Nothing makes you feel brand new like a freshly cleaned carpet, but keeping your carpets looking their best requires more than a quick vacuum. From muddy paw prints to morning coffee spills, our carpets take a beating on a daily basis. But when it comes down to it, is steam cleaning or carpet cleaning better?
The best steam cleaners and mops can effectively remove stubborn stains, dirt, and bacteria that accumulate over time, while a quality carpet cleaner can make a tired carpet look brand new again. But they are fundamentally different products, and their cleaning results are very different.
In fact, when it comes to how to properly clean your carpet, steam cleaners and carpet cleaners each have their own pros and cons, which can be overwhelming. So we asked industry experts to determine once and for all who wins the steam cleaner vs. carpet cleaner debate.
We’ve already compared the differences between carpet cleaners and vacuums for a spotless carpet, but how do steam cleaners compare?
First, it’s worth noting that if you need to deep clean your carpet, both steam cleaners and carpet cleaners are effective, but they work differently.
“The main difference is the method and the equipment,” says Polya Petrova, a cleaning professional at Fantastic Services.
“Steam cleaning uses high-temperature steam to remove dirt and kill germs, usually with little or no detergent. Carpet cleaning requires spraying a mixture of water and detergent deep into the carpet fibers and then vacuuming it up,” she explains.
It’s also worth mentioning that cleaning carpets is different from cleaning wood and vinyl floors, so the type of flooring will also have an impact on which tool will work better.
“While steam cleaning works well on hard surfaces, it’s not always suitable for thick pile carpets, which require a more targeted treatment,” says Roisin Smith, a professional cleaner at Wecasa.
That being said, there are steam cleaners that can effectively clean carpets, like the Vileda Steam Mop Plus, which comes with a great carpet glide attachment. In fact, Lauren Bradbury, floor care expert at Ideal Home, recently tested this product in her carpeted home and gave it an impressive 4.5 stars.
Understanding how to remove stains from carpet can be tricky, which is why you might start debating whether a steam cleaner or a carpet cleaner is better. However, one of the golden rules of stain removal is to act quickly and use the right equipment, especially when it comes to a problem like removing oil stains from carpet.
For a deeper clean, traditional carpet cleaners have the edge, according to Roisin. “This is because the cleaners penetrate deep into the fibers and are then extracted, removing embedded dirt and allergens,” she says.
Steam cleaning is great for disinfecting and removing surface dirt, especially on hard floors like tile, vinyl, or laminate, but it doesn’t penetrate carpet fibers as effectively. So, if you want a thorough clean, a carpet cleaner is usually a better choice.
That said, Elizabeth White, floor care expert at Bissell, notes that steam-based models can provide additional disinfecting benefits without the use of harsh chemicals.
“Steam carpet cleaners tend to provide a deeper clean because they combine steam, cleaning formulas, and suction,” she says. So, it all comes down to what type of deep cleaning you want to give your carpets.
If you want to disinfect them, a steam cleaner is the better choice. If you want to penetrate and remove dirt embedded in the fibers, you should opt for a carpet cleaner.
When testing products, we always consider ease of use, because everything from the weight of the device to the controls can affect your overall satisfaction with the product—and even how well it cleans your carpets.
“Steam cleaners are generally easier for the average person to use,” says Polya. “They’re often lighter, quicker to set up, and don’t require detergent. Carpet cleaners can be bulky and require multiple steps, including pre-treating, filling, and drying.”
If you’re looking for a steam cleaner that does it all, the Vax Steam Fresh All-In-One Home Steam Cleaner took the top spot in our guide to the best steam cleaners. Our senior digital editor, Jenny McFarlane, recently reviewed it and was impressed—thanks to its powerful steam, versatility, and quick heat-up time.
“If you want a steam cleaner that can clean just about everything and more, you can’t go wrong with the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home – and it’s so easy to use,” says Jenny.
That’s not to say there aren’t bad carpet cleaners out there. Just ask Lauren, who found the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner EX250UK, a great deep carpet cleaner with stain removal. Not only did Lauren praise it as a revolutionary product for pet hair removal in her review, but it also gets a big bonus for being incredibly easy to use.
“While it’s heavy to carry upstairs when not in use, it’s surprisingly maneuverable when in use,” says Lauren. So when shopping for a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner, there are a few key features to keep in mind.
Elizabeth of Bissell says: “Consider factors like weight and maneuverability, how easy it is to clean the machine after use and whether it offers multiple cleaning modes – such as a quick-dry option for busy families.”
She advises: “Additional tools, such as a spot cleaner and stair cleaning tool, can provide more flexibility, and consider water tank capacity. A larger tank may make the machine heavier, but it won’t need to be refilled as often.”
Overall, there’s no doubt that steam cleaners are easier to use overall. So, steam cleaners win this round.
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