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Get Tough On Carpet Stains and Dirt with Steam Vacuum Cleaners
The various steam vacuum cleaners or vapor steam cleaners available on the market today are great for those individuals that really want a deep clean that will remove allergens, mold and dust mites. Different than a regular vacuum a steam cleaner uses vapor or steam at a temperature of 220 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit to force deep cleaning into your carpet and upholstery.
Steam vacuum cleaners are usually not meant to replace a traditional vacuum cleaner but are used in conjunction with regular vacuuming to keep your house as clean as possible.
One of the benefits to having a steam vacuum cleaner is that you don't have to rent one and continue to pay every time that you wish to clean your carpets and upholstery. Since most steam cleaners are about the size of a traditional vacuum they are easy to store when not in use. Some tips to use your steam cleaner correctly are:
- Only use the recommended amount of cleaner, never add more. Adding additional cleaning compound does not clean your carpet any better, and it can leave chemicals behind that can cause itching, rashes or even allergies. The manufactures instructions should always be followed and be sure to use the fill lines indicated on the water tank of the unit.
- Empty the used water reservoir as well as the clean water reservoir after every use to prevent accumulations of soap or dirt in the lines. Once the cleaner dries it can form crystals or even a hard residue that will gradually build up over time.
- Use the correct temperature of water. Never use boiling hot water in the steamer. It is likely to cause the plastic reservoir tank to soften leading to a poor fit and potential leaking there is also the possibility of injury to yourself or others.
- For simple cleaning you may not need to use a chemical or compound, some cleaning can be done with water alone. A non-scented cleaning solution is recommended if you have someone with asthma or allergies in the house.
To keep your furniture safe be sure to either remove all wooden or metal furniture from the area to be cleaned prior to starting. This will prevent any discoloration of the wooden legs or any possibility of rust stains forming on the carpet from where the furniture stood.
If you are using the attachments for cleaning upholstery follow the same precautions. Avoid using the steamer right beside wooden armrests or metal edges unless you can mask or cover the wood or metal to prevent discoloration or bleeding onto the fabric.
