Cleaning carpets can be time-consuming, especially without a dedicated device to make the job easier. I fell into a cycle of borrowing my mom’s bulky carpet cleaner because I had no place to store the heavy, disposable tools.
When I discovered that I could steam mop my carpets, I knew it would be the answer to my old carpet problems, so I bought a Black + Decker Steam Mop (available on Amazon). It’s been a steal.
I can now easily clean my carpets in less than half an hour, and I use it in all corners of my home for deep cleaning. Here’s how I steam clean my carpets every spring, and why professional cleaners agree that this device is a smart investment.
Black + Decker 7-in-1 Steam Mop
Originally $199.99, now $159.99 on Amazon
This 7-in-1 steam mop comes with cleaning attachments that can clean hard floors, carpets, grout and tile, ovens, upholstery and clothing, and windows—just about everything in my home.
I use a Black + Decker steam cleaner all over my home, and it is by far the most versatile and essential cleaning tool I have ever purchased.
My Black + Decker Classic Steam Mop (available at Home Depot) comes with a carpet glide attachment (also available separately at Amazon), which means the microfiber mop pad glides across my carpet with ease. This is much more convenient than steam cleaning carpets with a bulky carpet cleaning machine, which is often very cumbersome and requires a lot of setup, cleaning, and maintenance.
To steam mop my carpets, I vacuum first and fill the water tank with tap water. Then, I attach my new microfiber mop pad and carpet glide attachment and get to work, moving back and forth slowly and evenly until my carpet or rug is completely covered.
Cleaning expert and owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning, Forrest Webber, explains: “The sanitizing method of steam mopping can help kill bacteria, remove odors, and eliminate bacteria, dust mites, and allergens. Because it kills bacteria, odors caused by bacteria, pet accidents, and spills are also eliminated.”
All prices correct at the time of publication.
It’s worth noting, however, that unlike dedicated carpet cleaners, steam mops don’t suck out dirt that’s trapped between the fibers.
“Steam mops don’t have suction, so they can’t effectively pull out dirt,” Forrest continues. “This also means that while the heat can loosen the dirt, it can’t completely remove it. So you’ll still need to vacuum it afterwards.”
However, cleaning expert and founder of Patriot Maids Cleaning Services, Bryan Griffin, assured me that this is nothing to worry about, saying: “The steam brings all the deep, stubborn dirt to the surface, loosening it. A quick vacuum after a steam mop will more effectively remove all the dirt. It’s like preparing a battlefield before going into battle!”
Owning the best carpet vacuum cleaner is of course essential. Aside from the physical exertion, I’ve used both a traditional carpet cleaner and a steam mop and have seen no difference in results. The steam mop is definitely less labor-intensive, especially on stairs.
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