How To Clean Carpet With A Handheld Steamer

Can You Use a Handheld Steamer to Clean Carpet?

can you use a handheld steamer to clean carpet

I was wondering how to clean a carpet with a handheld steamer and was so glad to learn that it’s easy to remove stains from a carpet, curtains, couch cushions, and other furniture by using a handheld steam cleaner.

The steam from a handheld steam cleaner is great at taking out dried stains from a carpet or a rug. Since this cleaner appliance is heated at a high temperature and turns water into hot steam, it can remove dirt, stains, grime, and dust. It can even kill bacteria to keep your home a healthier environment to live in.

This steam cleaning carpet appliance is incredibly effective, but you may still need to spot clean the worst and strongest stains with carpet shampoo.

The Benefits of Using a Hand Steam Cleaner for Carpet

There are certain advantages that you’ll gain from learning how to clean carpet with a handheld steamer:

  • The versatility of the steam cleaner to wash different rugs, carpets, and upholstery
  • The environmental-friendliness of this tool since chemical cleaners will be unnecessary
  • The highly effective results from steam cleaning your carpets

A handheld steam cleaner for carpet cleaning will sanitize your carpet by getting rid of the worst stains and grime. It can even keep your home safe from bed bugs and dust mites.

You will also notice that steam handheld cleaners can provide a deep cleaning solution for your rug or carpeting. It can also remove stuck-on grime like dried spills or even a paint stain. This type of carpet cleaner device can also kill as much as 99.9 percent of all viruses and bacteria.

Do You Need a Mini or Portable Handheld Steam Cleaner?

It would be much easier to store and carry a mini or portable handheld steam cleaner, so I do advise you purchase one of these smaller steam cleaners for your spot cleaning and carpet washing needs.

These portable steam cleaners have multiple detachable parts that can help you clean windows, upholstery, rugs, or even clothing. Some of the best handheld and portable steam cleaners out on the market include:

  • Vapamore MR-75 Amico Handheld Steam Cleaner
  • Mosche 9-Piece Portable Steam Cleaner
  • Dr. Purifier 10-in-1 Portable Steam Kit

You can use these tools to clean various appliances, your kids’ toys, grills, patio furniture, and, of course, carpet stains. Essentially, a mini handheld steam cleaner is easy to transport and take outdoors to clean your patio furniture. You can easily take it upstairs or downstairs, depending on what area of your house is carpeted.

How to Clean a Carpet With a Handheld Steamer

how to clean a carpet with a handheld steamer

If you want to learn how to clean carpet with a handheld steamer, you’ve come to the right place! First, when you purchase a handheld professional carpet cleaner, you’ll need to read all of the machine instructions and follow them closely.

Check if the steamer is safe to use on your carpet material and that the detergent is acceptable to use as well. Test a small area before using the steamer on the entire carpet. There are several simple steps you’ll need to follow, which I outlined below.

  • Remove any objects from the floor
  • Dust the surfaces well so that the rugs and carpet don’t get dirty again
  • Vacuum the area completely before adding the steamer into the mix
  • Spray a pre-treater on the worst stains
  • Add detergent and hot water to the tanks of the steam cleaner
  • Begin steam cleaning from one end of the room to the other
  • Keep your shoes and all objects off the floor until the carpet dries completely

Can I Use My Clothes Steamer on My Carpet?

can i use my clothes steamer on my carpet

If you have a clothes steamer, you may be able to use it to get rid of carpet stains. While it may not be built for carpet cleaning, it uses much of the same technology to heat water and deep clean a fabric.

All you need to do is position the nozzle of a clothes steamer toward the carpet stain and see the grime fall off. Now, you’ll be able to remove the stain with just some paper towels and cleaning spray.

So if you’re not sure about purchasing a whole new handheld carpet steam cleaner, you can first check out its benefits with your clothes steamer.

What Is the Difference Between Steam Cleaning and Shampooing Carpet?

what is the difference between steam cleaning and shampooing carpet

For the most part, steam cleaning does not use any chemicals, while carpet shampooing requires you to use a detergent and cleaning chemicals.

Drying the carpet takes about 48 hours if you choose to steam clean. Shampooing your carpet, however, will take even longer to dry the carpet fibers.

It may be easier to rent a carpet shampooing machine than a steam cleaner. However, steam cleaning works excellent for cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting and is a deep cleaning process that can get rid of dirt, grease, or even a pet stain like dog diarrhea or vomit. However, if your carpet is very heavily soiled, shampooing will work well.

Additional Ways to Use a Steam Cleaner

additional ways to use a steam cleaner

There are tons of other ways you can use a steam cleaner to keep your home free of grime. Some other household appliances or surfaces that can get clean with a steam cleaner include:

  • Grills
  • Pet cages
  • Light switches or doorknobs
  • Grills
  • Furniture fabric and mattresses
  • Windows and mirrors
  • Children’s toys
  • Kitchen appliances
  • Ovens
  • Cribs and changing tables
  • Garden tools

However, you’ll need to avoid steam cleaning a freshly-painted or waxed surface, musical instruments, antiques, wooden appliances, or any flimsy fabric materials. You should also avoid steam cleaning drywall or window screens.

Nonetheless, a steam cleaner can be used to keep your home free of dirt and grime.

James Marshall

About the author

James is a business management professional and consultant with a former background in maintenance, repair, and hands-on projects. He enjoys DIY tasks and maintenance around the home as well as part-time writing. Read more »