There are two main types of cleaners available for carpets – carpet cleaners and steam cleaners.
They both have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to learn the basics first.
Carpet Shampooers
Carpet cleaners use shampoo or detergent to clean your carpets, which are extracted along with the dirt and stains.
Shampooers use water and detergent to create a cleaning solution.
This solution is then applied to the carpet. The shampooer then cleans the solution off the carpet after it has dried.
Shampooers use a sprayer to put shampoo and water onto the carpet or dry foam.
The dirt is loosened using a brush that works the shampoo or foam into the strands.
The wet vacuum cleaner can make the carpet wetter, making it take longer to dry and damaging the carpet.
These cleaners are generally less expensive and easier to operate than steam cleaners.
However, they may not be as effective at deep-cleaning your carpets and can leave behind a residue if not used properly.
Steam Cleaners
On the other hand, steam cleaners use hot water and steam to clean your carpets.
Afterwards, they remove the dirt with a powerful vacuum and send it to a tank.
Water is sprayed onto the carpeting to help clean it, and the dirt is immediately drawn into a vacuum in front of the spray.
Carpet steamers are generally similar; however, the water temperature varies.
Some machines use cold water that is subsequently heated to boiling water.
If the water line breaks while using steamers that heat to extremely high temperatures, scalding is dangerous.
This deep-cleaning method can remove more stubborn dirt and stains than carpet cleaners.
Steam cleaners are usually more expensive and require more maintenance than carpet cleaners, but they may be worth the investment if you have heavily soiled carpets.
