Steam carpet cleaners v all others - what's the difference?

[MaggieW]

I'm new to the world of carpet cleaning, so want to find out what's the difference between steam cleaning and other methods, and which is best! TIA.

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MNHQ

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Hi Maggie, if steam cleaning gets your carpets wet, it might not be such a good idea as some of the moisture gets trapped at the bottom of the carpet, which is perfect for dustmites.

(See the dysonette thread here for more info).

Is it OK to steam clean if the carpets don't really get wet--ie, very quick, hot steam?

Steam cleaners are hard work and hot! You steam a patch of carpet and then rub up the stains on a bit of towel or something. Fine for spills etc and upholstery but a PITA for large areas, and knackering. And did I mention hot?

I much prefer the carpet washing ones - recently bought the most basic of the VAX carpet washers and it's great.

My steam cleaner is huge and really easy and effective and I love it. The carpet seems not to get very wet at all.

I thought it would nuke the dust mites. Bummer if it's been doing the opposite.