but unless it vacuums up the dirty moisture it won't actually clean the carpet. Far better to hire a proper carpet cleaner or get a professional in to do the job.

Whoops, just realise it's an old thread.